Learn English Locally, Apply It Worldwide! Enjoy Regular Practice

Preliminary Information for a Visit

What kind of information could you send a friend about a country s/he has never visited so far?

Well, you could tell him/her what kind of climate it has, especially during the season your friend is preparing to visit. You could suggest the kind of clothing s/he will need and perhaps it is also useful to mention what is not going to be needed, to save them the hassle of carrying more luggage than necessary.

If in your country there is a danger of any disease, like malaria or Ebola, you need to explain to your friend what this means and anything you think is good for him/her to know. They will check as well what to do before travelling, but it’s a friendly gesture to share this information with them.

If you think there is a great cultural differences between the two countries and that your friend has never experienced your culture, it is nice to be able to talk about what your friend may be surprised with and perhaps how to avoid a culture shock. Our friend Gung mentioned the habit of spitting in China – well, I must admit, this was one of the aspects I could not get myself to accept during my stay over there…

Positive and beautiful aspects, like the cherry blossom season in Japan (also popular in China) is very worth mentioning, if this will happen sometime during the visit. And if such events or attractions do happen during a friend’s visit, it would be nice for you to suggest certain activities you could organise together and start planning for some fun days together.

I wish you have a great time with your friends! Write us a card if you can.

Here's what I would write to a friend prior to a visit:

I am so glad to hear you are planning to visit me!

You need to know that in summer it can get VERY hot around here. There is a breeze on the beach, but it is advisable to stay out of the sun between midday and late afternoon. In fact this hot climate is the factor dictating the working culture in Spain - everything closes down for the siesta which is a period of the day for eating AND sleeping :-D. We usually finish working at 2pm and return at 5pm, to work until 8pm, unfortunately.

You will be shocked with the laid-back, even lazy character of the Spaniards, especially in South of Spain. I'm still suffering of culture shock after 15 years of living here!

But there is also beauty in their culture. At fiestas, which is the name for a party, as well as an official local festivity, one can enjoy the fiery dance of Flamenco. Not flamingo, mind!

It would be awesome if you can visit in September, as we have the local horse show on the beach. The horses are absolutely beautiful and the skill of managing them will impress you to bits! The riders can be men and women and even children training at the local equitation school.