consejos

Surrounded by Spanish

The best way to learn a language is to immerse yourself in it. Whether that means living abroad, traveling, or taking advantage of exposure to Spanish in Denver, you will learn to speak and understand Spanish faster than studying in the classroom once a week. The classroom will give you the structure you need to create and build on a foundation, upon which you can explore the language and culture in its authentic setting.

I recommend music, films, television, radio, learning cds, media, and internet resources to keep you improving your Spanish outside of class. Most importantly, I recommend you speak with native speakers of Spanish whenever you get the chance. They will appreciate your effort and you'll get great practice!

Películas (films)

Tyler Cowen, an economist at George Mason University, has proposed the theory that learning foreign languages will be increasingly important for job-seekers around the world.

Rather than making the usual arguments - that the world is increasingly globalized, that immigration is increasing, that international trade will be more important in the future - Tyler points out that critical thinking, judgment, and empathy are increasingly important skills in a knowledge economy. In a world where these characteristics are highly valuable, the best investment in your education is not technical, but general: learning to learn instead of learning to do something.

And, in addition to dating a foreign person as a way to gain international insight he also recommends travel and learning a foreign language.

The 9th Door is supposedly named after a bar in a small town in the south of Spain, where expats would gather to drink and share stories. The bar was only recognizable by the 9 etched on the door, thus, The 9th Door. So says the menu...

In addition to the Museo de las Américas happy hour and conversation group, the Denver Spanish Language Meetup group is a great opportunity to practice your Spanish in a social setting. Generally hosted at a member's house, events are usually bimonthly and are an informal gathering of all level (beginner to native speakers) Spanish-speakers who are interested in practicing their Spanish.

Museo de las Américas offers some great programs to practice your Spanish in a fun setting.

Spanish Happy Hour

Every third Friday of the month from 5-8pm, Spanish-speakers of all levels are invited to have a drink and meet other Spanish-speakers. The cost is $3 for Museo members and $5 for general admission.

New Conversation class

In the Golden Triangle neighborhood lies an adorable house, painted green with yellow trimming and iron sculpture of a palm tree out front, which is, my friends, restaurant Cuba Cuba. The Cuban eatery chicly transports you to the Caribbean island with its soft green walls, palm leaf fans, twinkly lights, and salsa meets bossa nova music. The food is good, but slightly pricey, so I often prefer to stop by for a few drinks in the cozy bar (which offers a brief happy hour). Try the blackberry infused mojitos and lamb picadillo empanadas...pretty tasty.

Written by 3 Argentines, andaBA, is a great blog about a great city: Buenos Aires. With a demonstrated knowledge and passion for history, the bloggers provide information about Buenos Aires with a new witty twist.

AndaBA ofrece postales de Buenos Aires tanto para aquellos que habitan la urbe como para quienes están de paso. Es una mirada caprichosa, injusta, improcedente, de facciones de la metrópoli que se nos antoja retratar.

When I first started working, benefits meetings about 401k and medical insurance were pretty confusing, and it took a while for me to start taking advantage of my benefits. Add in being from another country and perhaps just learning English and benefits just got more complicated. Futuro Sólido U.S.A., a Denver-based business, works with companies that hire Spanish-speakers to make sure employees know the resources they have access to. This recent Denver Post article highlights some of the work Futuro Sólido U.S.A.

Whenever I wish I could be in Buenos Aires while living in Denver, I head to the Buenos Aires Pizzeria, a partially hidden gem in north downtown. There is something comforting about the atmosphere of the restaurant, with photo of Tango singer legend Carlos Gardel on the wall with various football paraphernalia and photos of the city. It's as if you've walked into any restaurant in Buenos Aires. The menu includes a nice selection of Argentine wines, empanadas, Argentine style pizza options, pastas, several typical sandwiches, and some delicious gelato.

While spending a month in Spain, Greg and I formulated a perfect itinerary for a return trip. It may happen...un dia. First, fly into Madrid and spend a few days checking out museums including seeing Picasso's Guernica housed in Museo Nacional Reina Sofia...and eating churros y chocolate.