12 Facts About Argentina Colonization You Won’t Believe Are True
When was Argentina colonized? Argentina’s colonization took place in the 16th century. In 1816, Argentina declared its independence from Spain and emerged as a democratic republic, but it has since periodically been under military rule. The Argentine people are a mix of different ethnic and national groups, with the descendants of Italian and Spanish immigrants being predominant—due to...Read More
Royal Titles and Honors of the Aristocracy in Spanish
Spanish royal titles in Spain are given to people who have the legal status of nobility—using a system of honors and titles of Spain from former kingdoms. Some Spanish nobles have several titles they’ve inherited, but the creation of Spanish titles of nobility is at the grace of the King of Spain. When General Francisco Franco ruled, new hereditary titles were given to individuals. ...Read More
13 Interesting Moorish Influences in Spain
Moorish influence in Spain is undeniable. A major part of Spain’s immense cultural richness came from the Moorish conquerors. The Muslims and Arabs who conquered parts of Spain in the 8th century lived there for 800 years! Who were the Moors? The term refers to Muslims living in Europe. Back then, the term “moor” was also used to describe a dark-skinned person. Spain was a...Read More
10 Learning Habits of Highly Effective Spanish Learners
When it comes to learning how to study Spanish, it’s all about taking the time to get to know yourself. The most effective Spanish learning habits involve actionable steps that help you to reach your goal. They make your learning process effective yet fun! Language learning doesn’t need to be stressful or boring. In fact, with the right tools and self-knowledge, it can be one of the best...Read More
A Traveler’s Guide to La Paz: the World’s Highest Capital
La Paz City in Bolivia is the highest capital in the world—it literally and figuratively takes your breath away! When you visit La Paz City, explore the capital of Bolivia at your own pace and choose the landmarks that are most alluring to you, from the famous teleférico (suspended cable cars) to visiting the mercado de las brujas (witches’ market). Currently, passengers who...Read More
Etnica: 10 Reasons to Experience Ethical Tourism in Guatemala
Etnica is a conscious enterprise that helps connect locals to travelers who visit Guatemala. They support local communities by offering community-based travel experiences off the beaten path while keeping the planet in mind. Etnica, a travel company and social enterprise, works with fair trade and sustainable values to offer fascinating tours. I sat down with Sofia Godoy, CEO, to...Read More
Top 10 Nicest Beaches in Costa Rica
Many of the nicest beaches in Costa Rica are hidden gems. You may have heard of some; others are more remote but just as stunning. Costa Rica is famous for being one of the most eco-friendly countries on Earth. Its beaches are unblemished on both the Caribbean and Pacific coastlines. Costa Rica has an unspoiled vibe that cannot be compared to any other. I went to Costa Rica when...Read More
10 Delicious Traditional Argentinian Dishes
Traditional Argentinian food is fantastic, especially if you love meat. Argentina is famous for its world-class beef and homemade empanadas! More than 6 million immigrants moved to Argentina between 1853 and 1955, mostly from Italy and Spain. After the U.S., Argentina has the second largest number of immigrants. The Italian influence runs deep. When I traveled to Argentina,...Read More
Exploring Colombia’s Extravagant Emerald Production
Emeralds in Colombia date back more than a thousand years. Over time, this stunning green gemstone emerged from lush areas of Colombia. Unfortunately, emeralds from Colombia are also linked to human exploitation and violence. Regardless, the desire to mine this treasure has endured and the emerald industry is thriving. Recently, the emerald industry has changed more than ever....Read More