Cuy, or guinea pig, is a staple dish in many Andean countries, including Peru. If you come from a country where these little animals are kept as pets and never eaten, seeing a crispy cuy on your plate for the first time may come as a shock. However, if you can get past your culture […]
Archives for July 2012
Modismo del Día: Camarón que se duerme se lo lleva la corriente
Spanish Saying: Camarón que se duerme se lo lleva la corriente. Literal Translation: A sleeping shrimp is swept away by the current. English Equivalent: Stay alert or else circumstances will overwhelm you.
Cultural Tidbit: Virgen del Carmen Festival
Today marks the high point of a spectacular four-day festival held each year in the small Peruvian village of Paucartambo.The festival honors the village’s patron saint, the Virgin Mary, known to the locals as “mamita de Carmen.” Like many Latin American festivals, this one features processionals, parades, and dancing. What makes it unique is the […]
Vista de Viernes: Macchu Picchu
Testimonial: Callie Rose Marby
There’s a poster on the wall here that says ECELA is an unforgettable experience, and I agree!!! Not only the grammar and conversation classes, but also the cultural experiences, volunteer projects, and home stay helped me to improve my Spanish and learn about Argentina. In my grammar classes we learned basic concepts in a way […]
Cultural Tidbit: Inca Trail
If you study Spanish in Peru, seeing Macchu Picchu is a must. Just ask anyone who’s ever been! There are several ways to reach this iconic mountaintop site–by bus, train, or trail. If you choose to hike up to Macchu Picchu, chances are you will be following the Inca Trail, the ceremonial route that the […]
Modismo del Día: Lo que no mata, engorda
Spanish Saying: Lo que no mata, engorda. Literal Translation: What doesn’t kill you makes you fat. English Equivalent: What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. People used to say this when faced with dubious food…should they eat it or not? Well, if it doesn’t kill you it will nourish (make fat). Today, people also use […]
Vista de Viernes: Volcanoes in Chile
Testimonial: Simone Billo
I went to ECELA Vina del Mar for 9 weeks. I lived in a shared apartment, which was a 10 minute walk from the school. The first week I didn’t have a flatmate, but the following weeks people from all over the world came. It was a create experience learning about their different cultures. If […]
Cultural Tidbit: Independence
¡Feliz Día de la Independencia en los EEUU! If you are from Europe, it’s probably quite shocking to you how young the countries of the New World are. Even in the US, we often forget the history of our neighbors. Here’s a quick refresher on the independence and modern history of Chile, Peru, and Argentina. […]