Latin America

From Sawdust to Sand: The Creative Process Behind Semana Santa’s Most Intricate Carpets

by kelly
March 29, 2023March 29, 2023
Latin America

As the streets of Guatemala fill with vibrant colors and intricate designs during the Semana Santa celebrations, one can’t help but wonder about the creative process behind these stunning carpets. From sawdust to sand, artisans work tirelessly for days, pouring their heart and soul into each intricate detail. Join us as we delve into the fascinating world of Semana Santa’s most elaborate masterpieces and discover how they come to life through a unique blend of tradition, creativity, and passion.

Lunfardo – The Argentine slang born in the slums of Buenos Aires

by kelly
December 4, 2022
Latin America

If you’ve spent any decent length time at all in Argentina, or more specifically Buenos Aires or have an interest in Argentine Tango you are… Read More »Lunfardo – The Argentine slang born in the slums of Buenos Aires

South American Spanish V’s European Spanish – what’s the difference anyway?

by kelly
October 19, 2022
Free Lessons, Latin America

Do you know the main differences between Latin American Spanish and European Spanish? “You all”, formal or informal? The first thing that you’ll come across… Read More »South American Spanish V’s European Spanish – what’s the difference anyway?

Fernando Botero – Latin America’s most sought-after artist

by kelly
October 16, 2022
Latin America, Travel

I came across the works of so many amazing artists in South America one of my personal favorites is Fernando Botero, who’s art I was… Read More »Fernando Botero – Latin America’s most sought-after artist

Beach holidays; Venezuela

by kelly
September 11, 2022
Latin America, Travel

Venezuela was the first country on my list, flights were cheap and it seemed like a good “starting point” for me so I bought a one-year open ticket and off I went. I arrived with my brand new ruck sack, walking boots, pillow case (!!!)…the lot, nervous yet excited to find out what was in store for me. I had no plan, no time limit I just knew that when my money started to run out I would need to work, but I’d been working since I was 14, I had worked in Greece, in Copenhagen so I wasn’t worried!

Top 6 Dive Sites in South America

by kelly
September 4, 2022
Latin America, Travel

Language immersion is the best way to improve your Spanish. Combining an immersion experience with a hobby is even better!

One of the best immersion experiences I had was learning to Scuba Dive in Taganga, Colombia. I went from PADI Open Water through to Dive Master in nine months. My instructor was Colombian with limited English and I took my exams in Spanish.

Whether you are a Dive Master or a wanna be Open Water diver in this post I uncover five top dive sites in South America where you can also practise your Spanish.

To give or not to give? Giving to beggars on the streets of Latin America

by kelly
August 21, 2022
Latin America, Travel

Those of us that have spent time in under-developed countries – whether it be as a tourist passing through for a few days or a longer stay for work or an immersive holiday – have at some point found ourselves face-to-face with someone less fortunate who is on the street begging.

The beggar we come across may be just a child or it may be a whole family – which ever scenario we encounter we are faced with the decision…to give or not to give!

Mendoza, ¡Te quiero!

by kelly
August 14, 2022
Latin America, Travel

Next March it will be 10 years since I left Mendoza behind and moved back to the UK. The city of Mendoza is a cosmopolitan… Read More »Mendoza, ¡Te quiero!

How do you know when you’re fluent in Spanish?

by kelly
August 5, 2022
Latin America, Travel

I studied Spanish throughout high school. I took a break through College and University but then went on to live in South America – Spanish became my second language.

The five years I studied Spanish at school gave me a good base to build on but it did by no stretch of the imagination make me a “Latin Spanish” speaker…this I found out very quickly upon my arrival in Caracas, Venezuela!!! Read More »How do you know when you’re fluent in Spanish?

Five reasons Venezuela should be in your travel plans

by kelly
July 21, 2022January 14, 2024
Latin America

In my early twenties after finishing my PR Degree in Leeds I booked a flight to Venezuela. To Caracas – the closest South American airport to the UK. My plan was to explore the length and breadth of South America, country by country with no fixed time frame. Working and travelling my way around. At the time I arrived in Venezuela Hugo Chavez was president and the country was in turmoil. Not that I noticed to be honest (true story I’m ashamed to say), I simply wanted to relax on a Caribbean beach so I headed straight for Isla Magarita to see what was in store for me.