A Cultural Immersion in Mexico

WHY LEARN SPANISH AT ALL

I have taken Spanish language intermittently but because of our travels to South and Central America this year, we made a more serious investment to study more of the language. When we decided to spend Thanksgiving in Mexico, I was excited to find this language school, Spanish in Cabo, that offered short immersion classes for travelers like us.

While in Mexico, when I try to communicate in Spanish, locals are amused and are curious why on earth a Filipino-American would ever have the desire to learn a third language. For me, the reason is simple. As a traveler, locals and complete strangers open themselves up to you in ways you can’t imagine if you initiate a conversation in their language. It dissolves the wall that separate me from them. More than the practical reason of asking for directions or ordering food, the willingness to learn someone’s native tongue is an expression of one's sincerity in wanting to know, learn and understand. You cannot believe the beautiful people we met in all these places, the smiles and sharing a laugh, being treated very well - all because we make an effort to converse. It’s an expression that you and me come from different countries, but we share something.

SPANISH IN CABO

I can sense the minute she welcomed us to her school in San Jose del Cabo that Malena is an seasoned language teacher. Located in a primarily residential part of town not far from the hotel zone, the school offers language classes for all levels and for various durations, depending on the student's need.

I like Malena. She’s very amiable and warm, it was like visiting a friend. And her style of instruction was relaxed and organic, which made us feel at ease to converse in Spanish without being shy or intimidated. Like the true immersion experience we sought, Malena purposely did not speak to us in English, and yet, we never felt completely lost or confused.

The class itself included two hours of classroom-style instruction. She also gave us tour of her garden where we sat outside at the patio to talk about non-academic stuff, but just about our families, life in San Jose, places to visit in Mexico, and such.

BONUS ROUND: MEXICAN COOKING

I don't know where I heard it, but they said that some of the best ways to learn anything - be it a new language, knitting, photography or anything - is to get instruction, but immediately use what you learned. And because one of the things we absolutely loved in Baja California Sur is the food, it only made complete sense to learn the language in the context of food.

That is why the Mexican Cooking Class that proceeded our language class was brilliant! We made Sopa Azteca (a tortilla soup with roasted chilis, a dollop of cream and chicharrones - so AMAZING), Huaraches de Nopales Asados (roasted cactus with beans and salsa), Enchiladas Tricolor (chicken enchiladas with two salsas and cream, the colors of which resemble the Mexican flag), and a banana margarita. The class was conducted almost entirely in Spanish which provided us plenty of opportunity to absorb the language in context.

The best part about the cooking class is that you get to eat (and drink) everything you prepared. I absolutely enjoyed everything, especially the Sopa Azteca! It had a light, flavorful broth with great texture from the avocados, cheese and chicharrones (crisped pork rinds). Mexican homecooked food is muy rica - definitely different from the Mexican food north of the border.

Many Americans visit Los Cabos (the area encompassing Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo). If you happen to be visiting and would like to explore beyond your resort to experience something more local, I encourage you to take classes at Spanish in Cabo. Given that their rates include language classes, a cooking class, lunch AND margaritas, 1128 Mexican pesos is a great value. Both Malena and Eduardo were so kind that we would definitely go back for more lessons when we find ourselves in Los Cabos again.

Spanish in Cabo offers language courses for all levels. They have regular courses, immersion classes, and even online classes if you can't make it to Mexico. For more information about all the course offerings at Spanish in Cabo, visit their website at www.spanishincabo.com.

You may also find them on Facebook here.

Disclosure: This post was written in partnership with Spanish in Cabo. However, all opinions expressed here are honest and are my own.

#travel #mexico