Of course, most of the modern popular music in Mexico is what you might expect… the same sorts of contemporary pop music found throughout the rest of the world. The pop streaming in Mexico comes from all over the world (and in particular the U.S. and the rest of Latin America) but some of the big, internationally recognized Mexican pop stars, most celebrated in their native country and in the rest of the world include Thalía, Paulina Rubio, Maná and Luis Miguel. And although pop is what you may hear popularly in restaurants, stores or on the bus, people in Mexico, just like people everywhere else in the world of course, listen to all different kinds of music.

That being said, each region in Mexico does have its own particular musical past and present. So, take a look at some of the most popular travel destinations in Mexico, the traditional music that comes from those regions and the kinds of music you might hear there today:

Playa del Carmen:

Playa del Carmen is famous for lovely beaches and an exciting nightlife, and is found in the state of Yucatan, in the south east of Mexico. The Yucatan has an interesting musical history with influences from Cuba (the bolero) and Colombia (the bambuco). But the region is most well known for the famous “Trova Yucateca.” The trova became popular in the late 19^th century and mixes Caribbean rhythms, sweet sounding guitar and poetic vocals to create lovely duets and a true folk tradition from the region.

Of course, if you go to Playa del Carmen today, you might not find as many places to listen to a trova. Now, Playa is known for its many live music venues and for the possibility of seeing almost any kind of music you want right up close and personal. From rock to electronic, to traditional, to punk, to indie, to everything in between, and with venues on the beach to the city center and beyond, there is an eclectic mix of almost every type of music imaginable playing live almost any night of the week in Playa del Carmen.

Oaxaca:

Because of the mix of many cultures in Oaxaca, traditional music from the area is filled with diverse influences and different sounds. While a huge percentage of Oaxacans are indigenous, Spanish and African cultures have also been very influential in the region throughout history. The danzón, a style of music that began in Cuba, and which integrates influences from Spanish, British and African beats and rhythms, became very popular in Oaxaca and is still commonly played in plazas for dancing. Oaxaca is also known for its variation of the Son, the Son Istmeño, sung in both Zapotec (an indigenous language from the region) and Spanish, with both indigenous and Spanish rhythms. The area is also known for the marimba along with its famous brass bands beginning with German immigrants and later developing their own distinct Oaxacan flavor.

Modern day Oaxaca is still teaming with musicians and buzzing with music. You’ll hear street musicians wherever you go – mariachi bands might play in the city’s main square (the Zocolo) blowing trumpets and strumming guitars, or you may hear accordions, mandolins, and more guitars as you wander through the city’s old town. If you’re looking for some live music, you will find excellent venues with everything from jazz to rock n’ roll, to salsa to the famous and traditional brass bands Tambora Oaxaqueña throughout the city.

Guanajuato:

Traditionally, Guanajuato is known for wind bands. Brass instruments like trumpets, trombones and tubas along with woodwinds like clarinets and saxophones, and percussion instruments come together to create this kind of music. Wind bands in Guanajuato play a diverse range of music including popular folk music, sones and danzones.

Today in Guanajuato, you can see an interesting mix of traditional and contemporary music. The city is particularly famous for its callejoneadas, informal street processions in which musicians put on traditional dress from the region and walk through the town’s narrow streets, serenading anyone who happens to be around. Most commonly, callejoneadas are led by student minstrels who perform Mexican folk music that tells stories and shares the city’s history with people throughout the old town and city center. Catching a callejoneada en route is a great way to experience Guanajuato’s history reinterpreted today.

In Mexico the range and diversity of culture to be found is exciting and inspiring. Music is just a little piece of the cultural and historical pie, but it is a tasty way to experience the country and to understand the different regions that make it up. What is your favorite kind of Mexican music? Where do you go to enjoy it?

Toledo

View of Toledo

Toledo will bring you back in time. Its winding cobblestone streets will lead you through the history of three different cultures elegantly woven together to create an ancient Christian, Muslim and Jewish town with Visigoth and Roman roots. Toledo is known for having been a space where these three cultures coexisted peacefully, making it a city brimming with interest and history. Explore the Cathedral and tip your head back in awe at the Gothic architecture and the stunning works of art by greats like El Greco and Velazquez; then take a tour of the Sinagoga del Tránsito for a look into Spain’s Jewish heritage, or the Mezquita del Cristo de la Luz to see the remains of a mosque from the time of Arabic rule. Don’t miss the famous El Greco Museum to see works by one of Spain’s most recognized artists (and a native of Toledo), then wander up to the Alcázar fortress, overlooking the city and the mote-like Río Tajo that surrounds it for a little lesson in history. Try the city’s famous marzipan and maybe even buy a handcrafted knife or sword commemorating Toledo’s artisanal past.

How to get there:

High Speed Train (AVE):

Take the fast train and get to Toledo from Madrid in only 35 minutes (approximately).

Where to buy tickets: http://www.renfe.com/ or at Atocha Train Station

Depart from: Madrid, Puerta de Atocha Station

Duration: 35 min. (approx.)

Arrive: Toledo Station

Approximate return trip cost: €20.60

Bus:

The bus is a great option for those on a budget who don’t mind a slightly longer ride. It takes about an hour and a half from Madrid to Toledo.

Where to buy tickets: https://www.alsa.es/en

Depart from: Madrid, Plaza Elíptica (metro station/intercambiador)

Arrive: Toledo Bus Station

Approximate return trip cost: €9.40-€12.00

**Keep in mind that both the bus station and the train station are a little outside of the city center. Take buses 5, 5D, 51, 61, and 62 from the train station or lines 5 or 12 from the bus station to the center (or take a walk – it’s about 15 minutes on foot).

Segovia

Segovia’s Roman Aqueduct

Segovia with its famous cochinilo (roasted suckling pig), the incredible Roman Aqueduct that might just make your neck ache as you gaze up at all its glory, the views of the arid Castilian landscape from the incredibly Disney-princessesque, stunning Alcázar, the absolutely beautiful Plaza Mayor, the Cathedral, the Palacio Real… the list goes on and on. All of the sights to see and the great food to enjoy will leave you with a full day in Segovia. But even if you feel more like lounging, the city’s small town charm will enchant you from the moment you get there until the time when you grudgingly have to leave. This small city is definitely worth the short trip from Madrid.

How to get there:

High Speed Train (AVE):

Take the fast train from Madrid and get to Segovia in only about 30 minutes.

Where to buy tickets: http://www.renfe.com/ or at Chamartín Train Station

Depart from: Madrid, Chamartín Station

Duration: 30 min. (approx.)

Arrive: Segovia Station

Approximate return trip cost: €13.20 (prices vary, it’s best to check out the Renfe website for accurate prices)

Bus:

The bus from Madrid takes about an hour and fifteen minutes.

Where to buy tickets: http://lasepulvedana.es/index.php

Depart from: Madrid, Moncloa (metro station/intercambiador)

Arrive: Segovia Bus Station

Approximate return trip cost: €14.24

*Make sure to choose a direct bus for an easier and faster trip.

El Escorial

Royal Site of San Lorenzo de El Escorial

El Escorial is a spectacular small city to explore. The main attraction is the incredible monastery and for very good reason. The enormous building complex that holds the monastery is also used as a burial place (its incredible Royal Pantheon) for royalty beginning with Charles V in the 16^th century when it was constructed, a royal palace, college and breathtaking library. Not to mention the grounds around the giant complex are filled with gardens, pools and plazas to explore. However, after you’ve finished the grand tour of the monastery, the rest of the city is filled with great restaurants for excellent Spanish (and other international) cuisine, little shops to stroll through and beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. Since it only takes about an hour to get there and is in the beautiful Guadarrama Mountains of Madrid, San Lorenzo de El Escorial is definitely a day trip from Madrid that’s worth making.

How to get there:

Cercanías (Train):

Taking the train from Madrid to El Escorial is easy and leaves often from many stations throughout Madrid. It is a stop on the C-3 line of Cercanías (the close-to-Madrid train lines).

Where to buy tickets: At the following metro stations where you can also get on the train:

Chamartín, Nuevos Ministerios, Atocha

Use the ticket machines or buy at the stations’ ticket offices.

Depart from: Madrid, Chamartín, Nuevos Ministerios or Atocha stations (look for signs for Cercanías)

Duration: 50 min. – 1 hr. 10 min. (approx.)

Arrive: El Escorial Station

Approximate return trip cost: €6.80 (prices may vary)

Bus:

Buses #661 or #664 take about an hour from Madrid.

Where to buy tickets: On the bus or at an estanco (tobacco kiosk) close to the bus station. There is a tobacco kiosk inside the Intercambiador de Moncloa metro/bus station (make sure to have cash to pay at the estanco – sometimes they don’t accept credit cards – and close to exact change to pay on the bus).

Depart from: Madrid’s Intercambiador de Moncloa metro/bus station

Arrive: El Escorial Bus Station

Approximate return trip cost: €8.40

Ávila

Wall of Ávila

Ávila is a gorgeous little medieval town and the perfect place to feel like you have wandered into a fairytale or at least back to the Spain of old, where castles, walled cities, kings and cathedrals dominated the landscape. It is home to Santa Teresa de Ávila and has an astounding number of churches, monasteries and convents exhibiting beautiful Romanesque and Gothic architecture. But the city wall, the most intact and complete in Spain, is the real stunner, and especially at night when it is illuminated with golden lights. Don’t miss the Puerta del Alcázar to experience the wall in all its glory. And after getting your fill of walking to see all of this UNESCO World Heritage city’s sights, don’t forget to try some of its traditional treats like yemas de Santa Teresa, a sweet made with egg yolks and sugar, or the many recipes made with judías de El Barco de Ávila (beans from the region).

How to get there:

Train:

The train from Madrid to Ávila takes between an hour and forty minutes and a little over two hours.

Where to buy tickets: http://www.renfe.com/ or at Chamartín Train Station

Depart from: Madrid, Chamartín Train Station

Duration: 1 hr. 40 min. – 2 hrs. 3 min. (approx.)

Arrive: Ávila Station

Approximate return trip cost: from about €17 to €20

Bus:

The bus to Ávila from Madrid can take anywhere from about an hour and twenty minutes to two hours.

Where to buy tickets: https://regular.autobusing.com/venta?empresa=jimenezdorado or at Madrid’s Estación Sur de Autobuses Méndez Álvaro

Depart from: Estación Sur de Autobuses Méndez Álvaro

Arrive: Avila bus station

Approximate return trip cost: €14

Of course the capital of Spain is an incredible city to explore and could keep you entertained for as long as you’re in the country. But some of these day trips from Madrid are not only easy, they are to some of the most beautiful small cities and towns in Spain, they can be made easily in a day and they will inspire you with their beauty, history and culture.

City Slickers Unite:

Madrid (Spain):

Madrid is one of those magical cities that woos you with its old fashioned traditions and keeps you enthralled and excited for more with non-stop energy. This is a great city for urbanites. It is filled with cultural attractions, it is high-class and grunge all at the same time, there is never a dull moment (except maybe Sunday afternoons when most madrileños are resting after their big Sunday lunch), and it is full of surprises around every corner. Madrid is a city where it is easy to experience all of the latest trends and get lost in tradition all in the same day. Its architecture, restaurants, parks, museums and city streets will make you happy you went with a city for your Spanish abroad experience.

Buenos Aires (Argentina):

Buenos Aires is full of old world charm and new world fire. It is a place to enjoy the deep, slow, romantic sights and sounds of tango, then jump into the fast paced streets and experience a diversity of cultures that will keep you entertained days on end. It is a city that many people visit and then make their permanent home, inspired by its creativity, excellent cuisine, great shopping, exciting night life and surprises around every corner.

Barcelona (Spain):

Barcelona is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in Europe. It is filled with modern ideas, people from around the world, a rich mix of cultures and the latest in cuisine and fashion. It is the perfect place to get blown away by the gaudy Gaudi architecture, go out for new age tapas, see live music at night and stroll through the exciting streets. You can wander through history in the Gothic Quarter, experience Catalonian transformative cuisine, then get back to the basics with a simple stroll under the Spanish sun along the boardwalk or the Mediterranean Sea.

Nature Lovers (throw caution to the wind):

Tenerife (Spain):

Tenerife is a tropical paradise. But its long sandy beaches and crystal clear waters are only part of its magnetism for nature lovers. Many of the island’s diverse and interesting landscapes are protected, keeping them beautiful and pristine for those who want to get down and dirty with nature. The most eye catching and impressive of its natural stunners (including dark volcanic rock, and misty tropics alongside stretches of soft sand and splashing waves) is Mount Teide, a still active (although the last activity was at the turn of the 20th century) volcano and the site of some of the best hiking in Spain. There are plenty of ways to get off the beaten path in Tenerife.

Playa Jacó (Costa Rica):

Surf lovers get ready for your destination. If you like to catch a wave, Playa Jacó will not let you down. It is famous for being one of the best surf destinations in the world. There are also plenty of underwater delights to explore with snorkeling, so those who aren’t quite ready to catch the big ones will still have plenty of fun in the water. And when you come up for air you will discover an incredible medley of both black and white sand beaches, exciting jungles with rare species and a diversity of biology (both plant and animal life) that won’t leave any room on your camera for pictures with friends. Playa Jacó is the perfect place to get back to basics and nature while at the same time having the chance to enjoy a vibrant and lively beach town.

Oaxaca (Mexico):

Oaxaca is a place to get overwhelmed by nature. The city is filled with creative artisans, indigenous traditions, yummy Mexican cuisine specific to Oaxaca, markets and festivals. But outside of the city is where you will really be inspired if what you’re looking for is to breathe in fresh mountain air and stumble upon an incredible amount of biodiversity. As one of the five highest ranking locations in the world for endangered species and the region in Mexico with the most diversity in animals and plants, there is never a dull moment in Oaxaca for nature lovers. Venture out into the small towns around the city and then a little further, into the mountains for incredible hikes, horseback riding and biking.

So where do you fall on city-country spectrum? Or maybe you like both equally well! If so no need to fret, study Spanish in more than one destination this summer and get a little of everything on your Spanish adventure.

History

Its impressive array of Romanesque, Gothic, Moorish, Renaissance and Baroque architecture gives evidence of the city’s historical past. It was occupied by the Carthaginians in the 3^rd century B.C before becoming a Roman settlement. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the area was invaded by the Alans, and later the Visitgoths. As with much of the rest of Spain, Salamanca was taken over the Moors in 712 AD, and remained this way until the 11^th Century. The university was granted a royal charter in 1218 by King Alfonso IX, and since then has become one of the most prestigious and popular universities in Europe. Originally, most of the classes were taught in churches and other buildings, until the majority of the university was built in the 15^th and 16^th centuries.

Student life

University

Salamanca is one of the top universities in Spain. As it is such a famous university, as well as attracting Spaniards, Salamanca draws international students from all over the world, as a popular Erasmus destination. It was also the first university to offer Spanish courses, so it now has the most prestigious language courses on offer, which attracts a great number of foreign students. Salamanca has over 30,000 students.

This gives the city an international and vibrant feel. It is quite a small city, with a small town feel, so it is easy to get to grips with the city straight away. It is possible to walk pretty much everywhere, which is an enjoyable experience in itself, as the city is extremely pretty with all its cobbled streets and beautiful buildings; there’s always something new to see. The biggest bonus of Salamanca is that it’s cheap, which is ideal for students; not only for accommodation, but for nights out as well! You could spend just 150 euros a month on renting a room in a shared flat!

Nights out

Salamanca is a great night out for students. You can expect to be surrounded by other students, and to have a good time without spending a fortune. It has a lot of bars that you can go to first, to enjoy a few drinks and some tapas; “ir de pinchos” as it’s known here. The best places for this are around Gran Via, or around Plaza Mayor, which would be a bit more expensive. Plaza Mayor is a common meeting place for students, located in the center of the town, with a good atmosphere. Calle Van Dyck in the north of the city also offers tapas bars, with very good prices and good sized pinchos!

If you’re looking for a night out clubbing, Salamanca can also give you what you’re after. Going out is possible every night of the week, although the students normally go out Thursday- Saturday. Nightclubs don’t get started until about 1am and can go on well into the early hours, which takes a bit of getting used to! There are many clubs you can choose from depending on the sort of music you’re looking for. The majority of the nightclubs are in the old town, and music can be divided between these zones.

You can find live music haunts around the Bordadores disctrict, often with medieval style décor. The area around Gran Via is full of places popular among foreign students with a range of bars and nightclubs of different music styles. More alternative music can be found around Plaza de San Justo. Most places offer some sort of special offer, such as a free second drink, but there are some other places you can look out for it you’re on a tight budget like most students. Liter bars are popular, and you pay a lot less than you would if you were in a club; around €3.50 for a liter of beer! There is also a bar dedicated solely to the one and only Michael Jackson, called “Jacko’s”, which has reasonably cheap prices too! Other popular places among foreign students involve “The Irish Rover” (a nightclub), and the “Chupitería” (a shot bar!).

Advent is a very important part of Christmas in Germany; typical celebrations start on the 6^th December with Nikolaustag (St Nicholas’ Day). The night before, children leave their freshly shined boots outside their doors to wake up to them filled with candy and other small gifts. Indeed if they have been “bad”, they will instead be greeted with a boot filled with twigs, provided by St Nicholas’ evil sidekick, Knecht Ruprecht. Other traditions that take place during advent undoubtedly include advent calendars. The tradition of advent calendars in Germany goes back to the 19^th Century, where children would draw Christmas themed pictures on the 24 days leading up to Christmas and hang them around the house. The first chocolate-filled advent calendars appeared as early as 1958 and have since been a very important part of Christmas, for children in particular. Another similar tradition is that of the Adventskranz (Advent Wreath), which is widespread in German-speaking Europe. It composes of a decorative wreath where a new candle is lit and placed in the wreath each Sunday on the lead up to Christmas.

Christmas markets pop up all over Germany as early as the last week of November, where you can enjoy the lively festive atmosphere, as well as buy all sorts of German Christmas foods, such as Lebkuchen (gingerbread), stollen and marzipan, as well as sample the German’s version of mulled wine, glühwein. The towns are filled with decorative Christmas lights and trees; trees being an extremely important tradition in Germany as this is where the concept of bring Christmas trees into your home originated, in what we date back as far as the 16^th Century. Christmas trees are traditionally decorated by families in Germany on Christmas Eve; some families even prepare a room for Christmas and keep it locked, to then ring a bell and surprise the children with the presents under the decorated tree.  Children will leave their Christmas lists out on the windowsill during advent for the Christkind, a blonde “Christ Child” angel with a white robe and wings. Presents are normally opened that evening, as well as a feast of what often consists of karp and kartoffelsalat (potato salad); avoiding meat for religious purposes, the religious people also attend midnight mass. On Christmas Day a typical meal would involve roast goose, potatoes and vegetables, with a selection of sweet German breads flavored with cinnamon, and marzipan for dessert.

The celebrations don’t just stop there. After Christmas day, between the 27th December and the 6th January, Sternsingers, or “star singers”, a group of four children dressed up as the three wise men and the star of Bethlehem, visit houses to sing carols and then sign the door of the house when they have finished, which is bad luck to rub off, but it usually fades before the 6th January. The 6th January, epiphany, or Heilige Drei Könige, the Day of the Three Kings, celebrates the arrival of the Three Wise Men in Bethlehem. Families spend the day attending church services, or the children dress up in the Three Kings’ costumes, singing hymns or acting out the Christmas story. Some people gather the night before to toast good health to friends and family and drink bockbier, a beer specifically brewed for this season. Epiphany marks the end of the Christmas season for Germany and Europe.

Now you know that Germany has its own unique way of celebrating Christmas, it might be worth a visit to appreciate their traditions for yourself. You can roam the Christmas markets, the decorated streets, and enjoy the food, drink and unique atmosphere that this country which is full of surprises has to offer.

If you’re serious about learning Spanish, then the best thing you can do is to spend some time in a Spanish-speaking country. Immersing yourself in the Spanish language and culture is arguably the only way to achieve fluency and confidence in the foreign language. There are 21 Spanish-speaking countries in the world so it’s impossible to say which three are the best. Listed below are some countries that may be more recommended than others. Of course you will want to research all of your options before you make a decision, but here is some food for thought to get you started…

1.    Colombia, South America
After many years of violent conflict, Colombia has become a safe holiday destination once again. Millions of people go to Colombia on holiday every year. Colombia is an ideal place to learn Spanish at a beginner’s level. This is because Colombian people speak slowly with a neutral accent. There is plenty to do outside the classroom as well, from trekking through the jungle to lying on a tropical beach. Interestingly, Latin American writer, Gabriel Garcia Marquez was born in Colombia. Gabriel Garcia’s writing style (Magical Realism) could be seen as a true reflection of the Colombian way of life where every person is good and kind and every view takes your breath away. Imported by the coffee-loving Italians, Columbian coffee has been recognized as the best in the world. Despite being quite small, Colombia is the second most biologically diverse place on earth with almost 2000 species of birds. This biodiversity results from Colombia’s varied ecosystems, from flat grassland to cloud forests characterized by low-level cloud cover. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984, Cartagena, often referred to as a jewel in South America’s crown, is a popular tourist destination. The city is characterized by colonial architecture, cultural festivals, exotic scenery, superb beaches and wonderful food.

2.    Mexico, North America
Mexico has the largest Spanish-speaking population in the world. It has 31 UNESCO World Heritage Sites – that’s more than any other country. Mexican’s speak with a slightly stronger accent than Colombian’s, but they are still quite easy to understand. Also, Mexican people in general are very patient so they should be happy to slow down and repeat things to help you understand. One of the lovely things about learning Spanish in Mexico is that the people are full of praise. Even if you make lots of mistakes, they will still treat you with the utmost respect for trying, before politely correcting you so you can improve. Mexico is hot all year round, so it’s the perfect place to go to get a tan and learn Spanish at the same time. Additionally, it has some of the nicest beaches in the world: Playa del Carmen, Cancun and Acapulco each offer unique swimming experiences. Chichen Itza receives over a million visitors each year making it the most visited archaeological site in Mexico. It is one of the larger Maya cities in the world thought to have had a diverse population due to the wide variety of architectural styles. Besides Maya cities and lovely people, Mexico is famous for its food. Mole, for example, is a chili and chocolate sauce traditionally eaten with chicken and pork.

3.    Peru, South America
The main language spoken in Peru is Spanish, although many Peruvian’s still speak Quechua, the other official language of Peru. English is barely spoken in Peru, except in some of the major cities. Therefore, Spanish students will be thrown into the language. Peruvians, like Mexicans, are grateful to people who speak to them in their mother tongue. Additionally, they are renowned for speaking loudly and clearly; of course, this makes it easier for foreigners to understand them. If you go to Peru to study Spanish, you’ll have lots to do in your free time. Machu Picchu, the 15th century Inca site is famous the world over. Although there are other things to see, this is certainly an important tourist attraction. Machu Picchu was unknown to the world until 1911 when it was brought to international attention by an American archaeologist. Now nearly 2,500 tourists visit Machu Picchu every single day!

For all those of you who have always had problems with the Spanish numbers, here comes the solution!: A memory hook on how to internalize the numbers in Spanish! First of all, it can be said that knowing the Spanish numbers one to ten is already most of what you need. If you are not acquainted with these numbers, here is a little list to recap:

one        -              uno (fem.: una)

two        -              dos

three    -              tres

four       -              cuatro

five        -              cinco

six          -              seis

seven   -              siete

eight     -              ocho

nine       -              nueve

ten         -              diez

The other Spanish numbers are merely easily made combinations of the numbers you have just learned and the decimal numbers which are listed here:

twenty                 -              veinte

thirty                    -              treinta

forty                     -              cuarenta

fifty                       -              cincuenta

sixty                      -              sesenta

seventy                 -              setenta

eighty                   -              ochenta

ninety                  -              noventa

As you can see, these numbers are quite easy to internalize since they look almost like the single-digit numbers with the ending –enta.

When we take a closer look at the other decimals, we see that they are just an adding up of numbers. Thirty one is for example treinta y uno which is to say thirty and one, and this rule is true for all two digit numbers, except….

As always in life there are some few exceptions which are detailed below:

For the twenties, instead of the “y”, we use an “i” and connect both the multiples of ten and the one-digit number. Here´s an example: “veintiuno”. This is true for all numbers with twenty and thus very easy to learn. The same holds true for the majority of the teens, namely sixteen through to nineteen only that, in addition, the “z” in diez becomes a “c”. For example, nineteen in Spanish is: diecinueve.

In the same group of Spanish numbers with ten and twenty there is another exception with the numbers ending in two, three and six. Here, an accent is put on the “o” or “e” respectively such that, in the end, the numbers look like this: dieciséis, veintidós, veintitrés and veintiséis.

Q: Why did I not mention the numbers twelve and thirteen? A: Because they belong to the third and last group of exceptions. To be honest, the numbers eleven to fifteen are very weird and do not follow such a logical structure like the others. But they are very few and can be learnt directly in one row with the one-digit numbers. Here they are:

eleven                 –              once

twelve                 -              doce

thirteen               -              trece

fourteen             -              catorce

fifteen                 -              quince

My recommendation is to first learn the Spanish numbers from one to fifteen and then the multiples of ten, before finally combating the rest! The pronunciation isn’t a problem either since the numbers are pronounced exactly as they are written.

I hope this small lecture helped you a bit to find your way through the Spanish number jungle! In any case, you can always do an intensive Spanish language course at one of our language schools in Spain or Latin America. We offer Spanish courses at every level, from beginner to professional.

We are waiting for you!

Have you ever thought about going to Argentina? As the fourth biggest country in America, it has some of the best tourist attractions of the whole continent. How can you not be excited about going to the land of Tango and Mate (herbal drink); with breathtaking scenery and spectacular cities? The chance to enjoy long chats with Argentinean locals is another good reason to visit.

Fascinatingly, around half of the entire Argentinean population resides in Buenos Aires, capital of Argentina. This is not surprising when you consider that the city is ranked 61st in the world for the most excellent quality of life (according to the Mercer Quality of Living Survey). As well as being the most highly populated city of all the South American capital cities, Buenos Aires also receives the highest number of visitors each year. Buenos Aires is renowned for having more theatres than any other city in the world. Notably, the people of Buenos Aires wish to host the 2018 Summer Youth Olympics and are in the process of bidding at present.

The list of inviting destinations in Argentina is enormous, but we recommend Buenos Aires as the best option.

Tourists flock to the federal capital, attracted by its wide avenues and unique architectural mix. In fact, it may be said that in Buenos Aires, the cultural offering is almost as interesting as the cuisine. Not to mention the Buenos Aires nightlife that can be defined as uniquely enchanting and magical…

Buenos Aires moves to the rhythm of Tango in San Telmo, the oldest neighborhood in Buenos Aires… San Telmo is characterized by its cobbled streets lined with antique shops, cafes and tango parlors… One of San Telmo’s main attractions is the semi-permanent fairground in the Plaza Dorrego. Lots of Tango-related activities can be found around this area to be enjoyed by tourists and locals alike.

Buenos Aires is certainly a city full of flavor, a city that tastes of empanadas… a pastry stuffed with meat, cheese or vegetables… a word that has evolved from the Spanish verb “empanar” meaning “to wrap in bread”.

Buenos Aires is home to the curious Recoleta Cemetery – 14 acres of land containing a grand total of 4691 vaults including those of various important people such as presidents, Nobel Prize winners and the granddaughter of Napoleon to name but a few. Eva Perón is also buried in the Recoleta Cemetery. Evita, as she is affectionately referred to by the Spanish people, was the second wife of President Juan Perón as well as an Argentine political leader.

As you stroll the huge avenues reminiscent of those in Paris, you can smell the sweet scent of the ornamental Jacaranda tree on every corner, with its clusters of pale purple fragrant flowers. Buenos Aires is a city that understands how to combine enjoyment with learning and, as the Argentineans say themselves, Buenos Aires captures the very essence of Argentina.

1)    Machu Picchu, Peru
Machu Picchu (Old Mountain) is an old Inca city in the Peruvian Andes. Being one of the most famous ruins in the world, this touristic destination, at 8.000 ft high, is the number one attraction for American travelers.

2)    Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
This volcanic island in Ecuador accommodates various habitats and unique species of animals which make this exotic destination one of the most famous ones in the Spanish-speaking world.

3)    Buenos Aires, Argentina
Buenos Aires, with 2.6 million tourists a year, is the most visited city in South America. The city perfectly unites modernity with culture and is famous for being the birth place of the Argentine Tango.

4)    Torres del Paine, Chile
The national park Torres del Paine offers a great variety of landscape: mountains, valleys, rivers, lakes, glacier distributed over 250.000 ha and enchants its visitors with its belle, untouched beauty.

5)    Jalisco state, Mexico
Jalisco is one of the 32 federal states of Mexico. It is one of the most developed states in the country economically, commercially and culturally. Its capital, Guadalajara, is an artistic and historic treasure.

6)    Bocas del Toro, Panama
Bocas del Toro is a Panamanian province with a huge variety of cultures: Europeans, Indigenous communities, North Americans and Asians. Situated at the Caribbean Sea the region is perfect to enjoy sun, beaches and sand.

7)    Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia
Salar de Uyuni is one of the most popular touristic destinations in Bolivia with about 60,000 visitors every year. In November it’s the breeding ground of three different species of flamingo.

8)    Peten Region, Guatemala
The rainforest in Peten offers a wide variety of wildlife with millions of apes of all kind of species and parrots.

9)    San José Del Cabo, Mexico
San Jose offers everything that makes the hearts of watersport-lovers beat faster. Extraordinary restaurants with the best national and international cuisine complete a perfect holiday experience.

10)    San Pedro de Atacama, Chile
Being a destination exclusively for backpackers and wayfarers in former days, this village now attracts tourists from all over the world who are fascinated by the beauty of the nature.