Shall and will When we are talking about the future, when should we use shall and when will? Many thanks in advance.

Are there any difference between "and so on", "and the like", and "etc."? When they should be used? I want to know the differences between this expression to use them with accuracy. Are there any other expression like these that can be used as synonym? Many thanks in advance.

Something truly beautiful in Spain Something truly beautiful in Spain In Southern Europe, where many centuries ago the current territory of Spain was ruled by the Islamic culture (except some regions in the North) is raised one of the most wonderful, beautiful and magic buildings of the Earth. I'm talking about The Alhambra, the red castle. On the hill of al-Sabika, surrounded by the city of Granada and the Sierra Nevada Mountains, this construction maintains its enchantment and evokes ancient times. It survived to the Spanish Re-conquest of the Islamic territories by the Catholic monarchy, the Independence War between Spain and France and the Spanish Civil War. But also the action of tourists during the Nineteenth century when many people came to Granada appealed by the magic evocations of Washington Irving’s writings. His description of places and stories that took place there are maybe far off from the true history and reality. But it doesn’t matter at all. He contributed to rescue from history such an extraordinary building and the Islamic legacy in the Iberian Peninsula. For those who are interested in this monument designated by the UNESCO as a World Heritage Site I attached the link of its website: http://www.alhambra-patronato.es/. In addition, I give you two more links about two videos in Spanish which describe the construction and its history. Both videos were produced and broadcasted by the Spanish National Television company RTVE: - http://www.rtve.es/noticias/20130110/cronicas-alhambra-manuscrito-descifrado/599221.shtml - http://www.rtve.es/alacarta/videos/la-mitad-invisible/mitad-invisible-alhambra/1319736/ I hope you enjoy watching them!

Good news from Spain Yesterday evening great news came from the Spanish Parliament. A people’s legislative initiative over the dation in payment will be gone through the Parliament. Spanish situation is quite different from other countries such as the United States. In Spain, when one family or individual can’t pay its/his/her mortgage loan the bank or saving bank which lent the money to pay his/her house could initiate a eviction process. In addition, families or individual must pay the loan until its/his/her debt has fully been paid. The result is the total social exclusion for life of this people. In Spain many families have been evicted over the last four years, around 400,000 according to official statistics. Maybe in her way after being approved the law will face a lot of changes, but the initial approval means people could participate in political life contributing to change their reality, the reality. Besides, people directly affected by an eviction or for those who could be affected by in the future have now reasons to look to the future with illusion. In Spain, over the last four years many people have lost it.

Will Spain recover? Another day in the Spanish critical situation. More scandals over corruption in our main political parties and tax avoidance. Meanwhile the number of children that are not properly feed or families that do not have enough money to pay their mortgage loans, rents or the energy needed to keep their houses adequately warm on a rise. Spaniards' recovery is yet far, especially taking into account "no- help" from the European institutions. I'm afraid the recovery will arrive too late for many families and their children.

First notebook entry: Introducing myself I am learning English because I want to improve my oral and writing English skills. Currently I am working under an English environment but I need to improve my skills. Besides I want to increase opportunities for future jobs. My native language is Spanish because I am from Spain. I also speak Catalan. I live in a little town near Barcelona. I enjoy reading books on current affairs, history, political issues and culture. I follow the news and I am interested in current economic and political issues. I also like sports, not practising but watching, especially football. I am also interested in languages. Apart from English I am learning French by myself at my own pace.