Ioia ends the series by explaining and demonstrating the difference between the verbs "parecer" and "parecerse." You can take Spanish classes in beautiful San Sebastian at El Aula Azul. Visit www.elaulaazul.com for more information.

Vela, a word often used for “candle,” or “sail,” can also mean “wakefulness,” as in “vigilance.” It’s related to the verb velar, “to stand watch.” The name of the port city of La Vela de Coro refers not to the “sails” of merchant ships (as many assume) but rather to this town’s role as a “lookout” point for marauding pirates. One-eyed peg-legs are now less common, but the carnivalesque annual festival of Los Locos continues on.

The verb pinchar means “to prick” or “to poke” and pincho is a spike or a skewer, so it’s not surprising that in the world of tapas (small portions that can be shared) pinchos (also spelled pintxos) either have toothpicks through them or can be eaten off the plate with one.

Have you ever experienced not being able to find a place to stay for a summer vacation during the peak season? Silvia tells us about her experience in this arena and an opportunity that arose for her and her family.