Keith W. verhaal

When we moved to Spain 18 years ago, we were determined to learn the language so that we could integrate better with the local community. We joined Spanish classes put on by the Town Hall. When they stopped due to lack of funding, an ex primary school teacher volunteered to help us. Sadly, he passed away leaving us with no more opportunity to progress our understanding of Spanish. I tried a well known online course but found it to be both repetitive and slow in progressing my language skills. Whilst reading El Pais online, I discovered the Hotel Borbollon course and decided to give it a try. I found the initial free lessons both interesting and challenging so I signed up for two years of lessons. Each week, I look forward to my five lessons and get up early so I can complete them before my wife wakes up demanding her cup of tea! Although it is satisfying when I score 100%, it is when I make mistakes that I learn the most. The fact that my Spanish neighbours recognise the progress I have made spurs me on to learn more. I know that, at 76 years of age, I may never become fluent to level 5. Just to reach level 3 or 4 though would be a tremendous achievement for me. The photograph I have chosen shows the Mayor and members of the local Council visiting my house to bring a present for my wife and I. It is a token of their appreciation for all that we have done for the local community.