Creatures That Tutor Review

Creatures That Tutor ReviewCreatures that Tutor is a unique approach to short stories that will appeal to children and adults alike. With a simple, yet powerful plot, it is a definite must read for any reader, young or old. The main character is a strange creature who has an innate ability to tell if a story is true or not.It is filled with amazing characters, a loveable villain, a truly heartbreaking ending, and a tremendous sense of humor. In all honesty, I was prepared to hate this book because I always felt it was going to be too hard for me to believe in this story. However, I have to say I was wrong, and I was actually quite intrigued.What I loved most about this book is the way the author introduces the characters and then unveils the characters through unexpected events. There is not a moment when the characters are not interacting with each other and showing their emotions to one another. This book isn't filled with campy humor, nor is it boring; instead, it is just real and powerful.This book takes place in different places around the world. I was surprised that even though I am from Canada, I could relate to the story, as I travelled around all over the world as a child. I also loved the fact that the author uses the many cultures that you see on TV and movies and puts them all together in one place. The author uses that concept in an interesting and surprising way.While I could relate to the story, I did feel that the author's imagination ran wild in all the different places he took the reader. I enjoyed the idea of this story, being able to show the person from every corner of the globe.In all truth, this book is so good that it might even challenge some of your beliefs, in ways you haven't even considered.I was able to relate to so many things in the story, that I have actually thought about things like getting cancer, and how good it would be to beat it.In the end, this story is about a man with amazing and unbelievable abilities. He is a man who sees things no one else can see, but he uses those things to protect his friends. It is a great story that can teach children about humanity, love, trust, loyalty, and so much more.For adults, I would highly recommend this book to anyone who has ever had a strange thing happen to them and wanted to find out what it was all about. As an author, I was extremely impressed with the direction in which I was brought to write this story. It was entertaining, well written, and moving.

Visiting Morocco

Visiting Morocco What You Should Know Before You Visit Morocco ChaptersEntering MoroccoLearn Some Arabic Before Going to MoroccoRespect the Local CustomsFriday is a Day of Prayer in MoroccoLearn to Barter Before Going to MoroccoHygiene MeasuresAvoid Driving in MoroccoDon’t Take Photos without PermissionTips Are ExpectedAvoid Certain Topics of Conversation“We travel to change not of place, but ideas.” - Hippolyte TaineMorocco welcomed 11.3 million tourists in 2018, an increase of 8.5% compared to the previous year.There’s been a large increase in tourism not just from France (which has historical ties with the country), but also from Germany and Italy.The country’s becoming more popular, that’s for sure, but before you go on holiday in Morocco, just like any other country, there are a few things you should know whether you’re going as a family, a couple, or on your own.Here are our ten tips for visiting Morocco. HalimaArabic Teacher £13/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors KotaibaArabic Teacher 5.00 (3) £30/h1st lesson free!D iscover all our tutors SoledadArabic Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NancyArabic Teacher 5.00 (1) £18/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors TaouesArabic Teacher £8/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors DinaArabic Teacher £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AbrarArabic Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors UsamaArabic Teacher 5.00 (1) £17/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsEntering MoroccoFor a getaway in Ouarzazate, Meknes, or Merzouga, you’ll need a passport that’s valid for at least 3 months from your arrival in Morocco. You can visit Morocco with just your passport. Just make sure they stamp it! (Source: katyveldhorst)You don’t need to apply for a visa but you will need to get your passport stamped on arrival.If you want to rent a car, your driving license will be fine.In terms of health, you won’t need any obligatory vaccinations. Just make sure you’re up-to-date with your usual vaccinations (polio, in particular). For long stays in rural areas, you might need to check your vaccines for Hepatitis A and typhoid fever.Check out our guide to visiting Morocco.Learn Some Arabic Before Going to MoroccoWhile French is Morocco’s second language, Arabic is the first language. Some speak English and French in the bigger cities, but you probably want to learn some Arabic before you go as it’ll go a long way with the locals.  You’ll be less likely to get ripped off in the souks if you speak a bit of the language. At least learn to say “hello”: “As-salamu alaykum”, which means “Peace be up on you”. You can answer “ wa ?alaykumu s-salam”, which means “Peace be upon you, too.”You should also learn how to count in Arabic, even though you can use your fingers for this.Respect the Local CustomsThe Kingdom of Morocco is a Muslim country and whether you go to Tetuan, Chefchaouen, or the Sahara desert, whether you’re a man or a woman, you need to respect the customs.Opt for modest clothing. Even though cities like Fez and Marrakech are used to Western fashion and tourists, it’s better to not draw too much attention to yourself.Women should opt for longer dresses, unrevealing blouses, and sarouels. Avoid showing your shoulders or knees. Opt for a headscarf when entering into mosques. These are also useful against the sun and sand of the Moroccan desert.Men should also have shorts that cover the knees and shirts that cover your shoulders.Need Arabic lessons London?Friday is a Day of Prayer in MoroccoFriday is the day of public worship in Mosques for those of the M uslim faith and shops tend to be closed or open at different times. Generally, Moroccans will be found sharing couscous. In mosques, you're expected to be barefoot and women have to cover their heads. (Source: stratageme2015)We don’t recommend visiting Morocco during Ramadan as life tends to slow down completely. Also, the opening times of public places change such as the souks, museums, shops, etc. while most restaurants and hotels in Morocco keep to the same schedule.If you’ve decided to visit Morocco during this time, people won’t be shocked if you’re having lunch.  However, out of respect, you might want to avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public places. While the daytime goes at a slower pace, the evenings during Ramadan are when the fast is broken and there’s an interesting atmosphere. At the end of Ramadan, there’s Eid al-Fitr, three days of festivities for Muslims.Find out the best time to visit Morocco. HalimaArabic Teacher £13/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors KotaibaArabic Teacher 5.00 (3) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SoledadArabic Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NancyArabic Teacher 5.00 (1) £18/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors TaouesArabic Teacher £8/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors DinaArabic Teacher £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AbrarArabic Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors UsamaArabic Teacher 5.00 (1) £17/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsLearn to Barter Before Going to MoroccoVisiting Morocco is an opportunity to barter and negotiate. While Moroccans are famous for being warm and welcoming, they’ll be even more so in the souk. Don’t be naive. They’ve one thing in mind: get you to buy something like argan oil, a tagine, or a pair of babouche. Bartering is a skill you'll need to learn for the Moroccan souks. (Source: Jonny_Joka)Before you buy, ask if the price is in Euros or Dirhams. There’s a big difference, after all. Don’t hesitate to divide the price by three or four, but always in a friendly way. If you show that you’re not going to be taken advantage of, the seller will respect you more. A trip around a souk is quite the adventure.Make sure you agree on a price for taxis before you get in. You’ll pay around 50Dh for a trip across town in a taxi. Bigger taxis can be recognised by their colour. These taxis can go out of town and you can expect to pay around 100Dh for a trip.  Opt for official taxis that have meters. Thus, you won’t be surprised at the end of your trip and you can always take their number if your driver isn’t being honest.Find out more about the cost of visiting Morocco.Hygiene MeasuresWhile it’s unlikely that you’ll get ill anywhere in Morocco, it’s more likely to happen in the south of the country.  Here are a few things you should know to ensure that you don’t get sick:Don’t drink tap water and instead opt for mint tea. The water’s been boiled, killing the bacteria. You can get bottled water in the bigger cities but during a trek in the desert, you’ll need to buy something like Micropur to purify the water.Avoid minced meat and opt for your meat to be well done. Moroccan food tends to involve a lot of well-done meat and food that’s been simmered for a long time.Don’t eat the skin of fruits and vegetables.Don’t get ice in your drink and avoid fruit juices that may be watered down.Regularly wash your hands. To eat like the Moroccans, eat with your right hand and wash them before you do. You might want to get some hand sanitiser before you go.Don’t touch the wildlife as they can carry diseases.Avoid Driving in MoroccoOpt for camel rides! Driving can be chaotic for those not used to driving in Morocco and it can be tricky enough just crossing the r oad. There are tractors, donkeys, goats, and carts. Though you can rent a car in Morocco, we wouldn't recommend attempting to drive. (Source: 3inOne)It’s tricky enough during the day, at night it’s even worse.Don’t Take Photos without PermissionIn Morocco, especially in the countryside, taking photos without prior permission can land you in hot water. There’s the belief that photography can take part of the soul.  Ask before you take any photos to avoid conflict. You don’t want to be getting into trouble on your trip!Tips Are ExpectedTipping is almost essential in many African countries. It’s expected for almost every service:For a guide for the entire day, you’ll want to give around 100Dh per person.A driver for the day, around 50Dh per person.In a restaurant, add 10 to 15% to the bill.For bellhops, between 10 and 20Dh should be enough.Make sure you’ve always got cash on you. There are cashpoints all over the bigger cities but they’re harder to find in the south of the country.Avoid Certain Topics of ConversationWe don’t share the same culture as Morocco. Certain things that we think are normal to talk about that aren’t acceptable topics of conversation. It doesn't matter whether you're in Marrakesh, Tangier, Casablanca, Rabat, or the High Atlas Mountains, you need to respect the cultures of the country you're in.  Don’t discuss the king, religion, women in society, or even Spain’s presence in the region. You should go to Morocco with an open mind or at least keep certain thoughts to yourself.Isn’t that what travelling’s about, after all?Before going to Morocco, you should consider learning some Arabic. Fortunately for you, there are plenty of talented Arabic tutors on Superprof. There are three main types of tutorials available: one-on-one tutorials, online tutorials, and group tutorials. Each type of tutorials has its pros and cons so choose the right type and right tutor for you.One-on-one tutorials are a bespoke service offered to you by your tutor. During the lessons, you'll h ave their undivided attention, making these the most cost-effective tutorials available. However, they also tend to be the most costly per hour as you're paying for personalised tuition and all the tutor's time both inside and outside of your classes.As long as you've got a webcam, mic, and decent internet connection, you can enjoy online tutorials. This is when your tutor teaches you remotely via a video call. Since the tutor has fewer overheads, this type of tutorial tends to be cheaper than one-on-one tutorials.Finally, online tutorials are when the tutor teaches a group of students. These may be students who already know one another or strangers. Either way, with several students footing the bill, these tutorials tend to be the cheapest option per student per hour of tuition. Visiting Morocco Planning a Trip to Morocco ChaptersWhen’s the Best Time to Visit Morocco?The Cost of Visiting MoroccoWhere Can You Stay While Travelling in Morocco?10 Things You Should Know Before Visiting Morocco“Morocco is such a beautiful place. It's incredibly beautiful. And also it is captivating place because for a writer, you feel that you make impact. I mean, when I write something in the press, the day after in the fish market, people will be discussing it.” - Fatema MernissiMorocco is one of the richest countries in Africa. From the Atlantic coast to the desert, Morocco is famous for souks, mint tea, hammams, and many other clichés. There’s a lot to learn about the country, especially when it comes to food.Did you know that Morocco is the biggest producer and exporter of saffron?It had to come from somewhere!So, whether you want to go trekking in the Grand Sud, ride camels in the Berber desert, or visit the many beautiful mosques in the country, here’s our advice for visiting Morocco! HalimaArabic Teacher £13/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors KotaibaArabic Teacher 5.00 (3) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SoledadArabic Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NancyArabic Teacher 5.00 (1) £18/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors TaouesArabic Teacher £8/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors DinaArabic Teacher £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AbrarArabic Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors UsamaArabic Teacher 5.00 (1) £17/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsWhen’s the Best Time to Visit Morocco?If relaxation is what you’re after in Morocco, it’s better to look for towns where palm trees and windsurfing are on the agenda, particularly in the north of the country where the seasons are milder.Cities such as Casablanca, Fez, or Rabat should be top of your list where the following activities are available:Walking around a Medina quarter.Trips to the outskirts, particularly the desert, to cities such as M eknes or Chefchaouen.Camel rides. Where you go in Morocco will dictate the best time to go. (Source: TheUjulala)In the south of Morocco, there are plenty of beach towns and the perfect climate in summer. For example, Agadir is one of the most popular destinations in Morocco with 300 sunny days a year and very little rain! This means you can go at almost any time of the year. In Essaouira, you can:Go surfingRelax on the beachOr road trip to the Grand SudThere are seven main areas in Morocco:The north Atlantic plains, home to Tangier and Tetuan.The plains from Doukkala to Sous, including Agadir.The internal plateaux, including Marrakesh.The Mediterranean coast and Oujda.The Middle and High Atlas and Ifran.The Anti-Atlas and the pre-Saharan valleys and Ouarzazate.The Sahara region and Dakhla.Morocco has a diverse range of climates including oceanic, Mediterranean, mountain, continental, and desert climates.Find out more about the best time to visit Morocco.The Cost of Visiting MoroccoMoney is always something you need t o think about when planning a trip to Morocco: there’s transport, food, and accommodation to think of. Let’s have a look at the average cost of a trip to Morocco so you can have a better idea of your budget.Find out about Arabic classes London here. Like anywhere else in the world, going to Morocco is going to cost you. (Source: MabelAmber)In terms of transport, you need to think about:Your flights to MoroccoPublic transport once you’re thereTaxi tripsOther types of transport, such as bikesIn the city, you can cheaply travel by taxi as long as you know the rates. Insist that your driver puts the meter on. If they refuse, don’t ride. Official taxis have to respect the rates, with the meter generally starting at 2Dh (3Dh the evenings or from in front of your hotel) and between 4 and 8Dh per kilometre.Make sure you have small change so you can pay exactly what you owe! In the event of a conflict, take the taxi’s number and mention that you’ll get in touch with the Tourist Police. You’ll see that there’s no conflict.It’s not recommended that you rent a car in Morocco, even though all the main companies are there. Insurance contracts are a little blurry and driving in Morocco is complicated.If you prefer to organise eve rything yourself, the bus network between the main cities and even a few secluded parts of the country is quite advanced.There are three main bus companies:CTMSupratoursSATASAs for accommodation, the cost of hotels varies according to location, rating, and season. There are large hotel chains like Ibis and Sofitel but there are also independent hotels for all budgets, too. You can find a double hotel room for as little as £4 a night in Meknes. In Casablanca, rooms are available for around £50 a night and in Tangier, you can expect to pay around £40 a night.If you’re looking to stay in Morocco, you can always look at Airbnb and get a private room with a Moroccan family. You can expect to pay between £30 and £70 a night for a private room.If you’re on a budget, here’s a “backpacker’s budget”.Not including the flights, you can spend less than £300 for a week for two people in Morocco.Here are the average prices for two people: £25 per night for accommodation £10 per d ay for food £4 per day for transportOpt for free activitiesThe budget will be similar for most Moroccan cities but you won’t be able to do trips to the desert or anything like that.Find out more about the cost of visiting Morocco.Where Can You Stay While Travelling in Morocco?Did you know that accommodation generally accounts for around 30% of a traveller’s expenses?That’s why you need to pay particular attention to your accommodation.Do you prefer comfort or saving your pennies for activities to do while you’re there? Are you going to opt for a European-style hotel or a Moroccan riad? (Source: stratageme2015)There’s a lot to do in Morocco and there’s European-style accommodation as well as more classic Moroccan accommodation or out-of-the-ordinary places like a Berber bivouac in the desert.Why not?So here’s a quick list of the types of accommodation in Morocco:Moroccan campsYouth hostelsHotel roomsPrivate flatsGuesthousesIt’s very easy to camp in Morocco. There are plenty of campsites all over the country. In Arabic, the term is “mukhayyam”. Generally, a campsite costs between 10 to 20Dh per person per night with a fee of 10 to 20Dh to pitch a tent.Youth hostels aren’t very common in Morocco. There are around a dozen listed on Hostelling International and you can find most of them in the main cities: Casablanca, Rabat, Fez, Meknes, Essaouira, Marrakech, Ouarzazate, Tetuan, Asni, Azrou, Chefcaouen, and Layoun. Generally, you’ll pay between £5 and £15 for a bed in a dormitory.You c an also stay in resort hotels or regular hotels. There’s a whole range of prices depending on the type of hotel you pick. Generally, you’ll need to put your passport and visa number in the register upon arrival. Taxes and fees are around 35Dh.Staying in a Moroccan guest house or with a host family costs between £20 to £40 per day per person depending on the type of accommodation you get. This is handy if you’re travelling around Morocco or doing a road trip.Find out more about accommodation in Morocco.10 Things You Should Know Before Visiting MoroccoMorocco welcomed 11.3 million tourists in 2018, an increase of 8.5% compares to the previous year. Just like travelling anywhere else, you need to be aware of local customs and rules. Don't forget that in Moroccan markets or souks, you can barter! (Source: stefan_bernsmann)The Kingdom of Morocco is a Muslim country and whether you go to Tetuan, Chefchaouen, or the Sahara desert, whether you’re a man or a woman, you need to respect the customs. Opt for modest clothing. Even though cities like Fez and Marrakech are used to Western fashion and tourists, it’s better to not draw too much attention to yourself.Friday is the day of public worship in Mosques for those of the Muslim faith. Shops tend to be closed or open at different times. It’s also recommended that you don’t visit during Ramadan (May-June) because everything slows down in the cities.Visiting Morocco is an opportunity to barter and negotiate. While Moroccans are famous for being warm and welcoming, they’ll be even more so in the souk. Don’t be naive. They’ve one thing in mind: get you to buy something like argan oil, a tagine, or a pair of babouche.  Similarly, don’t drink the tap water an d avoid ice in drinks. It's not great for digestion. Finally, adopt a positive and open attitude, don’t talk about certain topics in the street, and generally be a “good tourist”, tipping for services. After all, that’s how it works.Check out our advice for visiting Morocco.Before going to Morocco, you should consider learning some Arabic. Fortunately for you, there are plenty of talented Arabic tutors on Superprof. There are three main types of tutorials available: one-on-one tutorials, online tutorials, and group tutorials. Each type of tutorials has its pros and cons so choose the right type and right tutor for you.Many tutors on Superprof offer the first hour of tuition for free so consider trying a few different tutors before settling on the right one for you.

The Cost of Travelling in Russia

The Cost of Travelling in Russia How Much Does it Cost to Travel Around Russia? ChaptersValue Of The RubleWays To Spend When In RussiaSpending in Russia: An OverviewRussian Accommodation, the Most Expensive Part of Your BudgetEating During Your Time in RussiaHow Much Should You Budget for Leisure Activities in Russia?A Sample Budget for Travelling Around RussiaTips On How To Reduce Expenditure Costs In Russia“Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer.” - UnknownThe Russian Federation is far more popular with tourists than it was 20 years ago just after the fall of the Berlin Wall and the collapse of the Soviet Union, which marked the end of the USSR as a country. You can now visit pretty much all of Russia’s nature and cities. According to the Travel Tourism Report 2017, tourism in Russia added 860 billion rubles to the country’s GDP, a figure that had been growing since 2000.Tourism brings in money because tourists are spending.So have you got your money ready to spend in Russia? Have you considered how you will manage your spending? Have you already set a budget?In this article, we're going to look at budgeting for a trip to Russia, how much accommodation will cost you, the cost of food, and planning activities so that you can be prepared in advance for your expenditure.how many Rubles you get for your money right? To put it into perspective for you, XE Currency Converter indicates that, on 23rd May 2019, 1 Great British Pound (GBP) = 82.09 Russian Rubles. This means that if you take £500 of spending money with you then you will be walking around with 41,051.75 Rubles on your person! It all sounds pretty good until you come to the realisation that a hamburger at a fast food store is costing you five hundred Rubles...If you thought you were good at spending then in Russia you will feel like you are really good!Ways To Spend When In RussiaNowadays, there are so many different ways to spend when you're abroad, so tourists don't have to rely on exchanging currency and then guarding their wallets for the duration of the ir trip. If you are going away for two or more weeks, what are you supposed to do with all of your spending money? Are you expected to trust all of the hotel staff and leave notes in your room or do you take the cash out with you and risk being pick-pocketed? Of course, there is the option to use a safe at some hotels or you can now use e-money which makes everything a whole safer and much more convenient too. Let's explore the options.CashIf you take foreign currency with you, it may be straightforward but what happens at the end of the trip when you discover that you either didn't take enough cash, meaning that you have to withdraw cash or pay to spend on your credit card, or that you took too much and will probably lose out when you try to reconvert it back. Either that or you'll spend more than you really need to be by trying to get rid of all your loose change!Another thing to consider when getting currency converted is to check the best deals around as, believe it or not, you will do much better from some places than others.Credit/Debit cardIf you take your credit or debit card abroad, you can spend as much or as little as you want but watch out for foreign usage charges, withdrawal fees and, of course, cards getting blocked by your bank (even if you've informed them of your travel plans a lot of the time!).Prepaid cardA prepaid card is a somewhat new tool but it's very handy as you can load cash onto it and spend it in shops or withdraw from an ATM with no charges applicable and, what's more, they only let you spend what's on the card. This is only useful though if you have physical funds to load on in advance, rather than using credit to pay off at a later date.Spending in Russia: An OverviewPrices of general living have risen rapidly in Russia in recent years, and St. Petersburg is now on par with, if not slightly more expensive than, most major European cities when it comes to grocery shopping, eating out, nightlife, entertainment, and sightseeing.Sa ying that, the cost of entering museums and attending cultural events is generally lower than elsewhere in Europe, but some popular venues still operate a dual price system which means that foreigners pay more than a Russian citizen would. Unfortunately, this cannot be avoided at certain landmarks, like the Mariinsky Theatre.With the bad, comes a few good surprises, however. Public transport in big cities like St Petersburg is on the whole quite cheap, and even taxis are quite reasonable.If you plan to drink most nights when in Russia, you'll be pleased to hear that Vodka is inexpensive when compared to other spirits and, if you smoke, then you may notice that cigarettes are more affordable than at home.In terms of travel and accommodation, so long as you plan your trip well then you get away with spending very little for the duration of your trip! See our advice and tips below on booking these all important aspects of your holiday. LavaRussian Teacher 5.00 (8) £25/h1st lesson fre e!Discover all our tutors LarisaRussian Teacher 5.00 (2) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors InaRussian Teacher 4.88 (8) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors IrynaRussian Teacher 5.00 (8) £12/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors EvgeniaRussian Teacher £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AnastassiaRussian Teacher 5.00 (2) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NikolaRussian Teacher 5.00 (4) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MargaritaRussian Teacher 5.00 (3) £18/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsRussian Accommodation, the Most Expensive Part of Your BudgetWhile you can budget for your trip away quite simply, if you want to avoid any unpleasant surprises, you should budget for what we’ll call “fixed costs” before you travel to Russia. When we say “fixed costs”, we’re referring to something you’ll have to pay for regardless of what you’re doing, and accommodation is part of this. When considering your acco mmodation in Russia, you should consider:The type of accommodationThe location of the accommodationThe services providedThe comfortYouth hostels will generally be cheaper than hotels. (Source: Hans)These criteria can easily double the price of accommodation. Even if you choose between full or half board.  The question you need to ask yourself is “Am I going to Russia for a comfortable experience or am I on a strict budget?”If you’re going to Russia to relax, you might want a hotel with a spa, like the Azimut Hotel Olympic Moscow or the Hotel Kosmos, for example. Generally speaking, hotels are about half as expensive as they are in the UK and will cost even less if you’re in cities other than Moscow such as Saint Petersburg or Kazan.There are plenty of great hotels where you’ll get far more for your money than you would here in the UK.To save money, you can even look at getting an Airbnb or a dacha (a Russian country house). If you’re travelling in a group, this is a grea t way to split the cost of your accommodation. A lot of Russian flats and houses include multiple rooms so you won’t have any trouble finding something for 4, 5, or 6 people. Make sure that you check whether or not fees are included when you make your reservations.If you’re on a really strict budget, you can always check out youth hostels. With some places costing just a couple of quid for the night, you’ll be hard-pressed to find cheaper places to stay. There are 200 in Moscow and dozens in other cities around Russia.Be careful about certain hostels that are away from the centre of cities as these are sometimes unregulated illegal establishments.  You should also be wary of prices displayed in pounds as they’ll fluctuate according to the exchange rate.Eating During Your Time in RussiaYou can eat really well in Russia for very little. However, you’re going to have to step outside your comfort zone and go through restaurant menus in Russian.You can enjoy Russian cuisine on a budget. (Source: quinntheislander)Why?Well, you could always spend your time in Russia eating fast food like McDonald’s or Dunkin’ Donuts. It’d be a shame to be in a country and eat stuff that you can get anywhere in the world.It’s probably a better idea to go to proper restaurants than to eat street food. There’s no service charge like you get in Italy and you’re free to leave a tip or not, unlike in the United States where it’s pretty much obligatory.That said, there are Russian chains as well if you want to eat on a budget:Teremok, a fast food place that does traditional Russian dishes.Lepim y Varim, specialists in pelmenis.Pelmenya, another place that does pelmenis.Varenychna N °1, for reasonably-priced specialities.There are tonnes of different Russian specialities, but you should definitely try the following:Borscht, a type of soup.Beef stroganoff, a classic.Pelmini and vareniki, types of dumplings.Shashlik, a type of meat skewers.Pierogi, another type of dumpl ing.Sirniki, desserts that are somewhere between pancakes and doughnuts.Vodka.There are pelmenis for all tastes.So how much does this cost?For around £1.50 you can get a pierogi and a pelmeni and a beer for around £4. You don’t need a lot of to get food in Russia. On the other hand, you’ll end up paying up to three or four times the cost if you end up going to a chic restaurant.You’ll be looking at around £20 per person if you want to eat in a decent restaurant. Things can go up to £30 per head if you go somewhere really nice.How Much Should You Budget for Leisure Activities in Russia?There are plenty of things to do in Russia. It is the biggest country in the world, after all! There are thousands of activities in Moscow, Saint Petersburg, and hundreds in Kazan according to TripAdvisor.If you want to see the ballet, you're going to have to budget for it. (Source: skeeze)Of course, not everything you can do in Russia is free. This depends on what you’ll do. There’s no l imit to what you can do in Russia. Other than your budget, that is...Think about getting tourist cards such as the Moscow Pass: This will cost you around £50 for 40 museums, 3 excursions, for 3 days.Choose 2 or 3 activities that you will definitely do like the State Hermitage Museum or the Kremlin, for example.Set a spending limit for other activities like visiting an Orthodox Russian monastery, a trip across a tundra in a 4x4, or a boat trip.If you’re travelling around Russia, you should budget for every activity you want to do. The problem is that there’s so much you can do. For example, you could go to Saint Petersburg, get on a boat to Finland, and end up spending nearly £100.You can also get a dog sledge for around £50 or a snowmobile for £60. A guided trip to the State Hermitage Museum will cost around £40 (even though it’s definitely worth it). Other than the cost of accessing the beaches at the Black Sea, walking around won’t cost you anything.If you want to do special activities in Russia, you’re going to have to get your wallet ready. Whether you’re travelling on your own or with your family, you’re also going to need to take differing tastes into account. Children mightn’t appreciate national parks, for example.Let’s not forget the souvenirs and knick-knacks you can buy in Russia. There are figurines, Russian army insignia, etc. You could easily spend between £50 and £75 per person.Find out more about the best things to see in Russia.A Sample Budget for Travelling Around RussiaWe’ve mentioned accommodation, food, and leisure, the main expenses you’ll have whenever you travel anywhere. However, there are also other expenses you need to consider:Administrative costsFeesTransport costsInsuranceTransport can cost you around £1 per trip or £20 for a travel card for a week in Moscow, for example. You might want insurance that covers repatriation in the event of death, etc. Shop around for different insurance policies.Dependi ng on how you travel will affect your budget. (Source: jackmac34)This can quickly add up to £300 to your costs in addition to accommodation, food, and leisure.  There are also certain obligatory costs:Russian visas for touristsFlights to and from RussiaAgain, this can cost around £300.When you complete your visa application, you'll need to have already booked your accommodation before contacting the Russian embassy or consulate. If you're going on a tour, such as the Trans-Siberian Railway or a cruise, you'll need confirmation from the tour operator.Generally speaking, you won’t need to go to a travel agency to get your trip to Russia organised. You can save around a quarter of the price doing it yourself.There are different visas so make sure you get the right one, especially if you plan on stopping in neighbouring countries like China, Mongolia, Ukraine, or Belarus, before your departure. Make sure you check when your passport is valid until. The same is true if you’re going to the Caucasus (Georgia, Armenia) or Baltic States (Lithuania, Estonia, Lativa) when you’re getting your visa for Russia.Tips On How To Reduce Expenditure Costs In RussiaNow that you know how much roughly everything costs when in Russia, wouldn't you now like to know how you could slash these prices even more? Below are a few tips on how to save a bit of pocket money, especially when visiting some of the larger cities.File your visa yourself The process isn't all that complicated so to save on agency fees (which can often double the price), submit your own visa application at a cost of around £120. Book your plane tickets in advance We are well aware that nobody leaves it until the last minute to book plane tickets unless they know they can get a good deal, but there are many price variations according to how far ahead you book. When travelling as far as Russia you probably won't want to leave it until a week before you are due to travel, so take our advice and book your flight s around 3 months in advance. This is close enough to give you time to plan the rest of your trip and also far away enough to get you the best possible prices on air fees. If you still want to save more, you have the option of making a flight with stops.Book your hotel through Russian websites The Russians have hotel comparison sites just like us, with one of the best being the Russian Ostrovok reservation platform which will no doubt save you more money than if you were browsing the UK version of Booking.com. Also, to save even further, you might find Airbnb properties going cheaper, especially if you are a large group of friends or a big family travelling together.Use the metro wherever possible The metro is the cheapest way to get around the city (except by foot, of course) and they have a great system whereby you buy a voucher with 20 trips loaded on it (which you can share with your friends). Taxis aren't too expensive as we've discovered but if you use them regularly for short trips then you will rack up money.Buy a tourist card to cut down the costs of visiting tourist attractions As we've mentioned, some sites charge tourists way above the price that is asked of local citizens, so to avoid paying loads visiting some of the most popular attractions then why not buy a tourist card (in Moscow this is called the Moscow Citypass and in St Petersburg it is the Petersburg Card, for example) which could, but may not always, make your day trips a little cheaper. If you are a student with a valid student card, you may find that this gets you a few reductions too.Purchase a Russian SIM card If you intend to travel around Russia for a while, then your best bet to keep call costs down is to buy a Russian pay as you go SIM card. There is also a prepaid SIM available which, for £5, gives you a certain number of free minutes and Internet usage for a fraction of what you would pay if using your English phone.So have you got your budget ready for Russia?Whether you're visiting the Golden Ring, Siberia, Yekaterinburg, Vladivostok, St Petersburg, Irkutsk, or Moscow, the world's largest country has no shortage of things to do and see!

Flamenco Guitar

Flamenco Guitar All About the Flamenco Guitar ChaptersThis Guitar’s HistoryDifferent Types of Flamenco GuitarsTechnical Aspects of the Flamenco GuitarHow to Play Flamenco GuitarFlamenco Guitarists of RenownLearn to Play the Flamenco GuitarIf you have ever been a spectator to a flamenco dance â€" fiery and snappy, with precise movements neatly hemming in the passion it evokes, you might have thought that the guitar is merely a backdrop to the swirling skirts, clacking castanets and floating fans.The Spanish art form known as Flamenco is composed of three parts: guitarra, canta i baile or guitar, song and dance. It is the traditional expression of longing and love; a physical expression of romantic desire.Curiously enough, in the early days of this art form, it consisted only of dancing and toque de palmas â€" hand-clapping. The guitar was a later addition; today, all flamencos are danced to the sound of a guitar (and other instruments).How did this instrument’s crisp, clean sound come to accompany the sharp pivots and finger- snapping that mark a true flamenco dance? How did it become an audio representation of sensuality and ardour?Your Superprof delves into the history of ancient southern Spanish tribes to answer those questions and others.There was substantial persecution of the latter three peoples which led to a fusion of laments that mark flamenco cantos still today. Flamenco dancers dramatic moves are done in counterpoint to a nylon string guitar Image by Ben Kerckx from PixabayAt this time, the guitar had still not made its appearance on the flamenco scene; the dances were sometimes accompanied by traditional Andalusian instruments such as the violin and the tambourine.It wasn’t until the late 19th century that flamenco â€" and its guitar went mainstream.Seville saw the opening of its first ‘singing cafe’ or cafe cantante that featured a pair of singers, a troupe of dancers and a couple of guitarists.Adding guitar music to the mix was a novel concept that went over… not so well. The cafes were not well-frequented at the outset and the guitarists were really only bit players but it was the guitar’s role that changed these cafes’ fortunes.Because much of flamenco’s guitar music was improvised, those guitar players had to not only keep up with the singers but intuit their phrasing to anticipate when the next flurry of notes would be most effective.Good guitarists were much in demand and, soon, the guitar became an active part of the show. In fact, guitarists proved their virtuosity through rapid-fire riffing and even playing with their guitar held above their head.The undisputed first name in flamenco guitar is Ramon Montoya, uncle of famed Spanish guitarist Carlos Montoya. Ramon started out as a cafe guitarist and is today considered to be the founder of the modern-style flamenco guitar solo.Thanks to him, the guitar became the third pillar of the art known as flamenco.Different Types of Flamenco GuitarsTypical flamenco guitarists were not wealthy; their financial condition dictated that they buy the cheapest instruments, generally made of cypress and, in comparison with the standard classical guitar, poorly made and with a minimum of materials.The absence of quality materials came to distinguish the flamenco guitar; until its surge in popularity, a luthier would make no distinction between the smaller, flimsi er instruments and their sturdier counterparts.Also discover the delicious history behind today’s rock guitars… PeterGuitar Teacher £12/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors EdgarGuitar Teacher 5.00 (8) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors PaulGuitar Teacher 5.00 (12) £18/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors DanielGuitar Teacher 5.00 (3) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ToddGuitar Teacher 4.75 (4) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SamueleGuitar Teacher 5.00 (5) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors KurtGuitar Teacher 5.00 (3) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RyanGuitar Teacher £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsTechnical Aspects of the Flamenco GuitarA flamenco guitar is typically smaller and lighter than its classical counterpart. It calls for nylon strings rather than steel, which helps deliver the clean, crisp sound of flamenco with less sustain than the classical instrument.You are more likely to find tuning pegs on a flamenco guitar rather than geared tuning found on other types of guitar. These pegs closely resemble a lute or violin’s tuning pegs.Let’s take a closer look at particulars of the flamenco guitar: what it’s made of and how it’s made, how to tune it and how to get the most out of playing it. Contrary to the classic acoustic guitar, flamenco guitars are smaller in shape Image by Pexels from PixabayConstructionTraditionally, the flamenco guitar was made entirely of cypress which made it a lighter instrument with a punchier sound. Today, the guitar’s body may be made of sycamore, rosewood or cypress for the backs and sides, and spruce for the top.The tops of these guitars are much thinner than classical guitar tops and there are fewer internal braces â€" two more reasons for its brighter sound.Because flamenco music demands rapid action, the strings are usually closer to the frets and the fingerboard itself tends to be a bit narrower than on other guitars.A critical distinction between a flamenco guitar and its classical cousin is the golpeador or tap-plate.A flamenco guitarist will often tap the face of his guitar with his fingernails while playing; these percussive beats are integral to flamenco technique. However, repeated forceful tapping could soon ruin the top of th e guitar; that is why this plate is essential.How to Tune a Flamenco GuitarAs you would tune any other guitar, you must have something to tune your flamenco guitar to. As for chords, your tuning should revolve around Major D.Start by strumming your sixth string; it should be one step below the conventional-sounding E. if you’re using a piano to tune your guitar, the D you want is five steps below middle C.The fifth string should remain the same: the A directly below middle C. Your fourth string should also remain as the D, one step above middle C.Now, things get tricky: your third string will drop to F# from G â€" three whole steps above middle C on the piano.Your second string should be pitched to B (a major seventh above the piano’s middle C) and the highest string will be tuned to E â€" one octave and one major above your piano’s middle C.Naturally, you will check your tuning and made adjustments as necessary; other than that, you are ready to play flamenco guitar!How to Pl ay Flamenco GuitarFlamenco guitar calls for the strings to be plied in the space between the soundhole and the bridge rather than directly over the soundhole, as so many other styles of guitar are played.The skilled flamenco guitarist will incorporate both tonal and modal harmonies in his playing, the net result being clean, crisp sound.Besides plucking the strings â€" tirando, players often ‘walk’ their fingers, meaning they use their index and middle fingers to rapidly play alternate notes. This technique is called picado.A third distinctive technique of flamenco guitar playing is called rasgueado. It is an exaggerated strum with the wrist flicking outward on the downstroke, presumably to reflect the dancers’ dramatic moves.And, of course, no guitarist could call himself a flamenco guitarist if s/he didn’t incorporate the golpe, the finger tapping on the face of the guitar.Besides these basics of flamenco guitar playing, there aretoque airoso: lively, rhythmic style of pla ying; yields a brilliant soundtoque gitano: deep and expressive, includes many countertempostoque pastueño: slow, peacefultoque virtuoso: demonstrating an exceptional techniqueas opposed to toque corto, meaning ‘basic technique’toque sobrio: pure playing, no showing offYou’ll note the use of the word ‘toque’ earlier in this article meant clapping of hands; in general terms it translates to ‘touch’, meaning that each of these techniques shows a different touch.Join the discussion: how does the jazz guitar differ from the Flamenco guitar? Paco de Lucia is a master guitar player who specialises in flamenco guitar Source: Wikipedia Credit: Cornel PutanFlamenco Guitarists of RenownNow that you know a bit about flamenco guitar, you will surely want to look to the masters to see how playing is done.To that end, we recommend Paco de Lucia. He is often credited with bringing improvisation to an already improvised style of playing. If you can, try to catch him playing Entre dos Aguas; you will clearly see him playing between the soundhole and the bridge of his guitar.Tomatito, son of legendary guitarist Niño Miguel has many flamenco feats under his belt; he also plays in jazz combos and can rip off a mean tango.Manolo Sanlúcar started playing flamenco guitar as a child and has made his mark on the genre; his Tauromagia is emblematic of old-style flamenco canto.Vincente Amigo, a student of Sanlúcar is equally prolific in his playing; he represents a younger generation of flamenco guitarists who maintain that their art is me ant for the wider public.If you only listen to one guitarist on this list, it should be Pepe Habichuela.Growing up in Granada, he would often repair to the caves of Sacromonte with this guitar, refining his sound until it was unique in the flamenco world. Today, he is known as a flamenco master; one of Spain’s finest guitarists.Do you have a favourite flamenco guitarist? Won’t you let us know in the comments section below? While you’re at it, please give us your vote for your fav metal guitar players...Learn to Play the Flamenco GuitarIf you are reading this article, you must have some interest in playing flamenco guitar. Are you already a guitarist or are you contemplating taking up this most sensuous of instruments?If so, you will surely want to take guitar lessons, maybe at your nearby music school.If you have no guitar master near you, perhaps you might consider online guitar lessons; you might even find an app to teach you how to play and guide you into tuning your guitar .Don’t forget your Superprof!Superprof has hundreds of guitar tutors scattered all over the UK; surely there is one near you?The advantage to learning how to play the guitar with a Superprof tutor, besides the low price and the first lessons at no cost (usually), is the fact that you can specify that you want to learn how to play flamenco guitar.You won’t have boring and repetitive lessons that emphasise basic chord structures and you’ll likely be spared Stairway to Heaven and House of the Rising Sun â€" two standards that many guitar teachers like to impart.Your turn to chime in: of all the types of guitar, which is your favourite? Why?

What is it Like to Attend Binghamton University

What is it Like to Attend Binghamton University Allison earned her bachelors degree in Spanish from Binghamton University. She specializes in writing tutoring, reading tutoring, and a number of other subjects. Below, she shares her experience at Binghamton University: Describe the campus setting and transportation options. Allison: Binghamton University has a sprawling campus with a 200-acre nature preserve on it. University transportation offers buses to students living throughout the city and community, so its fairly easy to get around. How available are the professors, academic advisors, and teaching assistants? Allison:If you make an effort to connect and reach out, professors and academic advisors are available. They have weekly office hours, are available by email, and are open to scheduling additional meetings with students. How would you describe the dorm liferooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students, etc.? Allison:When I was there, the school was constructing brand new dorms every year. Personally, I didnt enjoy the campus food options. There are a lot of opportunities to meet other students on campus. I joined the ultimate frisbee team, which became my main social group. Which majors/programs are best represented and supported? What did you study and why? Allison:They had a robust nursing program, business department, and liberal arts degrees. I studied Spanish literature and gender studies. I chose to do this in order to study abroad and graduate on time. Overall, I was very impressed with the classes available to me within my major and minor. How easy or difficult was it for you to meet people and make friends as a freshman? Does Greek life play a significant role in the campus social life? Allison:I met people by playing intramural sports and during orientation week. About 20-to-30 percent of students were a part of Greek life. I didnt participate in Greek life, but I never felt excluded because of it. The campus offered a lot of opportunities to be involved. How helpful are the Career Center and other student support services? Allison:I found the Career Center to be very helpful. They made an effort to connect students with alumni in various careers and prepare them for the professional world. How are the various study areas, such as libraries, the student union, and dorm lounges? Allison:There were multiple libraries with lots of different spaces to study. Depending on the time of year, it could be difficult to find a spot to study. Describe the surrounding town. Allison:During my time at Binghamton University, there was a great divide between the students and the local community. However, there were increasing efforts to bridge this gap. The city has an art walk every month, multiple galleries, and restaurants for students to enjoy. How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Allison:Some of the general education classes have a few hundred students in them. However, the majority of my classes were between 15 and 30 students. I enjoyed the class sizes for the most part, especially the more specialized and intimate classes. Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one you regret the most. Allison:I took a class called Introduction to East Asian Philosophy, and my professor was a brilliant man who also taught metaphysics. I thoroughly enjoyed the philosophical challenges, thinking, and writing required by the course. I went to the professor's office hours and he made himself available for deep discussions about the material, which enhanced my interest in the subject. Check out Allisons tutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

5 Contemporary Songs for the Piano, Guitar, and Voice

5 Contemporary Songs for the Piano, Guitar, and Voice Megan L. Practicing any song on the piano can be fun at first, but after a while playing the same songs by yourself can be a bit boring. Why not find some songs for the piano, guitar, and voice? You can perform for others in a talent show or an open mic night, or just for yourselves and have a good jam session! With any of the songs for the piano, guitar, and voice, your music teacher can help you with some pointers, and might even be able to teach you the chords by listening to the song. Be sure to ask your instructor before setting out to practice one of these songs by yourself, because there might be certain techniques that he or she wants you to focus on within the song. Here are a few ideas to get you started! OneRepublic If I Lose Myself While this acoustic cover of OneRepublics song also features a violin part, you can easily do without it and still get the same feel. This might not be one of the newest songs for piano and guitar, but its still out on the radio now and then and youll have no problem getting into the groove of it. Decide which parts each instrument will take, as the song has a few different riffs that happen simultaneously. The guitar player should be able to pick a fairly fast rate, as the riffs can get going pretty fast! Miley Cyrus Wrecking Ball If your singer really likes to croon, this is the perfect song to try! With a melody that is fairly slow and methodical, you wont have to worry about things picking up speed and getting left behind. Both the piano player and guitar player should be prepared for powerful chords throughout the chorus, and lighter playing during the verse. You can mix it up and make this one of your own songs for the piano and guitar if youd like though, by making a few simple changes here and there. The YouTube video above does not feature any vocals, but that just means that the melody is picked up by the piano and guitar. In the long run, having someone sing along with the piano and guitar parts can make things easier, as they can concentrate on the harmony and rhythm of their own playing, and the singer can carry the melody! Coldplay A Sky Full Of Stars The YouTube video for this song again has no vocal part, so the melody is covered by the piano and guitar. Both this Coldplay song and the Miley Cyrus song can be much easier songs for the piano and guitar if the vocal melody is actually sung instead of played! The guitar part for this song is mostly chords above the 12th fret, so be sure youve got those polished up! The piano part has many staccato chords scattered throughout the song. The vocal part is picked up by the piano, so the right hand octaves the melody. Adele Skyfall If you havent seen the latest Bond movie, the opening credits alone are definitely worth watching. Adele lends her signature sound to the James Bond saga, and definitely does it justice! If youre looking for songs for the piano and guitar with soaring vocals, look no further than this tune. This is another song thats a little bit more contemplative and dramatic than just upbeat and fast-paced. While it might be easier to learn, be careful, as the slower pace of the song leaves more space between notes. And its easier to notice your mistakes with this pace, if you happen to make any! The vocal part is played by the guitar in this particular cover (above), but doubling the vocals and guitar is a great way to add some depth if your guitar player also sings (otherwise any late or early notes on the guitar would sound well out of place). You could also make this song a duet for piano and either guitar or voice, if youd like. Maroon 5 Payphone This final song is a great closing number. It can really rock, and most people know the words, so its good for a crowd sing-along at the end of a set. In the video, the piano plays chords and doubles the vocal melody, and the guitar doubles the chords played on the piano. While this isnt one of the most complicated songs for the piano, guitar, and voice, it is a crowd favorite. If youre playing an open mic or talent show, sometimes thats the best way to leave things, with a familiar tune that everyone can enjoy and hum or sing to even after the show is over! Dont stop there!  Check out our list 400+ songs to sing here. Interested in Private Lessons? Search thousands of prescreened teachers for local and live, online lessons. Sign up for safe, affordable private lessons today! Search for Your Teacher  Photo  by Glen Darrud

Singing Basics Where to Find Free Voice Lessons Online

Singing Basics Where to Find Free Voice Lessons Online Suzy S. Want to improve your voice and feel more confident in your singing? Vocal training is great for helping you develop your range, sing with expression, and learn proper breathing techniques. If youre nervous about starting voice lessons or theres no voice teacher near you, however, online vocal lessons can offer the same benefits of in-person voice lessons. A growing number of vocalists, voice teachers, and music schools offer paid online voice lessons, done through video chat services like Skype, but you can also find many free voice lessons online, which can be great for supplementing your lessons. Here are a few resources to check out: Voice Lessons on YouTube You can find thousands of free voice lessons on YouTube, from warm-up ideas to demonstrating specific vocal techniques and more. Keep in mind, however, that these are just introductions to the techniques, and you’ll need ongoing practice and guidance to improve. Also, keep in mind that not all YouTube channels with free voice lessons are appropriate for every level. We recommend starting out with a playlist like this one designed for beginners. Work your way through it and try incorporating one lesson a day into your practice sessions! YouTube can also be a great resource for watching professional vocalists on stage or during performances. Instead of looking for guidance on specific techniques, examine their energy during the performance, their confidence, and how they incorporate their unique style into the piece. You can then take these observations as you develop your own style. Sample Voice Lessons Online Some voice teachers also offer sample lessons on their website. While these won’t replace ongoing vocal studies, they can serve as a great introduction. If you’re thinking about taking voice lessons in person, the free voice lessons on a voice teachers website can show you the teachers style, temperament, and perhaps their level of experience with the music styles youre interested in learning. Finally, many music schools offer similar sample courses, if you’re considering continuing your studies in an academic setting. But Are They Enough? Overall, while many free voice lessons are available online, they are not a good substitute for working with a voice teacher in person or at the very least, with live online lessons, where you can get real-time tips and support. Your voice teacher should be able to look at your posture and breathing, which can help put a halt to bad technique before it turns into a bad habit! In the end, whether you take singing lessons online or in person will boil down to your personal preferences. Finding the right teacher is half the battle, and that teacher might be down the road from you, or perhaps on the other side of the country. If you really want to improve, make the investment and sign up for private lessons. The one-on-one guidance you receive is invaluable, and can help you progress faster than you ever imagined.  Good luck, and have fun! Interested in Private Lessons? Search thousands of teachers for local and live, online lessons. Sign up for convenient, affordable private lessons today! Search for Your Teacher Photo  by Paul Hudson

What to do now that your in charge

Introvert Whisperer / What to do now that your in charge What To Do Now That You’re In Charge! Wow! You’ve been working towards a promotion and now you’ve just been given your first job as a manager of a group. YOU are in charge now!  This is a great opportunity and you are determined to let everyone know that their choice was a good one.   Here are some things you can do to ensure your first few months set you up for success as a strong leader in charge:   In the first 2 weeks you want to do the following: Meet with each individual that reports to you to get a download from them on; What they’ve accomplished this year What their challenges are (so you can be watching and coaching) What the plans going forward are What they see the purpose of their position to be. All of these items are good starter things to know.   You are in the process of learning these people at a level you haven’t done before and these are the things you need to know about them.  Even if you did one of those jobs, you don’t know nor have you “looked” at these people from this vantage point. You will not truly absorb all of that just by the first meeting but it starts your process and gives your people a chance to really be heard by you now that youre in charge.   In the first month, you want to do the following: You need to meet with everyone that either supports you â€" like an admin or adjacent department manager.   You need to further understand their jobs and how they interact with your position.   Getting to know players and positions is the most vital thing you can do to get started.   By doing this, you will be more effective sooner. Meet with the boss early and often: Make sure you meet with your boss to understand what goals are expected and what resources you have to support those goals besides your group.   Knowing their goals will help you define the goals you will want to plan for your people. Knowing the goals sets your baseline for performance but it’s vital for you to understand how they will measure your performance.  You need to know what they need from you to let them know how you AND your group is performing. Figure out what your job is: You need to figure out what your tasks are versus the tasks of those reporting to you.   You will likely do things differently than the previous manager so it’s important for you to figure out what you need from your group, when you need it and communicate that to them in this window.   This will be a be rough to start with as anything that represents a change usually is, so be patient until you all get a rhythm going. You will invariably be told “this isn’t how the previous manager did it”.    Don’t be defensive or blow it off.  Listen to what is being told to you about your job as learning your job will come from your group as much as it will come from the boss.  You can decide for yourself if you want to adapt what was done previously or invent your own way of doing things. The biggest aspect to your role is that you act as a communication conduit between higher management and your group.   Figure out the specifics of when to meet as a group and each individual quickly so communication isn’t missing during your transition into this new role. In the first 1-2 months: Make a plan for both long term and short term to that will get you and your group to the goals.   A good leader always has a plan and articulates that plan soon and often.   You can’t really accomplish this in the first couple of weeks but what you learn in those first couple of weeks will strongly inform this step.   You should get your group together to help develop this plan.   This is also important to solidifying yourself as a strong manager and leader.   Leaders have vision and plans, they can communicate and engage others in that vision and plan.   Once you have a plan, engage and communicate that to the boss and anyone else that is a stakeholder.   They want to know you are taking charge and this is one of the most powerful ways of doing it. With your plan in place, plan out how you will be updated and update to your group and to the higher management.   It’s not enough to have the plan you must execute and in the process, be a source of ongoing communication. First impressions matter and these first few months of your new leadership position have the potential of establishing your personal brand. Do you know what your next career step is?   Many people don’t. I want to help you accelerate your career by connecting you with your Free Instant Access to my eBook on how to construct your Career SMART Goals â€" that will help you put together your actions and keep you accountable.   Get your copy now and start your action plan today: CLICK HERE Brought to you by Dorothy Tannahill-Moran â€" dedicated to unleash your professional potential.

Comparatives and Superlatives in English - Easy English Grammar

Comparatives and Superlatives in English - Easy English Grammar In this post you will learn everything you need to know about comparatives and superlatives in English. It also includes 2 video lessons.Comparative and superlative adjectives are used to compare people and things. Comparative adjectives are used to compare two things. We use superlative adjectives in English when we compare three or more things.   Forming Comparatives and Superlatives Adjectives There are two basic ways of forming comparatives and superlatives in English.One-syllable and some two-syllable adjectivesIn general one-syllable words and some two-syllable words (those ending in consonant + y and a few others: easier, happiest, narrower, cleverest) take -er, -est endings. Two syllables and three syllables adjectivesMost long adjectives (most two syllables and three syllables) add more, most before the adjective. Irregular Comparatives and Superlatives Adjectives There are three adjectives with irregular forms: The Olympic motto is “faster, higher, stronger”. TV viewers can watch the excitement of downhill skiing, bobsleigh, speed skating and ski jump. Who will be the fastest skier on the slopes? Which country has the strongest ice hockey team? Which team will win the most gold medals and top the medal table?The French competitor’s ski jump was long.However the Italian athlete’s distance was longer.The German’s jump was the longest and he won the gold medal.The Russian ice hockey team is strong and they stand a good chance of a medal.The USA team is stronger. They beat the Canadians in a recent competition.The Canadian team is the strongest and they should win the gold medal.The Austrian skier is fast.The French skier is faster and should win the silver medal this time.The Swiss skier is the fastest by 5 seconds. He is expected to win an Olympic gold medal.The fastest speed recorded on a bobsleigh track is 125 miles per hour. Germany have a strong bobsleigh team, but experts agree that the United States team is stronger, so they should win the gold medal.Amy Williams won skeleton gold in Vancouver for Britain with a time of 3 minutes 35 seconds. She was the fastest woman in the competition.Who will be the fastest female skier on the slopes?The American skier is quick, but the Austrian competitor is even quicker. She’ll be favourite to win a gold medal.Which athlete will jump furthest in the ski jump? The longest jump was made by a skier from Norway, who broke the world record.The Austrian ski jumper is just 17. She is the youngest athlete in the competition.Use the adjectives in brackets to compare the following:1 mile/1 kilometer (long)ex. 1 mile is longer than 1 kilometer.1. The Eiffel Tower/The Statue of Liberty (tall)2. The Pacific Ocean/The Atlantic Ocean (deep)3. London Heathrow Airport/Amsterdam Schiphol Airport/Dublin Airport (busy) English Comparative and Superlative Adjectives - Video Lesson My English learning videos on YouTube will also help you better understand the rules of Comparatives and Superlatives in English: Two Syllable Adjectives Some of the two-syllable adjectives such as:clevercommonstupidnarrowgentlefriendlysimpletake either -er/-est or more/mostFor example,common commoner commonestORcommon more common most commonBoth options are correct. Irregular Comparatives and Superlatives in English - Video Lesson 2. Irregular Comparatives and Superlatives in English Important Rules of Using Comparative and Superlative Adjectives 1. VERY + adjectiveex. It is very cold today.  2. EVEN / A LOT / MUCH / FAR / A BIT / A LITTLE / SLIGHTLY + comparativeex. He seems much better today.It is slightly warmer outside.3. BY FAR + superlativeex. Shes by the far the most beautiful woman Ive ever seen.4. MOST + adjective = veryex. This is most unusual. (This is very unusual.)5. ANY/NO + comparative  ex. The weather is not getting any warmer.