Arrlong28

I listened to KISS "Creatures of the Night". Since the internet and digital world advanced when I was 16 I stopped to listen full albums and I want to start to recover that behavior again. This album had some of the best KISS songs I know. "War Machine" Is my favourite.

As far as I studied, the "critics" of their time Said that that was not music, or that was Childish or "music that incitate sins". Same Happened 500 years ago with Fandango, Flamenco, then Blues, French Jazz... I was thinking about the European League of American Football. I wish they can improve a Lot and get a bit famous. I LOVE the teams names (Barcelona Dragons, sure, but Berlin Thunder, Helvetic Mercenaries...) and there's plans for a total number of 24 teams. I wish see one day see a Greek team Called " Athens Hoplites"

Flying, flying, always High, always High. Na-na-na. You with me: we will both fight together. Flying, flying, always High, always High. Na-na-na. We will never leave a friend alone. Together, we can break an iceberg. join our hands, we face the evil that haunts us. Light, fire, destruction!

I found a Youtube video that explains the hand gestures better than me. There's always a Youtube video when you need it that explains in a better way than me.

Catalan Is a Language, more closer to french an Italian, specifically Occitan. It has it's own dialects. In Spain there's 4 official Languages: Spain Spanish (Castillian) Galician (Same family as Portuguese) Catalan (Or Valencian) And Basque (An isolated language) Catalan is spoken in Art context, Universities, Movies, Television, oficial papers... For example, I studied Everything in Catalan (except English, Latin and Spanish). So it's not like some "town dialect of Spanish". Our Culture is different (not superior). We are a Proud people (In medieval times, Warlike people). My Grandgrandfather was a Catalan Trotkyst communist politician in the Spanish Civil War that fled to France because the other cummunist wanted to kill him, and In WWII ended in a concentration Camp near Poland (I still have the red triangle and some piece of cloth). He was the only one of his friends that returned back to Spain after he was saved by the Americans. Some of his friends (those who where Catalans) made fortune in France and Switzerland and when they died, he put a lot of earth from Catalonia near Barcelona in his pockets and travel to the funeral, and put some of earth in the grave at the funeral. So... It's a big deal here. Our flag is yellow with 4 red stripes. Long story short, those 4 stripes are blood. Catalan (or Valencian) is a Language of Art, Love, Cience... (Anime XD). Same happens With Basques, etc... (Galician is now being relevated to only villages, sadly) Sorry for the Off topic. In Spain, It's a sensible topic but I am happy to be asked about!

This is the Dragon Ball Z opening translated into Catalan, my regional Language and the unofficial Hymn of the Barcelona Dragons. Light! Fire! Destruction!

SURNAMES: Spanish people (usually) have TWO surnames. The first Surname is the first surname of your Father. Your second Surname is the first surname of your Mother. (By the way, when married, a woman don't change her surname by one of the partner. Just stay the same). Imagine this fictional Family... Father surname is: Heredia Mother Surname is: García So, the sons and daughters will be called: "name" Heredia García Disclaimer: If the family of the mother is more "Stronger" economically, the surname is famous and/or she's the last one in the family and there's no more males, someone can inherit first the surname of the Mother Family instead of the Father. ¿Did you know? When you want to address someone elderly and in a very formal way, you say "Don (Surname)" if it's a Man or "Doña" (Surname) if it's a Woman. NAMES: Translating your name it's considered rude. Spanish mentality is that your name is yours and in the language you're given, and if you address someone remember well his/her name! Be aware that as everything in life, some people don't fall into this category. Like me. My name in our regional language (Josep) is very difficult to pronounce in Italian so I told Italians they can call me Giuseppe. Some people will be called by his or her surname (who tend to be more respectful and formal). I'm usually called by my surname, since my name is very common. ¿Did you know? The only exception about translating names is royalty: we translate the names of kings, queens, princesses... (If possible). There's a lot of older people in Spain that have 3 names! It's a old Catholic tradition that I have no idea where started, but today is very uncommon. And some of those names are composed by two names... For privacy, I'm not going to tell my Father full name. It has 7 words, but iv'e seen more complex! It's uncommon to be called your full name and surnames, don't worry, normally only very close people know your full name and surnames...

¡Bienvenid@s Amig@s! / Welcome Friends! Somepony is a bit curious about the Spanish Hand Gestures "Language" so I want to make some lessons about that. I'm going to be sincere: Hand Gestures are a language by Itself. It's VERY useful! The gestures I will post in the next replies are the ones more common in Spain. BUT They work fine in Central and South America, Portugal, Italy and Turkey (I think Greece too, but I'm not sure since I've never been there). There some differences but the basics I think are the same... Sometimes, in Italy, I understood hand gestures that I've never seen before! I would appreciate to reply if you're interested in this topic. I'm going to put a LOT of Photo's and some videos in this week. I Don't know if that's a problem too.

Since I don't live in USA probably my opinion about the subject it's not the best... Where I live, no tips are needed ( in Spa a tip of 10% of the price is considered a Very generous tip!) BUT, if I was in your shoes, being near Christmas and New Year's Eve and knowing in advance you have to tip (I suppose it's the USA) I would do this: 15% if the service was OK. But if the service is good and you end feeling great, I will give them 30% It's Christmas for everybody.

Welcome! As you can see the Forum is full of ponies arround the globe!

It turns out that my region was the center of Spanish Animation when I was a kid. This show called "The bobobobs". It's about some dwarfs that travel trough space to arrive at earth. Nostalgia...

Yeah, but from Spanish and Italian culture is UNreasonable to go to a restaurant without your children. Even if it's fancy! Imagine the shock!

I think everybody is unique, but that culture is a great deal in human relation. I think different cultures are something that enrich mankind. But has his downsides. I remember when my School friend traveled to Norway in a Yacht, and all the Spanish and Italians were very upset with the northern European parents that left their babies in strollers outside the restaurant... "what kind of parents are you, that you don't enjoy a meal with your children?" "Someone can steal the babies!!" Very upset... They were so upset that the Norwegians had to enjoy their meals with their babies. And the Norwegians were very upset.

*Old Pony mode ON* I was one of the first people to use "@" in a Private Computer School of my town and... Oh... I've already told that? Back then I was considered very "inclusive" person and.... I told you the time I was struck by a lightning? *Old Pony mode OFF*

I saw another topic about american football and that unlocked me some memories. When I was a Child American Football here in Spain was a very fun and new sport. My favourite team was (Of course) the Barcelona Dragons! They also went to my school, signed autographs and we used to learn a bit of American Football! I used to watch superbowl at 4:00am with my father... Then I grew up and things went worse. Now I saw that there's a new European Football League that started after the pandemic. And Barcelona Dragons are there! So I have this question for my american ponies... Did the Barcelona Dragons get Famous in USA? I think were talking about early 2000's or late 90's.

Buenas maneras en España/ Good manners in Spain I feel inspired and I decided to make an Etiquette Spanish Lesson. Or how to not be Rude in Spain. Bear in mind that I just only know that this Etiquette works fine in all Southern Europe Countries I’ve been to. I’ve never traveled to Central America or Southern America so I don’t know if this etiquette is 100% the same. I saw this Disney Movie about a mexican family (COCO) and I felt more closer than any Disney movie I’ve seen before, so I think probably it can work there. Remember that everybody is unique, this is just a “guide” and in my opinion when conflict appears, 90% of the times is ‘cause some cultural shock or misunderstanding. There’s people that want to be rude at you on purpose, sure… but in Spain if someone want to insult you they (usually) will do that in a VERY direct style. Also, keep in mind that if this is the first time you’re learning Etiquette from another culture, the amount of information may be overwhelming at first! That feeling is common, don’t be afraid. You’re not going to know all what I’m writing here and that’s perfectly fine: Spanish people in general tend to be welcoming and they won’t expect you to know all the Etiquette, but they are going to be very glad you to know some of it. This Etiquette is NOT suited for business and I can’t help you with dating (just be yourself with that person are you interested). Feel free to comment if you find something wrong or you want to write your opinion about this kind of Etiquette! I would love to see your point of view. What do you think about Spanish Etiquette? If you have some questions, I can try to give my view! SALUDOS / GREETINGS: Spanish people greet each other in this way. Female to Female, two cheek kisses (first the left cheek and then the Right cheek). Female to Male, two cheek kisses (first the left cheek and then the Right cheek). Male to Male, handshake. Hug if they know each other and are very good friends. Male to Male two cheek kisses exist. It means they’re VERY close friends and/or they’re family close related (like Father and son, brothers...) Cheek kisses from adults to children aren't uncommon. But I ALWAYS ask the parents and then, the child, if I can greet like that. I think it's the best way. Hugging is a sign of being very close friends. If you greet a Spanish person you don't know with a hug it feel very... Intimate. DISCLAIMER: -If you’re going to feel uncomfortable with the kisses thingy, feel free to say that you aren’t comfortable with kissing in advance when you meet other people; offer your hand for a handshake and SMILE. Or just offer your hand for a handshake first and SMILE. A sincere Smile is the best way to solve cultural shocks. -If you're a Female and there's a lot of people to meet (like you arrive to a great launch) It's common to kiss only your close friends/family and make a sign to the other people like you're "trowing kisses at them". ELDERLY PEOPLE: Be VERY polite with elderly Spanish people by default, even if you don’t speak spanish or don’t know Spanish etiquette, they will notice that you’re being polite. If they show you and give permission to be informal (like they hug you, kiss you if it’s a Lady or they give you a handshake with two hands if it’s male and they specifically tell you to be “informal”) then they expect you to be informal. And sometimes, if you refuse that invitation to be informal it’s considered very rude. (If a Granny make’s you some food; always say that is delicious and the best food you’ve eaten, the chances are that this statement is true ;D). ETIQUETA BASICA / BASIC ETIQUETTE -When you enter into a church, restaurant, bar or home, (building) take off your hat or cap: and never put it on the table. That can be disgusting (specially for older people). -When you enter some store, bar or restaurant that is not “Classy and expensive” expect to be treated in a friendly and informal way. Treat them in the same informal way. If they’re being formal, be formal as well. It’s very common in Spain to speak with a customer in a shop like that person is you’re friend. -Hand gestures are a thing, like it’s own language. -It’s common for to pay compliments and use terms of endearment to express friendliness. -If you’re invited to a home, at a certain hour: don’t arrive earlier! Be on time or just 15 minutes later for safety. Bring something as a gift; like some food, chocolate or a little present. There’s a Spanish Saying “Mi casa es tu casa” / My home is your home, so generally we tend to be hospitable. -Spanish people traditionally eat 4-5 meals everyday. Desayuno/Breakfast between 7-10 in the morning. Just a Croissant, coffee, a Doughnut… something very “light” just for start the day. Almuerzo/Elevenses between 10:30am and 11:30am. Maybe a sandwich, some snack, maybe a soda… (If the breakfast was “Heavy” like bacon with some beans, 2 fried eggs and french fries, all at the same time, I recommend you to Skip “almuerzo”). Comida/Lunch starts between 1-3pm. Merienda/Tea Time at 5-6pm. Cena/Supper between 8-11pm. -Generally, Spanish people want to socialize in a bar or restaurant instead of home. When you enter a bar or restaurant, and there’s people near your assigned table and they are eating, it’s very polite to wish them “Enjoy your meal” / Buen Provecho. -Don’t start eating until everybody has food ready in their plates (unless they specifically told you to enjoy your meal ‘cause the food will turn cold). -Spanish people often share food. The famous “Tapas” are a good example (fried potatoes, calamari, ham, cheese...). The last piece of food in a shared tapa is called “Patata, calamar, etc… De la Vergüenza” / Potato chip, calamari, etc… of Shame. You should offer to the other person the last piece, and if they’re refuse, then you can eat it. Eating it without asking before is considered rude. If you don’t like to share your food feel free to tell them before they order some “sharing food”. -Spanish people lunch between 1pm and 3pm and Supper between 8-11. The lunch is a break to enjoy conversation. It’s called “Sobremesa” (¿Overtable?) and sometimes can go from 1 hour to 2 hours of conversation, drinking coffee… If your friends have kids, expect the children be with them all the time in the “sobremesa”. Spanish people are “family” centered and sometimes you can see children sleeping in a restaurant while this “sobremesa” last until 11pm or 12pm!

2:00 am. Good night everypony

I feel really bad, sad and ashamed. Sometimes I wish I just can be Myself, like not having to stop; reconsider, think about my actions, it's consecuences before doing something, being rational... But if I don't do that, I will be just a ball of hate, sadness and I could hurt a lot of people in just a blink, just unintentionally. Sometimes I wish being a butterfly dreaming I'm a human. Sometimes I wish to be a normal person. And just, be. Without any backlash.

"At the end of the day: we are just monkeys who only want to play..."

Hola Chic@s! Sorry I didn't post more lessons about Spanish but I found that... There's a lot Spanish Lessons on Youtube, that you can use to learn a bit of Spanish and see if you like and feel comfortable learning the language. They are better prepared, and more professional than me. But as a person who has two native languages and studied more than 3 languages abroad (from very different cultures) I want to give my points in a more "efficient" way to learn a language, and how to minimize your negative experiences. Remember, those advice are just my opinion based on my personal experience and are the things I liked to know before I started to learn languages. 1. Choose the "right" Spanish for you. There's two main Spanish "dialects". Spain Spanish (or Castillian Spanish) and Latin Spanish. (I'm a native Castillian Spanish) If you want to learn Spanish to travel and visit Spanish Speaking Countries: my recommendation is Learn first the Latin Spanish dialect. You can use it all over the world, and then you can adapt or learn the other variations of Spanish. If you want to travel, live or are interested Specifically in Spain: then Castillian Spanish is better suited for you because you will have more "prestige". Same happens with other languages. If I live in China but I don't learn Chinese I will be just "The foreigner". If I know how to speak Chinese, now I'm "Arrlong, the foreigner" witch is a totally different. And if you know how to speak Chinese, and you can also learn and speak a regional language or dialect (like, let's say, Taiwanese) you will get a lot of respect, but only between those group of speakers. ( In this case, Taiwanese Speakers). 2. When you start to learn a new language find a Teacher that is native and had the same culture like you! That means (for example) if you're English and you want to learn Spanish, find an English Teacher of Spanish language. If you're from China, find a Chinese Teacher of Spanish Language. (the closest to your region and culture!) Why? They know exactly what you're going through in terms of grammar, phonetics and culture: and can give you the most efficient ways to learn that language based on your native language and culture. So you don't have to repeat the same cultural shocks, mistakes and difficulties they did. You will be learning faster and will be more "safe". (If you're acquiring a certain experience, then you can change to a native teacher of Spanish, or the language of your choice you're learning) 3. Every language has his own mindset, way of thinking and CULTURE. Be careful. The same Phrase and words in another language can transmit totally different information. The sensitivities on topics, the etiquette, the way to be dressed, the food... You're going to make MISTAKES. If you don't want to make any mistake, my advice is just don't learn a language. Some will be funny, some will be harsh, some gill get you into troubles, some can get you into make friends, lovers... and sometimes they simply wont understand you and that's it. For Example: I told a joke that is very common to told in front of children's in Spain, but it turned out to be VERY harsh for my French and British colleagues. Where I live, when you see someone you know, you're friends with them but you don't have time to stop and speak with them you just say "Bye!". It turns out that this behavior in France is a very offensive insult and in South Africa, weird. Those things WILL happen. Be prepared in advance: have a plan. 4. Speak and be surrounded by natives or speakers of that language. The best way to learn a language fast is to be surrounded by natives of that language. Just remember what I wrote in the advice number 3. It's going to be Hard. And remember, every culture has things that you're going to like, and things that you will not like. If you have more advice or you think I'm wrong, please leave a comment. Probably I sound very negative... But if I knew all those things before I would have approached learning a language in a totally different way. Not one that destroyed my mind and made me a disabled person... Something I don't want to happen to any of you.

Maybe the closest museum?

18:43 in Barcelona. And it's night... I miss Summer and Spring a Little bit

Not being religious but Jesus said something I think is full of wisdom. Sometimes sage's of old told incredibly wise sayings. Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

From a Southern European perspective, I think that nothing will change in any country. Every country is attached to some sports, and there's usually just 4 of them and the rest are just minor. When I was a child I liked the Barcelona Dragons and American Football. Even I wen't to saw the players signing autographs. Sadly, Barcelona Dragons where disbanded but I think there's other team with the same name. And here in Europe American football is seen as a boring game. In Spain, baseball is literally a child's game we call "Pichi" and nobody taques that seriously. 'Merica and American Football, from my southern european experience, are inseparable. But I think they have to add some ideas from soccer, like that teams can move over leagues. So if a team loses too much games, they change the league to a lower rank. And more humble teams, if they win enough games, can up their rank and play in superior leagues.