100 Hours! Observations and a question or two

So I just hit 100 hours on the app. I started at 50 so, I guess it’s really 50 but based on the criteria of “know some common words and phrases” I felt pretty confident about that classification.

I have really enjoyed the app so far. I started in July after a trip to Mexico. I had a great time but was annoyed that I couldn’t really speak with anyone. I had some fun interactions thru my terrible Spanish and their broken English, but I would have enjoyed it more if I was better at the language. Plus, I’m getting older (50) and it seemed like something that would be good for my brain.

My learning thus far has been mostly thru the app, but I’ve e started reading a little (a graded reader on my kindle) and my instagram feed has turned into a LOT of Spanish content. My first “win” was thru IG when I was watching a comedic reel from native speakers and I got the joke.

I also picked up a workbook at the bookstore today. I was hoping some examples where I’m writing things out would help. I really struggle with sentence structure and the use of Lo, le, etc.

Thanks to everyone that has suggested watching videos on 1.25x speed. I’m in the level 25 range now and they can be a little slow, but it’s a lot of good content and I don’t think I’m ready to jump up so the faster video is a nice compromise.

I’ve tried a couple of podcasts too, but the only one I’ve really gotten into is Coffee Break Spanish. It seems to be most appropriate for where I am. I tried Cuentame and The Chill Spanish Podcast but I get lost too easy for me to enjoy it. As an aside about Coffee Break Spanish…im listening to the early episodes (2009ish) and it’s funny to get a Scottish guy teaching Spanish. I think he (and the cohost that is also Scottish) do a great job, but I’m lost interested in Mexican Spanish while listening to Spain Spanish taught by a Scotsman.

One question…my IG feed will randomly give me a reel of someone telling me they are going to show me how to learn hundred of Spanish words using the “keymagine” method where you take the Spanish words using and associate it with something that will remind your brain what the word is. It sounds great but the reminder thing is always stupid and never something you could remember. The accounts all have mostly the same name and almost no followers. The curious thing is they don’t seem to be selling anything either. Anyone have ideas?

Sorry if I’ve rambled but I just wanted to say how much I like the app and am enjoying the community.