Merry Christmas 2011 - and a happy New Year
Students who have been with me for several years will know that I send Christmas gifts - originally it was an earthenware object (eg ashtray, pencil holder...) from Buño, a small village in Galicia. I used to collect the order and distribute the presents by messenger. In 2001 I tried Lowry prints. Another year I asked the supplier to send me the Buño presents by lorry, but half of the objects were broken in transit.
Unfortunately some presents were also broken when I used my own messenger service, so I changed the contents to biros - either photos of flowers (taken near our house in Yunquera de Henares or near the château where I went for an intensive French course).
This year my Christmas present will be to offer students 2 free classes. It isn't a very exciting present but it is my contribution to reduce the effects of the crisis and encourage Value for money 'VFM'!
The lack of confidence in financial markets was detected in Spain as early as 2006, but not officially acknowledged until later. In 2009 some Spanish politicians thought they had seen some improvements in the economy ( 'brotes verdes)' but the global crisis has continued to affect millions. We don't yet know what the new Spanish Government will propose this week (December 2011) but my guess is that Governments, regions and people will soon also have to face a concept that was introduced by Margaret Thatcher shortly after I started work in 1979 - 'VFM''.
Enjoy Christmas and good luck for 2012....
PS. Don't forget my lesson plan ideas have been available on-line since 2000 (free activities and ideas to help you maintain and improve your English, every day of the year).