The Spanish Language in the US

The University of Guadalajara is putting on the 3^rd annual Spanish language book fair of Los Angeles (LéaLA) at the L.A. Convention Center from the 17^th to the 19^th of May. Organizers of the fair, the largest of its kind in the US, aim to strengthen the Spanish language in the country, particularly among the children of its Latino community. They expect record turn out this year, planning to attract over one hundred thousand book enthusiasts and more than 300 publishers including the Penguin group and Random House. 

Besides an impressive list of over 200 book booths, 90 authors are also scheduled to offer book signings, presentations and readings. Although most of the authors are Mexican, writers and readers of all backgrounds are encouraged to participate in the free event. Chilean rock star Beto Cuevas, of the group La Ley, will be on hand to discuss his new book entitled The Art of Being Beto Cuevas, and American best-selling author Nicholas Sparks will talk about literary translation. Other participating authors include Paco Ignacio, Beatriz Riva and Daniel Krauze.

Marisol Schulz, the director of the fair, is also director of the hugely successful International Book Fair of Guadalajara in Mexico. One of her goals has been to attract greater international attention to L.A.’s book fair, and especially from Latin American countries beyond Mexico.  She has already confirmed that members of both Argentina and Colombia’s camaras del libro (trade associations for those in the book industry) will be in attendance this year.

The fair will also pay special homage to the Mexican literary legend Carlos Fuentes and to the widely celebrated Mexican American singer Jenni Rivera, both of whom died last year. Carlos Fuentes’ widow Silvia Lemus will also participate in the tribute to her late husband.

Over 100 Activities to explore Ibero-American Traditions

Over 100 activities are also scheduled for the popular childrens’ area, where kids and parents will get to explore Ibero-American traditions and the rich artwork of the Mexican Muralists. Activities include entertaining and educational stage performances about folk legends from a variety of Latin American regions. A number of childrens’ workshops designed to promote bilingualism have also been scheduled, where kids will hear tales of the plumed serpent Quetzalcoatl and play traditional Mexican games. The group Zaikocirco will also offer entertaining circus performances and puppet shows. Over 40% of last year’s visitors brought their kids, a promising statistic for the future of the Spanish language in the US.

Visitors will also get the chance to see lectures and participate in forums and panel discussions, where a wide range of topics to be discussed include the challenges of distributing and selling Spanish language books in the US, and the history of the city of Tijuana. That city itself is booked as the event’s guest of honor this year.  

Although the main purpose of the book festival has been to promote Spanish-language literature and celebrate Latino heritage, event organizers soon discovered their growing venue was also offering a profitable space for booksellers, filling a clear void in the book industry. 80% of visitors made purchases at last year’s fair. 

The Dutch student life: study, move in as soon as possible and hit the bars with your friends/student association! The Spanish student life is similar, but a little different. For many Dutch students it is hard to imagine living at home until the age of 27!

The Spanish student life means lots of partying (if you want you can go every night of the week!), living at home for a long time and of course lots of studying. In Spain, most students live at home until the age of 27, with some exceptions, of course. The students who will study a little further away and would therefore have to travel for a long time do move into rooms. They become really independent only when they have their own jobs.

Speaking of jobs... Many Spanish students did have side jobs a few years ago, but we all know the financial situation in Spain. There is hardly any work to be had. This has already led to major protests throughout the country several times. 50% of young people are unemployed. Then again, what is very nice to see is that many Spaniards remain so cheerful and sociable despite the unemployment figures! They don't lose their charm because of it!

Study in Spain

Spain is one of the favorite countries among foreign youth to study for a while. You then have the choice of studying at a Spanish university or taking a Spanish language course. Typical among students are the botellones that are held. In the park or somewhere else outdoors with a large group of people from many different countries having a drink. This drink is bought in the supermarket and put in large plastic bottles. Usually this is cola with red wine: calimocho. But cava is always good too!

Contrary to popular belief, Spanish students do receive years of English in school. However, because classes are in Spanish and series or movies on television are dubbed, they do not have the opportunity to practice the language so they do not master it. Fortunately, many foreign students do speak Spanish which allows for good communication. Plus, you learn to speak Spanish much faster when you practice it outside of school!

It already starts with dinner: in Holland punctually at 6 p.m. but in Spain usually around 10. Earlier or later is also allowed, it doesn't matter. As long as you have taken a siesta in the afternoon!

The cultural differences between Spain and Holland are quite noticeable. My first time in Spain, I was out with some friends and at 02.00 o'clock at night the little children were still running over the streets! I had never seen this before! But yes, in the summer this is the most normal thing in the world here.

Spanish food

I was just talking about dinner time, but the food itself is different, of course! In the afternoon, Spaniards eat a hot meal. I sit there every day with my sandwiches... I still haven't managed to get used to such a large meal at noon. In the evening they eat something smaller, usually tapas or a sandwich.

Spaniards love a drink! But then they don't do it like us Dutch, with half a liter of beer in your hand. In Spain it starts somewhere in the morning with a glass of red wine. Some alcohol in your coffee is also possible. In the afternoon some more wine and in the evening of course it can't be missed! We can't expect anything else from the largest wine country in the world.

Elderly people in Spain

Nice to see in Spain are the elderly people who sometimes spend whole afternoons sitting on benches talking. You won't easily see this in the Netherlands. They sit there for a while people watching and talking, it does look relaxing.

In the summer, everyone here sits comfortably on the ground! And then especially in Plaza Mayor in Salamanca is fun, all groups of people sitting on the ground talking. All this is also possible and not dirty, as the streets are cleaned EVERY night! And if you are not careful, the cleaners just spray you wet too.

As we all know, Spain has a 'mañana, mañana' culture! But really, there is nothing wrong with that, is there? Spaniards always stay calm and don't rush into things. Much more sociable. I hope that after this information about Spain, you too will now say, "I want to go to Spain!"

The Spanish Tortilla

It is not called "Tortilla Española" for nothing: the tortilla de patatas is one of Spain's showpieces. In every tapas bar in Spain, you will come across a tortilla de patatas as standard. This is a kind of large omelet made of egg and potatoes and often with onion. Your visit to Spain is not complete without having tried this cake! It is also fun and delicious to prepare it yourself!

Other Spanish dishes that are also highly recommended in the local tapas bars:

Patatas bravas

Typical Spanish tapa, not really something special but oh-so-tasty! Deep fried potatoes with spicy salsa.

Gambas a la plancha

Fried shrimp with garlic and parsley on a piece of baguette. Especially delicious on the coastal areas, these areas are known for their good fish! By the way, these areas are also a very good place to eat Paella, another one of Spain's specialties.

Calamares a la romana

Deep-fried squid rings. Even if you normally don't really like fish, these are often still found tasty!

Chorizo

Tasty piece of sausage, usually also well seasoned with spicy paprika.

Lomo

This is the most delicious piece of meat from a pig. Not comparable to other pork!

Boquerones en vinagre

Sprat in vinegar. You must have tried this once.

Albóndigas

Small meatballs in sauce. Not like the Dutch meatballs, but very tasty!

Croquetas de jamón

These Spanish croquettes are nothing like our Dutch croquette. They are small and usually made of cheese, ham, shrimp or stockfish.

In Spanish cuisine, it is normal to eat these dishes with a piece of baguette. You often get a tapa, or also called a pincho, for free with a drink. There are many more tasty dishes, which you get to try for yourself in Spain!

In spring, nature is reborn and everything about it invites us to renew our ties with the planet. It’s a time that charges us with energy and prepares us for the splendor of summer.

We want to take you to ten landscapes that we think are inspiring, uplifting and full of positive energy: from the glaciers in southern Argentina to the Peaks of Europe, and the Arabic gardens in Granada to the rich history of the Alberca cave… This week we have a special route for you designed to highlight the beauty of Mother Nature and the marvels made by mankind as you renew your interest in living life in Spanish. Let us guide you through our list of TopTen inspiring places in Spanish speaking countries where you will find harmony, balance and beauty that you will never forget.

10 Amazing places where people speak Spanish

1. Los Picos de Europa (Peaks of Europe)

This majestic mountain range is located in the center of the Cantabrian Mountains in the northern part of the Iberian Peninsula between the Autonomous Communities of Asturias, Cantabria and Leon.

A favorite destination for Spanish climbers, El Naranjo de Bulnes is one of the most popular peaks and is often considered as the birthplace of the sport of rock climbing in Spain.

With over 64,000 hectares of unforgettable landscapes, we recommend the Picos de Europa to anyone who wants to get just a little closer to heaven, in all aspects.

2. The Generalife Palace

Located in Granada, the Spanish city where the splendor of the Muslim culture reached its highest levels.

The Generalife, a royal summer getaway hidden away behind the massive Alhambra Palace, is a haven of tranquility and balance with its sprawling gardens, beautiful buildings and paths that run throughout the complex.

Stroll through the fresh and serene scenery while losing yourself in the sound of the moving water and the sweet aroma of the ubiquitous plants and flowers…

3. Iguazu Falls

In the junction between Argentina and Brazil and very close to the Paraguay border are some of the most impressive natural falls imaginable.

With 275 different waterfalls, the roar of falling water can be heard from miles away. It is no surprise that this magical place has been recognized as one of the seven natural wonders of the world.

Iguazú National Park, located in both Argentina and Brazil, offers protection to this unique ecosystem that exemplifies the strength and power that Mother Nature hides within.

4. Perito Moreno Glacier

Located in Los Glaciares National Park on the southern tip of Patagonia, Argentina, near the town of El Calafate, is one of the world's most impressive glaciers.

This huge river of ice is five kilometers wide and reaches a height of over 60 meters above sea level, where massive icebergs break off of the huge glacier and produce intense sounds.

The location is in a privileged area of the world where one can observe whales and other cetaceans in one of the largest fresh water reserves on the planet.

5. Montserrat

About 50 kilometers to the south of Barcelona we find a surprising place: the mountains of Montserrat (In Castilian, "Monte Serrado" due to the aspect that years of erosion have caused). It is the most representative mountain in Catalonia and home to a sacred monastery dedicated to the Virgin of Montserrat, a pilgrimage center of the Catalan people.

The Black Madonna (Moreneta), patron saint of Catalonia, is a Romanesque carving that, according to legend, miraculously appeared there in 880. When an attempt was made to move it from its place, it became so heavy that it was impossible to move. This seemed to prove to those who found it that it was the Virgen's will to stay there, where a chapel was built that would eventually evolve into the monastery that we see today.

6. Altamira Cave

This cave was inhabited for 35,000 years, and much later it was discovered by a hunter in 1868.

It showcases the most impressive cave art of the Upper Paleolithic period. Many have called Altamira "the Sistine Chapel of Prehistoric Art" due to its beauty, complexity and shear amount of pictures located inside. These prehistoric paintings inspire us to pay homage to our ancestors, an experience well worth the trip through the lovely landscapes of the Cantabrian town Santillana del Mar, where the cave is located.

Visit Altamira Cave and enjoy the harmony of these cave paintings, where you'll experience the memory of a primitive age through the artwork of its people.

7. The Wind Cave

The On the volcanic island of Tenerife, near the city of Icod de los Vinos, we can find an impressive example of the telluric force of the volcanoes that formed the Canary archipelago.

The Wind Cave, over 17 kilometers long, is the longest lava tube in the European Union and the fourth in the world. Upon entering the interior of the volcano you observe Mother Nature's majestic engineering work, which makes you shudder as you imagine the roar of liquid lava that once passed through the very spot where you stand now in perfect silence, in the heart of the Teide, where the only melody heard is that of your breathing and your excitedly beating heart...

8. Enchanted City

Near Valdecabras, in the province of Cuenca (Spain), at an elevation of about 1,500 meters is the location of our next site, the Enchanted City.

Carved out of the rocky ground from years of rain and wind erosion, these natural formationswere declared a Natural Site of National Interest in 1929.

The rock formations transport you to a magical landscape where anything is possible and your imagination finds hidden animals and monsters within the rocky shapes.

It is here, next to the Tormo Alto formation that is the symbol of the city, that Viriatus, the Spanish leader of the resistance against Roman rule, was cremated.

9. Doñana National Park

This natural park extends nearly 105,000 hectares, occupying parts of the provinces of Huelva, Seville and Cadiz. The name originated from the name "Doña" (Mrs.) Ana de Silva, wife of the seventh Duke of Medina Sidonia, original owner of the land which he used as private hunting grounds. The natural enclave is home to marshes and dunes, an important stopping point in European bird migration to and from Africa in the winter and spring.

This wildlife sanctuary hosts annually more than 300 species of birds, as well as some of the most important Spanish animals, including the highly endangered Iberian lynx. Also located in the park is the site of one of the most important religious celebrations in Spain: El Rocío.


In the village of Almonte, the event attracts more than a million pilgrims each year as they converge upon the village from various different controlled routes to pay homage to the Virgin of El Rocío.

The Peña el Cabrelillo, just behind town hall, is one of Andalusia's longest standing flamenco institutions, a place full of love, faithfulness and a passionate interest to safe guard el cante in its purest form. In the city of Ubeda, the Tablao casa-museo andalusí, next to the Parador, offers the unique opportunity to enjoy flamenco in a gorgeous building on calle Narváez.

10. La Alberca

In a busy world of Internet and globalization in which being in a hurry has become a normal part of life for most of us, La Alberca, located in the northern part of the province of Salamanca, is a peaceful haven of history where traditions have been carefully preserved.

The village feels like a living museum with its unique architecture.

Surrounded by thick impressive forests, the village is like an island of peace that makes visiting it a must for anyone who finds themselves in the proximity of Salamanca.

Photo thanks to: Max Westby, Granadadian Weirdo, Cadampol, Adry, Yishac, Turismo de Tenerife, Machbel, Rlasaosa, Fernando Cuenca, Turistas x Naturaleza

Active vacations in Spain

The sports lovers among us should definitely take a trip to Spain! And not only the "regular" sports like soccer, basketball are popular. If you like water sports then you can't believe your luck in Spain! From rafting and surfing to diving and admiring the most beautiful spots of the sea. It's all possible in Spain! Is also a nice way to spend the winter in Spain, enjoying the sun ... With the Spanish climate you can do it all.

You can really practice many water sports in Spain. Because there are more than 250 harbors, you can sail well, so this is a popular sport in Spain. Furthermore, there are many sports here such as surfing, water skiing, kite surfing, kayaking and many more. Kayaking is best done in Catalonia, Gállego in Aragon, Carasa in Cantabria or Mino in Galicia. For surfing, water skiing and kitesurfing, head to the north coast.

If you want to dive you don't have to go far either! Spain has the most breathtaking spots! You can go diving on the north coast, these places are totally different from the marine life found on the Mediterranean coast, but incredibly beautiful. Of course, you can also go to islands like Mallorca and Ibiza, where you usually have a lot of visibility. Anywhere else is also possible as there are diving schools all along the Spanish coast!

Outdoor sports in Spain

In Spain you can find all kinds of daring outdoor sports. These are less known but certainly no less fun because of that! For example, you can go canyoning, then glide with a wetsuit through narrow and steep gorges. The best place to do this is in the region of Aragon in the Sierra de Guara - with over 200 gorges, this is one of the best places in Europe for canyoning.

What is also popular in Spain is puenting. In this sport, you usually jump from a high bridge and then you hit the water just or just barely. It's a bit like bungee jumping only now you don't have a rubber band pulling you back up. Of course, you hang from some kind of rope, but there's not much elastic in there. So the difference is, with bungee jumping you bounce and with puenting you swing.

There are so many different activities to experience in Spain. Because of the wide variety of different climates, you can always find fun water sports somewhere. In any case, you will never be bored!

Los Animales

Discover “Los Animales”- Animal names in Spanish. The following infographic is the ideal tool for learning Spanish animal names. It can be used by teachers in classrooms, as a poster in your office, or to teach children the names of animals in Spanish.  Use this tool to help you memorize all of the most important animals in Spanish. Each animal is accompanied by an image that will make it easier to remember the animal names and memorize them. Within a few days you will be an expert at the most common Spanish animal names!

Doing an internship abroad has always been a dream of mine. I never knew exactly where, but that I was going to do an internship abroad for six months, that was for sure. And I did it! I have been living in Salamanca, Spain for 3 months now. With 3 months to go I'm having a great time here in the student city of Spain!

Doing an internship in Spain is super

I made so many new friends from all over the world! I distinctly remember arriving here in Salamanca, here I was then ready for an adventure and I didn't even speak one word of Spanish.... And don't think that Spaniards speak English, mind you (with a few exceptions, of course)! Fortunately, the next day began my 3-week Spanish course at don Quijote. How much I learned during these 3 weeks!

Finally I was able to have a little conversation with the Spaniards. All very nice people who are always ready to help you and never too shy to have a chat. Living in Salamanca is so much fun, I live in a student apartment with 2 other girls and they have become very good friends. And what is fun to do is take trips. For example, we have already been to Madrid and Porto for weekends with a group of friends.

Salamanca

In Salamanca you can party really well! There are many bars and nightclubs, and every night there is something to do. Every week you can go beer pong or every Tuesday you can go to an Erasmus party, which is always in the theme of a different country. And yes, even the Netherlands has been there, what a great party that was! But what is also nice is that you meet so many people of different nationalities. Not only do you get to know the Spanish culture, but others as well!

So after my 3 week language course, the internship really began at don Quijote. Not at the school, but at the main office which is also in Salamanca. I went there a bit nervous but that turned out to be totally unnecessary! I am having a great time here. I learn a lot of things that fit perfectly with my studies in Commercial Economics. The first four weeks of my internship I was also offered conversation classes at don Quijote, which is really handy! I also enjoy the assignments I have to do, from writing articles to doing research, I love doing it!

I'm kind of looking forward to going back home in 3 months.... Life here is very different than in Holland and I would love to develop my Spanish further! Maybe I should go to South America for half a year as my graduation internship next year? Who knows? In any case, I am really enjoying my time here and would definitely recommend an internship at don Quijote in Salamanca to others!

Photo by Dieg082

The popularity of bullfights in Spain is past its peak. Nowadays, protests against the event are on the increase; fewer people purchase tickets for the bullfights and more and more arenas have closed down due to financial problems. To prevent the tradition from dying out, Spain’s conservative government wants to protect the controversial spectacle by law. The Conservatives plan to declare bullfighting a “National Heritage”.

The legislative initiative that was introduced in Spanish Congress claims that bullfighting is part of the culture and heritage of all Spaniards. Furthermore the fights or “Corridas”, as they are called in Spanish, also have economical significance as the bullfighting industry creates thousands of jobs. In Spain there are more than 1,000 farms, where bulls are trained for more than 3 years to prepare the animals for the fight. These farms employ approximately 70,000 people in total. The sector has a yearly turnover of 1.5 Billion Euros. Each fight is made up of 6 bulls which can cost up to 150,000 Euros. The largest bullfighting arena in Madrid employs 400 people and pays 5 million Euros of concession fees to the city each year.

The supporters of bullfighting managed to collect 600,000 signatures (including that of Spain’s conservative Prime Minister, Mariano Rajoy). He fulfilled the promise he made before he rose to power: “to do everything possible” to protect bullfights throughout Spain. As one of his first acts in office, Rajoy authorized bullfights to be broadcasted on live television.

Decreasing interest in bullfights

However, only a minority of the Spanish population, mostly the elderly, show interest in the bloody spectacle. Sold-out arenas are not as common as they were in the old days and the amount of “corridas” has been reduced to prevent a financial disaster. In the past five years, the number of bullfighting events in Spain halved to about 1,200 per year.  Formerly, every village festival included a fight.

Today, more and more people protest against the bloody tradition. “These performances are contrary to fundamental values ​​of the 21^st century, including the respect for life." says Juantxo Uralde Lopez, the spokesman for the Spanish environmental party, Equo. Catalonia, the north eastern region of Spain banned bullfights in 2012. In the Canary Islands, the spectacle was banned more than 20 years ago.

If the new national law for the protection of bullfighting is passed, the previous bullfighting ban of Catalonia and the Canary islands would be revoked. It seems very likely that the law will go through since the Conservatives have the absolute majority of seats in the parliament.

The capital of Ecuador

For those who did not already know, the capital of Ecuador is an incredibly beautiful and unique city! It is an artistic city with a lot of culture. You can see this everywhere. In the squares, the unique buildings that have been built. You will be enchanted as you walk through the city.

The city is characterized by classic colonial architecture and modern buildings. In 1978, the city was one of the first cities to be declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Quito is 70 km. long (!) and only 4 km. wide. And while the city is only 20 km. from the equator, the weather in Quito is always +/- 18 °C. This is because the city is almost 3,000 meters above sea level.What you definitely must have seen if you visit Quito once is, of course, the Sucre Theater. Furthermore, you will visit the old town, the new part, the Virgin del Quito and the cable car (Teleférico) with views over the entire city. Because of its location between the mountains, the city is best admired from above, this is a beautiful and adamant view. Typical Ecuadorian items include llama rugs, jewelry and panama hats. A must to buy in Ecuador are leather goods; very cheap and of good quality.

A tour of Ecuador is also highly recommended. You can see La Piragua Waterfall or visit the rain forests, Indian populations, volcanoes or Inca ruins. Of course, you can also head to the coast! In the evening, you might choose to try the country's delicacy; roasted guinea pig. Ecuadorians eat everything but the bones. If you give a piece to them you are immediately considered a good friend! Of course, there are plenty of other delicious things to eat to choose from!

The Galápagos Islands

The most special thing about Ecuador are the Galápagos Islands. These islands are 1000 km. from the coast of South America, but are easily accessible. Therefore, among other things, there live animals that live nowhere else on earth. You can snorkel with sea lions and penguins here. Also, don't be surprised if a 200-kilo turtle suddenly crawls by.

But if you like going out you should do it in Quito itself, because this is one of the best nightlife cities of Ecuador! Especially for girls it is fun going out, you get in almost everywhere for free and often you also get a discount or there is just open bar! The neighborhood where you should be is called "La Mariscal".

After all this traveling through Ecuador and Quito it is of course also time to relax. And what better way to do that than to bathe in the hot geysers created by nature....