I made all the reservations for my trip to Spain online. I bought the airline tickets online. I reserved the hotels online. I went online to buy tickets for Sagrada Família, the famous cathedral in Barcelona. It was easy, and they sent me all the information in emails. The only problem was that the emails kept coming: “Your flight leaves soon.” “Enjoy your stay at our hotel.” “Your visit starts in 24 hours.” Afterwards, I got more messages. “How was the flight?” “Did you enjoy your stay?” I was getting tired of so many emails. Then, as I was flying back from Spain to Finland, the plane had engine trouble, and we had to go back to Spain. At the Barcelona Airport, they sent me an email with my new flight information. This time, I was happy to get an email!  (141 words) You can send me a comment or your own story

I’m traveling in Spain with friends now, and I’m trying to speak Spanish. I learned a little Spanish in junior high school, and I have been using a language app for a few months to get ready for this trip. Our first stop was Barcelona, and our taxi driver spoke English. The waitress at the restaurant spoke English. The hotel clerk spoke English. I was beginning to think that I didn’t need Spanish. Then, when I talked to the hotel maid, she didn’t speak English. At last, I had a chance to speak Spanish. After that, I have tried to use Spanish as much as possible. Yesterday, I used a word that I had learned in junior high school. I always remembered “abondigas,” which means “meatballs,” and I found them on the menu!     (133 words) I won’t be able to send out Jaremaga for the next two days. Please be patient,

I went to a supermarket last Thursday to get ready for the World Cup match between Japan and Sweden. It was on Friday morning, and I wanted to buy some snacks to eat while watching the game. As I was looking at the snacks, I saw something silver. It was a special package with a black and white design. The company’s usual red and yellow package uses ink that is made with oil products, but this company is trying not to use oil now because it’s difficult to get oil from the Middle East. Not using colorful ink for the packages is one way that the company can use less oil.   (111 words) Jaremaga now comes out online on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. To become a paid subscriber and read it 5 days a week, go to “Support Jaremaga” below for more information. You can send me a comment or your own story

Watermelons are in season now. They are on sale everywhere, and they are delicious if you buy them ripe. Do you know how to choose a watermelon? Pick it up and tap it. Listen, and if it has a deep sound, it is ripe. Try to choose a heavier watermelon because it’s usually juicier. Of course, you can buy half or a quarter of a watermelon, but I like to buy one whole. My wife and I have no trouble finishing it! These days, farmers use special technology to check how sweet watermelons are. Some watermelons are more expensive, but if you know how to choose a watermelon, you can find a good one at the right price.   (118 words) Jaremaga now comes out online on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. To become a paid subscriber and read it 5 days a week, go to “Support Jaremaga” below for more information. You can send