Bienvenidos to the Vamos Tutoring monthly newsletter! Here I will share fun and interesting items related to the Spanish speaking world. For more frequent posts, follow us on Instagram @vamos_tutoring or visit vamostutoring.com |
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La Noche Buena (Christmas Eve) is one of the most celebrated holidays in the hispanic culture. For some, December 24, which is thought to be the birth of Jesus by many, is a larger celebration than Christmas Day. Typical activities that take place on this night are: family meals, making tamales and ponche (hot fruit punch), and the exchange of gifts. (photo from Wikimedia commons) | | |
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| | Here is a photo of a Tortilla making machine. I have wonderful memories as a child of living in Mexico for a summer and going to the Tortillería (the tortilla bakery) to buy fresh, hot, soft tortillas! I know this seems crazy, but we used to take them home, still warm, and spread peanut butter on them, then roll them up. | | |
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| | Tortilla Española - A Spanish tortilla is similar to a potato omelet. I always eat them in Spanish Bars. Common ways to eat a Spanish tortilla: porción (a triangle wedge), pinchos (cut in small squares), or bocadillo de tortilla (sandwich). Click below for a recipe to make your own Tortilla Española. Remember to try it with a caña (small glass) or tubo (tall glass) de cerveza (beer)! | | |
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To Be or Which To Be? That is the question. Ser or Estar is a basic decision for beginning Spanish learners. Both Ser and Estar mean “to be” but they are not interchangeable. Ser is used for 1- Permanent Characteristics, 2-Origen, 3-Occupation, 4-Telling Time. Estar is used for 1-Temporary Conditions 2-Location. Click below to watch my Free grammar video explaining the difference in detail. | | |
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Bilingual Editions of Poetry Books A fun way to read poetry in Spanish is to get a bilingual book of poems. These will have the original Spanish poem on one page with the English translation on the facing page. Try to see how well you understand the original Spanish, and when you need a little help, look at the facing page for the English. This is also a great way to get a feel for Spanish rhythms and structure. | | |
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The Internet Take advantage of all the resources available on the internet. People always ask me, "How do I keep up with the Spanish I know?" My answer is - READ! The best way to practice your Spanish, at any level, is to read, read, read in Spanish. An online Spanish newspaper is a great place to find reading material. Pick some articles and read them straight through without stopping or looking up any words. Just read! Don't worry if after reading an entire article, you can only give a one sentence summary. That is fine. You will quickly understand more and more. Also, occasionally read out loud for practice speaking. | | |
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