It's essential to communicate with your colleagues and clients in their language when traveling for business. You can do some tricks if you're looking to improve your spoken French for business. First, try to find opportunities to speak French as often as possible. It could mean watching French movies or TV shows, listening to French podcasts, or attending online French courses. You can also practice speaking with a person or tutor who is fluent in the language. Don't be afraid to make mistakes! The more you learn the language, the better you'll become at it. Work on ListeningThe key to fluency in a new language is practice. It's not enough just listening. You have got control over what comes out of your mouth and how it sounds by practicing the process of hearing then understanding before speaking again. The best way we've found ways to use French audio materials as songs or podcasts recorded is because they're more natural than ones from France, making learning much easier for you. You can also memorize what you heard while watching a French movie or TV show. You might make an index card with French key phrases and the most common French adverbs on it and review them frequently throughout your studies so that they become ingrained in how you communicate. There are many different ways to study French, but there may be a better alternative depending on your level. Podcasts would work great if you want something portable and help with language learning while walking or going about the day. Suppose we were looking for an app specifically designed for beginners who need a more tailored experience. In that case, nothing beats Français Authentique, though, because it also offers video lessons. Get Yourself a PartnerAre you looking to practice your French? Why not try speaking with a native speaker! You will get more than just words, and you'll also learn how they say things in real life. And suppose that doesn't work out for some reason or another (maybe because of difficulty understanding one another). They're always asking them to repeat themselves slowly, so no conversation goes by without an answer being given at least once. Get a PhrasebookThe more personalized your French phrasebook, the faster you'll learn to speak and understand. You can use it for everyday conversations or when traveling abroad so that people know what language you're saying and how they should be addressing/referring back to whichever country's customs are being discussed. Learn Some Words Every DayWords are crucial because they allow us to communicate our thoughts and feelings. They provide insight into the world around us, but words can also be difficult for some people who have trouble remembering them or using the right ones at just the right time. To help you out with this problem, you can create a list of the most used French words in business. Prepare Yourself for Uneasy SoundsIt can be difficult at first to make the unfamiliar sounds of that country's native tongue when learning a new language. However, some people find this challenge more daunting than others and let their embarrassment hold them back from saying something correctly or making mistakes when speaking French, for example. Feeling stupid is a typical response when people start speaking another language. They're afraid they will make mistakes and feel embarrassed about it, but don't let this hold you back! Keep going in your online French classes even if, at first glance, everything feels silly or challenging to say. Eventually, these feelings won't matter – the skill itself will become second nature with practice (and sometimes third). To Wrap It UpLearning French for business is not an easy task, but with the help of some tips we've provided, you should be able to improve your skills in no time. The first thing you'll need to do is find a way to motivate yourself and keep practicing while simultaneously looking at other successful people with their language learning goals. Secondly, make sure that you're listening when people speak so that it becomes easier for you to understand what they're saying, even if it's just tiny sentences or phrases here and there, and thirdly keep on moving forward!
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Portugal is an enchanting destination, known to most for the abundance of attraction points in Porto, bustling streets of Lisbon, and awe-inspiring beaches of Algarve, which are all undeniably worthy of your attention. However, there is so much more to uncover in this beautiful country, especially once you set off to explore its wonders off the beaten track. If you have finished touring the major attractions or if you prefer to search for the hidden gems, here are ten best-kept secrets of Portugal that are as attention-worthy as the renowned popular sites. 1. BerlengasBerlengas is an archipelago consisting of small islands in the Atlantic Ocean, just off the coast of Peniche. Known for being one of the best spots for surfing in Portugal, Peniche itself is quite popular; however, not many people know about the unique set of islands just a short ferry ride away. Berlenga Grande is the one of the islands which is accessible to tourists, but it boasts an unparalleled fortress that now houses a tiny bed and breakfast for those wanting to stay away from the big city hustle. 2. ComportaComporta is a one-of-a-kind village located less than a two-hour drive away from Lisbon. This little piece of heaven on earth provides spectacular sceneries and a serene ambiance unbeknownst to masses of tourists and is home to a tight-knit community that ensures the well-being of this beautiful gem. 3. Peneda-Gerês National ParkThe Peneda-Gerês National Park is the perfect refuge for those seeking a nature escape. Located near the Spanish border in Northern Portugal, it is the only national park in the country, covering an area of over 70 000 hectares. It is home to several Portuguese villages, as well as domesticated animals and wildlife likewise. The park provides an abundance of hiking trails and other outdoor pursuits to choose from. 4. Trilho dos PescadoreTalking about trails in Portugal, it is important to mention the Trilho dos Pescadores (Fishermen’s trail), one of the best coastal routes in the country providing spectacular views every step of the way. Even though the views are undoubtedly worth it, get ready for a rather challenging walk, as battling the wind and the sand can sometimes be physically demanding. 5. Buracas do CasmiloAnother under-the-radar location in Portugal, that also provides a trekking trail for those interested in reaching their daily step goals, is Buracas do Casmilo. Located in Condeixa-a-Nova, Buracas do Casmilo is a set of caves situated amid lush nature and rock formations. 6. PiodaoThe one-of-a-kind Piodao village is the perfect location to marvel at some authentic architecture as well as get acquainted with the lifestyle of the locals far away from the herds of tourists. Get lost wandering its narrow streets, soak up the beautiful sceneries around you, and delve deeper into the unique stories about Piodao; it is all ensured to add up to quite a unique travel experience. 7. LamegoLocated in the Viseu District, Lamego is another secret that ought to be unveiled by those interested in the authenticity of Portugal. The charming town is located nearby the beautiful vineyards of Douro Valley and boasts an abundance of sites representing the beauty of Portuguese culture; thus, guaranteeing some lovely views without a doubt. 8. SilvesSilves is another overlooked destination in the country, perfectly summing up its charm. Once the capital of the sunny region of Algarve, the town was a major trading center during the Moorish rule in Portugal influences of which can be seen to this day. 9. FerragudoWhile on the topic of delightful locations in Algarve, it would be a sin not to mention the village of Ferragudo. It is one of the main hidden jewels of the region, boasting white-washed architecture, narrow winding streets, and waters dotted by charming fishing boats. Sounds like a dream, doesn’t it? 10. Praia da AdragaTaking a Faro to Lisbon train from sunny Algarve takes you to the last but definitely not least stop on the list, the spectacular Praia da Adraga. Located less than an hour away from Lisbon, the beautiful beach has somehow still been undetected by masses of tourists, allowing the irregular visitor to enjoy a calm day at the beach and admire the dramatic coastline. When it comes to Portugal, the list of hidden gems is actually never-ending, as any turn off the beaten path will take you to some charming village, breathtaking stretch of coastline, or a patch of beautiful nature. Make your way to the spectacular destination and find new locations that can be your best-kept secret in Portugal!
Traveling is always a fulfilling experience, irrespective of your age. When traveling, it always helps to know what to expect from your travels. It also helps knowing how you can make the most of your traveling experience, especially in trying times like this. With that in mind, here are a few super helpful tips for seniors who plan on traveling in 2022. #1 Health and Safety Comes FirstAt the start of 2021, the average number of daily COVID cases was around 200,000. Between March and September of the same year, the number dropped to less than 100,000 a day. As we enter 2022, that number has crossed 500,000 per day. The trend with COVID, therefore, is difficult to understand. And with the Omicron variant causing havoc around the world, things are more unpredictable than ever. Hence, it is important to know about these numbers before you decide to travel. Researchers have put forward the notion that the elderly are more at risk if COVID infects them. Thus, you will have to be extra careful about your health and safety when going on trips in 2022. #2 Know Which Places You Can VisitCountries are opening and closing their borders for tourists based on the worldwide situation with COVID. Some are welcoming tourists despite the rise in cases, while others close their borders the moment the numbers see an increase. You need to look up each country separately before you plan your travels. The same goes for any state in the US that you might be looking to visit. While you research that, look up the COVID numbers in those areas, as well as their daily COVID case rates. That will give you an idea of whether or not they plan on closing their borders anytime soon. #3 Keep An Eye On the weatherPlanning any trip often depends on the weather. Based on the weather data of that place, you can decide whether or not you want to visit that place. Some places are better during the rainy or winter season. Others are more enjoyable during the sunny summer days. Even on your trip, you will have to make your outdoor plans based on the weather forecasts. It always helps to have a weather app at hand when traveling. Using real-time weather data, these apps can help you clear out any confusions you might have. You can even check with the area’s pollen reports by using these weather apps. That is especially helpful information for seniors allergic to pollen. The last thing you would want on your trip is to get an allergic reaction to pollen. #4 Avoid Traveling in Public TransportHire a personal car for you and your travel partners when going on your trip. Avoid public transportation as much as possible. That way, you will be minimizing your exposure to people, which in turn will lower the chances of you getting COVID. #5 Spend More Time OutdoorsExperts suggest seniors spend more time outdoors amidst nature. That helps them get some physical activity done and increase their energy. Apart from improving your physical health, staying outdoors also helps fight depression. It also improves memory. Because of COVID, our outdoor time has been cut short by a huge amount. This is extremely bad for our health. As for seniors, the lack of outdoor time amidst nature can cause severe health problems. Memory loss, dementia, and depression are just some of the many mental illnesses that can pop up because of this. Besides, missing out on outdoor time means a drop in your physical health as well. So make the most of your travels and spend as much time outdoors as possible. Of course, wear a mask, and keep yourself safe first. #6 Avoid Cruise ShipsWhen you are in a different country or state, you can leave the place if there is a lockdown. Although the process is difficult, you can still manage to return home. The same is not possible on a cruise ship. We have seen this in the past where these ships had to quarantine at a port, while everyone on-board was barred from leaving their rooms. Hence, avoid cruise ships for the time being.
That is all for now. A lot of the tips here are more related to your health and wellbeing than travel itself. However, health is important, which is why we are emphasizing it. And as long as you take these suggestions into account, you can surely enjoy your trip to the fullest. Most people are used to thinking that successful individuals are just born under a lucky star. Still, such an opinion is a delusion, no matter how much we want to believe it. Success depends on one’s purposefulness, effort, and accomplishments to a large extent. So, all those stories of famous people are not just a product of luck. Elbow grease and confidence in oneself play a great role in getting a dream job. Of course, sometimes other important factors can influence the situation. This can mean the ability to craft a winning resume despite the lack of work experience. To increase the chances of employment, use resume writing services like Skillhub and get professional help. Everything is possible, so receiving an invitation for an interview with a recruiter from your dream company is easier than it may seem. To prove to you that career growth depends only on personal effort, this article reveals the story of one of the most famous show hosts in the whole world. Oprah Winfrey’s career path wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows. Let’s delve into it and discuss some of her preliminary occupations. Grocery Store AssistantIt may come as a shock for many people, but Oprah’s first work was in a local grocery store. She worked there as a teenager to get some pocket money, but we can still consider her career path began in a shop. Over the past decades, the sales profession has undergone many changes, and the requirements for recruiting in this specialization have increased significantly. Of course, no one says that you can grow to the director of a store in a couple of months. The career growth of a seller is quite long, but the prospects are significant. It is worth considering that even in this profession, you will constantly have to develop and grow. If you choose not to upgrade your key skills, then you should not think about career growth and an increase in salary. Part-Time News ReporterJohn Heidelberg from the local radio station WVOL noted Oprah’s abilities and hired her to read the latest news on weekends. She worked as a part-time news reporter during her high school years. In addition, she was not just a presenter but the first African-American woman to occupy such a position. She managed to do a good job and made nearly a hundred dollars a week. However, it was not always a success. In her early days on television, Winfrey was scared and felt the news was not her field of occupation. The exceptional compassion, which, in fact, brought her later success and money, was not the best professional quality for the commentator. She kept repeating to herself, “I’ll just pretend I’m Barbara Walters,” and it worked. Walters became her professional leader. Oprah earned $15,000 a year while still a college student. This story shows that despite the fear and lack of confidence, there is no use in giving up. This refers not only to the growth in a particular career field but also to the process of a job application. If no recruiters land an interview with you or you are fed up with constantly trying to land a job, this does not mean it will always be like that. Just be persistent and send as many applications as possible. Host of the Morning Talk ShowBefore graduating from college in 1976, Winfrey was offered a chance to be a reporter for “Baltimore is Talking” and the second six-hour news broadcaster on WJZ Television. Winfrey accepted the proposal and was on her way to the big times. It is worth noting that this role was performed by her flawlessly. The ratings of the program went off the scale, and this was the very success that the girl dreamed of so much. Two years later, she became the host of the show “People Are Talking.” Oprah’s rating began to rise sharply as the audience warmly and enthusiastically welcomed her. Indeed, when a person loves their job and invests all their energy and effort in the development of their career, it is appreciated by the community. Hard-working people are noticed by employers and hiring managers and have better chances to get “yes” at the interview. Acting ExperienceIn 1985, Quincy Jones, a famous American film producer, was looking for someone to perform a role in his film. Winfrey had no acting experience other than a college drama club, but Jones chose her for the job. The motion picture was released in December 1985 to the delight of the audience. It is said that a talented person is talented in everything. Perhaps, this phrase has a grain of truth. But most importantly, to expand career opportunities, one must use any chance they are offered. Host of a Personal ShowHaving managed to succeed on such a rich career path, Oprah came close to creating what we know her for. In 1986, the most famous “The Oprah Winfrey Show” appeared. This instant turn of events made Winfrey the highest-paid performer in show business. Final WordsSuccess never comes out of the blue. It is a constant process of self-development through significant effort and perseverance. As you can see from Oprah’s experience, to get something, one needs to put their back into it and never stop moving forward.
Conscious living, conscious exercising, conscious breathing - everything has now become conscious. Even hobbies can be conscious, meaning that you should take them up because you want to do so. During your life, there have certainly been situations where you wanted to do something just because other people did that. As you have reached your fifties or sixties, you finally have the cognitive basis and wisdom to opt for what you like. Read on to choose something new from the list below. 1. Playing a Musical InstrumentIf you ask ten random people about their childhood dream, the chances are high that half of them would remember wanting to become an artist. Some of them would specify that they wanted to play a musical instrument, but the parents told them not to do so. The same could have happened to you. At any given time of your life, you might have wanted to start a musical career. However, you were afraid of those uncharted waters, questioned your abilities, or thought that the number of successful artists was already high. Those were and are only thoughts: you can start little by little right now. You have the skills to give your musical self a try and experiment. Whether you go to a music school or begin watching a virtuoso Youtuber, the music in your mind is waiting to be heard. 2. Reading, Reading, ReadingReading makes for a hobby that everyone has considered at least once. Why? It helps you be equipped with knowledge in different aspects. As you already have extensive life experience, you would certify that multifaceted knowledge is an asset. The more you read, the more situations and scenarios you can live with the help of the characters. You keep your imagination and feelings working: they keep you alive inside. All the things you can dream about nurture your inner child who provides you with enthusiasm and strength to continue exploring life. So often, seniors fall into depression as they don’t know what to do next, and they long for the past. Reading can serve as a key to studying more opportunities and biographies of others to find clues to what you can do next. 3. MeditatingSometimes meditation seems like a scam to unprepared seniors: you sit and imagine. What’s the point? Instead of that, you can do something in the real world. What those seniors don’t know is that meditation is the key to the inner world, and the world that surrounds you is the projection of it. You spot outside what you have inside, not the other way around. Meditation helps you stay connected with your true self, your sincere wants, and needs, but also acknowledge your fears. While meditating, you dig deep into yourself, trying to find answers to existential questions that you long had but didn’t allocate time to answer. So, when you have the answers in you and have calmed down inside, you will notice how the outside world changes in response to your updated state of mind. 4. Learning a New LanguageInterestingly, learning a new language has become easy today, yet many hardly consider it seriously. In the abundance of language learning apps, you can start today with one language, tomorrow learn another, and decide that your tongue is the one and only. Think of a language that would help you in a specific field to prevent such a dilemma. For example, you want to relocate, or you want to travel. Yes, the world speaks English, but isn’t it better to know the native tongue of the country and culture you have always admired? Also, learning something new keeps your brain active and pushes it to develop new neural connections. Some studies have shown that this can hinder the development of illnesses, such as Alzheimer's. 5. Training Financial LiteracySeniors are known for having some savings that can help them afford to live the way they used to. However, this also makes them an easy target for those agencies that want to sell seniors things they don’t need. Marketers know that seniors have those funds and can buy items for their children or grandchildren. Training financial literacy and knowing that such scams can occur helps seniors be more aware of what their money should be used for. On the other hand, seniors who are still working, need to file tax documents, and applying for professional assistance would be the right step. Tax preparation, especially when it comes to tax refund files, requires professionalism and experience. This can help seniors pay as much as they need and use the tax breaks and advantages the government usually provides them.
When we walk over the hill to middle age, we find that our body and mind isn't what it used to be. We may notice a few wrinkles around our eyes, some aches and pains, or we may not be as mentally alert as we were twenty years ago. Time catches up with all of us, and there is no point in trying to avoid it. Fortunately, we can do things to slow down Old Father Time, such as taking regular exercise, eating a healthy diet, limiting stress, and taking certain nutritional supplements. Here are 5 of the best nutritional supplements for the over 50s. CalciumCalcium is vital for maintaining strong bones and protecting against cancer, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Your heart, muscles, and nerves also need calcium to function properly. Women over the age of 50 are highly susceptible to developing osteoporosis, a health condition that weakens bones and causes them to break more easily. Men can develop osteoporosis, but it's far more common in women. Calcium can be found in dairy products and green leafy vegetables. BerberineBerberine is a substance found in plants such as goldenthreads, tree turmerics, and Oregon grapes. It has an endless list of medicinal properties such as lowering cholesterol, reducing blood sugar in people with diabetes, reducing symptoms of menopause, treating the side effects of heart failure, healing stomach ulcers caused by H.Pylori, and preventing bone loss in menopausal women. Berberine is best taken as an oral supplement to get its full benefit. Luma Nutrition berberine is an example of a quality product using the best ingredients. Ginkgo BilobaAs we age, our brain function can diminish due to insufficient blood circulation, among other factors. Ginkgo biloba is rich in phytochemicals that improve circulation. This wonder plant can improve brain function and slow cognitive decline, thus reducing the risk of dementia. Because ginkgo biloba increases blood circulation, it can ease painful legs and help older people become more mobile and pain-free. Vitamin DVitamin D is vital for good health. We need it to maintain strong bones and teeth, keep our muscles functioning properly, and to make our immune system robust. We obtain most of our daily vitamin D requirements from the sun. Our body absorbs it from the sun's rays, and it is synthesized in the skin. Living in a country with limited daily sunshine can deplete a person's natural vitamin D levels, as can the aging process, so health experts recommend that older people take vitamin D in supplement form. Vitamin D is a nootropic, meaning it can help improve cognitive function. Nootropics are essential to take as we get older. With this comprehensive list of nootropics, you can ensure you're taking the right vitamins and minerals for improved brain function. GlucosamineMost people over the age of 50 have heard of glucosamine as it is the most widely used supplement in older people.
Glucosamine is an amino sugar found naturally in human and animal tissues. It develops and maintains cartilage within the joints, so with age, this substance can deplete, leading to sore joints and osteoarthritis. It can also reduce inflammation, so it is an effective treatment for reducing the symptoms of interstitial cystitis, inflammatory bowel disease, and glaucoma. It is essential to consult your doctor before taking any supplements because some may cause side effects when taken with prescription medications. While everyone is striving for retirement, many retirees later find themselves looking for things to do to keep busy, which is why so many retirees start working part-time. Although many retirees need to create an income to make ends meet, living costs keep on rising. So, whether you are hoping to create a worthwhile extra income or you want to pursue something that will keep you busy, we've rounded up five great ideas for you to consider. Sell Home-Made Goods OnlineStarting an e-commerce business is pretty pocket-friendly, especially when considering how many free resources are at your disposal. You can use free website builders, free logo design apps, and online tutorials to create your brand. And if you aren't too sure what kinds of things you should sell, you should consider your hobbies; if you enjoy gardening, you can sell plants online, or if you enjoy sewing, you could sell clothing, garments, or home decor items. Freelance TutoringFreelance tutoring is an excellent opportunity for retirees who want to earn extra money, although they don't want to start a business. Because seniors tend to develop patience along the way, retirees are typically great tutors. That said, tutoring opportunities are amble, as you can tutor remotely from home if you have a laptop and a stable internet connection. Furthermore, you can also work your own hours as one of many perks of freelancing. House SittingOffering services such as babysitting or pet sitting is not always the most suitable decision for seniors, as these services can be mentally and physically taxing. Although, services such as house sitting are possible. Looking after someone's property while they are away is hardly an effort at all, and you'll make extra money. Rent Your SpaceAlternatively, you could consider renting out some of your homes if your property is large enough for a roommate. Although you should use rental agent services to rent out your space safely, particular processes will be put in place to ensure your home is shared with an individual that meets the criteria. Finding a roommate on your own could have you living with a tenant you cannot get rid of and who does not pay their rent. Freelance WritingFreelance tutoring is not the only freelance opportunity out there that seniors can take advantage of. If you enjoy writing, you can find opportunities with the help of online job boards for remote freelance positions.
Freelancing is one of the most suitable forms of employment for seniors, as the advantages allow for a comfortable work-life balance that won't be too demanding. As a retiree, there's no doubt that you don't want to overwork yourself just to earn a bit of extra money. Of course, you need to manage your health and wellbeing as you age. And while investing in healthcare and avoiding lousy dietary habits are just a couple of ways to manage your health, keeping busy is also essential for your mental and emotional wellbeing. Our life as young and then mature adults is tightly connected with our work and our family. The things we do and the people we care for provide us with purpose and meaning. Plus, you get a feeling of being useful and wanted; you have a place in society. However, once the kids move out and become self-sufficient, you start to feel less needed. Also, as you move forward in age, and retire, you get a second blow from society. Now you’re no longer a manager or an advisor - you’re just a retired old person with a whole bunch of time on your hands and a lot of aching body parts. As a result, more people fall into depression after retirement. The sudden change in their life dynamics leaves them feeling empty and shunned by society. Still, there is hope for a good and fun life after retirement - you just have to prepare for it. You can do so by strengthening family ties (taking care of grandchildren from time to time), making new friends (other retired people with a lot of free time), and finding fun and interesting activities to do. For instance, if you like flowers, there are a ton of interesting activities you can do on your own or with friends. Here are a few ideas: Gardening and Growing FlowersMaybe you’ve always wanted a beautiful garden filled with gorgeous flowers from all over the world but there was no time for such a hobby. Well, now that you are retired and the kids are all grown up, you have all the time in the world! Sure, your joints are not what they used to be, but you can hire someone to do the digging and the planning in the spring. Plus, there are a lot of tools you can use to make your job easier. Gardening is a great activity for the body and the soul as it helps you stay active while doing something you love! Flower ArrangementsIf you just like playing with flowers and colors, you can dig into flower arrangements. After all, it takes skill and attention to detail to put together a beautiful yellow flower bouquet! For this, you can purchase the flowers fresh from the market or you can collaborate with local gardeners. Who knows, maybe you can make some new friends who share the same love for flowers! Arrangements help you exercise your dexterity and stimulate the brain by engaging several sensory systems. Plus, they’re nice to look at and brighten any place! Collect Pressed FlowersWhile they don’t have a very long life when fresh, pressed flowers will stay with you for as long as you want. Plus, you can display them in various crafts or you can offer them to loved ones as gifts or as cards on special occasions. It takes a bit to learn the flower pressing technique, but it is an extremely fun and interesting skill to add to the toolkit. Plus, it helps you keep the brain young (learning a new skill) and helps you discover new hobbies and passionate people. Key TakeawayOverall, whether it’s flowers or anything else, it’s important to find ways to entertain yourself during retirement. This way, your brain will stay active and you will continue to have a fun and full life.
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