Toulouse, the top city to visit in 2025

Toulouse, the top city to visit in 2025

18, January, 2025

Episode 214: Toulouse, the top city to visit in 2025

In this podcast, we present our adopted city, Toulouse, which has been nominated at the top city to visit in 2025 by the reputed travel guide series Lonely Planet.

Welcome back to English-Podcasts In this episode we talk about one of the best cities in Australia and apparently, throughout the world as it is widely recognised as one of the best places to live in the world.

Notes

What websites are saying about Toulouse:

.Spotlight on the Ville Rose! The prestigious Lonely Planet travel guide has just crowned Toulouse as the best destination to visit in 2025. An accolade that propels the Occitan capital to the forefront of the international tourism scene and confirms its status as the jewel in the crown of south-western France. We tell you all about it.

With its picturesque alleyways, lively cafés and comforting cuisine, Toulouse has a warm, trendy atmosphere. In its rankings, the Australian travel guide praises the unique atmosphere along the sunny banks of the Garonne and the Canal du Midi. We won’t deny that Toulouse is a great place to live, eat and feel. Lonely Planet’s experts also highlight Toulouse’s rich architectural heritage, from the majestic Saint-Sernin basilica to the emblematic Place du Capitole.

The jury was also won over by Toulouse’s cultural dynamism. The city is teeming with innovative art galleries housed in converted industrial sites. Music lovers are not to be outdone, with a wide range of musical offerings, from jazz at Le Taquin to opera at the Théâtre du Capitole. The highlight of this artistic effervescence is the long-awaited reopening of the Musée des Augustins in 2025, a veritable cultural institution in Toulouse since 1795. All of which makes Toulouse a must-see destination for art and culture lovers from all over the world!

Recap & Takeaways

Listen up as we discuss 20 “must do” places and things in Toulouse.

We have lived in Toulouse for over 30 years and know the city very well. We list out our top places which range from medieval cathedrals to rooftop bars and of course, the iconic rugby stadium.

As a language learner, listen out for the adjectives we use to describe our favourite city.

How would you describe your home town ? As a language learner, take the time to describe in detail your home town.

 

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17th century Eyam and Covid, what’s the connection?

17th century Eyam and Covid, what’s the connection?

18, January, 2025

Episode 231: 17th Eyam and Covid, what’s the connection ?

In this podcast Sue talks about a village near her home town which experienced a “Covid like” outbreak in the 17th century. She explains this to Chris, who aks all the right questions. Listen in, you’ll be amazed.

Welcome back to English-Podcasts. For language learners, you can hear how we compare the past and the present. How did people cope in the 17th with a deadly disease? How did we cope during Covid? How did you cope during Covid?

Notes

In this podcast Chris and Sue talk about a lockdown situation that took place in the 17th century in a village called Eyam which is located in north Derbyshire.

Back then the situation was very serious and the majority of the villagers lost their lives to the plague. Of course we are absolutely not living through a plague situation but some of the social distancing measures that the villagers undertook may seem familiar today.

These pictures will help you follow the story.

To expand your vocabulary even further try our fun quiz What was your Personality during Covid?.

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Language notes

What did you understand from the conversation?

Where is Eyam?

When was the outbreak of the plague?

How did it start ?

What did the villagers do?

Who encouraged them in to stay put and not leave the village?

How did the villagers get food?

How did they “sanitize” their money?

What other “social distancing measures” did they have ?

What were the symptoms of the plague?

What is the village like now ?

What numbers did you pick up ? What do they refer to?

Vocabulary check: listen out for these unfamiliar words :

fleas – cloth – boils – cysts – vicar – burials – grave digger – contagious disease – quirky – quaint – picturesque 

 

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London Tube or Paris Metro which is best?

London Tube or Paris Metro which is best?

18, January, 2025

Episode 201: London Tube or Paris Métro, which one is best?

In this podcast, we challenge each other with our knowledge of the London and Paris underground transport systems. It’s a fun podcast full of fun facts and overflowing with numbers !.

london paris

Welcome back to English-Podcasts. In this episode we dive into numbers; how long, how old, how far, how many, how often, how much. Challenge yourself to catch all the numbers we mention.

Notes

The London underground transport system, commonly known as the Tube, is the way most Londerners get around. It’s old and dusty but Londoners love it.

You’ll need to listen to the podcast to find out all the details!

The same goes for the Paris métro.

Here in Toulouse we have a brand new métro syetem of just 2 lines (although soon to be 3), and the innovation is that the trains are driverless.  

If you want to know more about Paris and London, try this link for loads more info: https://londonist.com/2016/03/london-underground-vs-paris-metro

Recap & Takeaways

This podcast is perfect for practicing numbers, comparatives and superlatives.

Here is a recap:

Adjectives Comparatives Superlatives
Long Longer than The longest
Easy Easier than The easiest
Comfortable More comfortable than The most comfortable

You will also hear the comparatives/superlatives of these adjectives: old – fast – expensive – deep – short – far – complicated

Also listen out for the adjectives and the nouns used in this conversation especially when Chris and Sue ask each other questions:

Long The length
Deep The depth
High The height
Wide The width

How long is the system? How many stations are there ? How deep is the deepest tunnel? How far is the station? How long does it take to travel through the entire system? How old is the metro?

What is the depth of the deepest station? What is the length of the distance between….

 

 

 

 

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Using Music to work on grammar

Using Music to work on grammar

18, January, 2025

Episode 215: Using Music to work on grammar

One way of working on grammar in English, and a great way to memorise some grammar patterns and rules is to use popular songs.

Welcome to our latest episode of the English podcasts! In this captivating installment, we’ll be exploring a unique approach to language learning: using music to work on grammar.

Notes

Join us as we delve into the fascinating world of music and its powerful impact on grammar acquisition. From catchy tunes to rhythmic patterns, music has long been recognized as a valuable tool for enhancing language skills.

In this episode, we’ll uncover the science behind why music is such an effective teaching aid for grammar. We’ll explore how musical elements such as melody, rhythm, and repetition can help learners internalize grammatical structures and concepts in a fun and engaging way.

Recap & Takeaways

Whether you’re a teacher looking to spice up your grammar lessons or a learner seeking new strategies to master language skills, this podcast is for you. Tune in as we harmonize grammar and music to create an unforgettable learning experience.

So, grab your headphones, turn up the volume, and join us on this melodic journey through the world of language learning. Don’t forget to subscribe and share your thoughts in the comments below. Let’s explore the power of music to transform grammar learning together!

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Veronique travelling in Australia

Veronique travelling in Australia

18, January, 2025

Episode 214: Mega Europe Trivia Quiz

Think you know about Europe? Maybe you do, maybe you don’t. Test your general knowledge with some off the wall questions about culture, history and knowledge of countries, customs and cities in Europe.

If you love quizing and increasing your knowledge of fun facts and trivia about Europe – this quiz will really stretch your knowledge and help get those neurons bouncing.

Notes

Welcome to the Mega Europe Trivia Quiz, where we embark on a journey through the diverse and fascinating continent of Europe!

From the sun-kissed shores of the Mediterranean to the snow-capped peaks of the Alps, Europe is a treasure trove of history, culture, and innovation.

Recap & Takeaways

In this quiz, we’ll test your knowledge on everything from famous landmarks and historical events to culinary delights and pop culture phenomena. So, gather your wits, sharpen your pencils, and get ready to uncover the secrets and surprises of Europe in this ultimate trivia challenge!

Are you ready to prove your expertise and discover new tidbits about this remarkable continent? Let’s dive in and see how well you know Europe!

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How to REALLY celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day

How to REALLY celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day

Saint Patrick’s Day is an iconic day in the year.

Irish and non-Irish nationals love to celebrate this day which is associated with good fun, music and a lot of laughs.

Listen as we caught up with Craig, an Irish guy living in Spain, who tells us all about he used to celebrate the day and what he does now.

We talk about what the Irish drink, where they drink, what they wear and who Sant Patrick was.

Of course listen out for his soothing Irish accent which puts us all in the mood to enjoy this most Irish of days.

After listening to the podcast try the quiz to test your comprehension.

St Patrick’s Day Quiz

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