Torres del Paine National Park is one of Chile’s most popular hiking destinations. The main attraction is the “Torres”, or rock towers that thrust up out of the Patagonian steppe. Other popular sites in the park include the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, the Salto Grande Waterfall, and numerous clear blue alpine lakes. Whether you choose […]
Archives for March 2012
Vista de Viernes: Antofagasta
Testimonial: Marianne Nerland
My summer in Cusco was one of my most memorable vacations ever. I enjoyed staying in the beautiful city, getting to know both Peruvians and other international students. The teachers and staff in Ecela were very good and fun at the same time. I will without doubt recommend the school to anyone! Ecela put me […]
Cultural Tidbit: War of the Pacific
There are many fascinating epochs in the history of South America, but not all of them are widely understood. The rise and fall of various indigenous empires, the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors, and the development of colonial society are well known. The colonies’ struggle to become independent from Spain and to define themselves as […]
Modismo del Día: Aquellos polvos traen lodos
Spanish Idiom: Aquellos polvos traen lodos Literal Translation: Dust brings mud English Equivalent: The chickens have come home to roost; The consequences have come
Cultural Tidbit: The Chilean Miracle
If you attend a Spanish immersion course in Santiago, Chile, you may indeed feel as though your experience was rather miraculous! However, if you hear the term “The Chilean Miracle” it refers to something different altogether. This economic term refers to the free market reorientation in Chile’s economy. Nobel Prize winning economist Milton Friedman coined […]
Vista de Viernes: Recoleta Sculpture
This giant flower sculpture is located in the United Nations Park in Recoleta, Buenos Aires. It is designed so that the petals open at dawn and close at dusk.
Testimonial: Dirtje Seyfarth
I studied Spanish at ECELA in Santiago de Chile for just 2.5 weeks and I wouldn’t have thought I could learn that much in such a short time… already I can talk to people, using present and past. And not only CAN I speak to people, I actually DO. What I liked particularly about the […]
Cultural Tidbit: Alpine Sports Part 2
If you’re in Santiago between June and October, don’t neglect to get up into the mountains to ski, snowboard, or just sightsee. The following resorts have great ski conditions, plus fun winter activities for non-skiers. Option #3- Termas de Chillan. Another fantastic resort to check out is called Termas de Chillan. Here you will find […]
Modismo del Día: No se oía ni una mosca
Spanish Idiom: No se oía ni una mosca Literal Translation: You couldn’t even hear a fly English Equivalent: You could have heard a pin drop; it was so quiet