The History and Significance of Guatemalan Jade
What’s all the fuss about Guatemalan jade, you wonder? Here’s a whistle-stop tour of Guatemalan jade: some science, the history, and why it’s so popular. What’s Jade? Jade is a rare metamorphic rock made deep underneath the layers of the earth from thousands of years of heat, pressure, and time. You won’t find a recipe for it on WikiHow, that’s for sure! Since it’s so hard...Read More
Types of Spanish Music and Latin American Music
What comes to mind when you think of Spanish music? As the philosopher Plato once said: “Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything.” The beauty of music is the diversity it has in it, in fact, there are more than 2,500 music genres in the world! In this blog post we explore the elements of Spanish music and how it...Read More
10 Differences in Latin Culture Compared to U.S. Culture
How does Latin culture compare to U.S. culture? We live in a rich and diverse world with a cornucopia of cultures. Although Latin America and the U.S. share the same hemisphere, many cultural differences exist between the two. If you haven’t spent time immersed in Latin culture, some of these differences may surprise you. Ultimately, the key to meaningful and appropriate interactions...Read More
Languages in Spain: How Many Languages Are Spoken in Spain?
The diversity of languages in Spain is both fascinating and shocking. While español is the most common Romance language spoken in Spain, it shares its home with more than 15 other languages—none of which are official, aside from Spanish, but they’re spoken and acknowledged in regional pockets of the country. While Spanish is spoken by more than 572 million speakers worldwide, it’s the...Read More
A Brief Introduction to Spanish Culture, Traditions, and Beliefs
¿Conoces España? Spain has been a prominent country in world history for centuries. However, most people’s knowledge of Spanish culture and history is limited to what they learned about the conquistadors in history class. Spain has an incredibly rich and diverse culture. Want to learn more? Let’s discover what the Spanish culture includes! We’ll cover everything from food to customs and...Read More
5 Beautiful Places to Visit in Antigua Guatemala When Quarantine Ends
The unique beauty of Antigua, Guatemala is hard to match. This old Latin American city, seemingly frozen in time with its colonial architecture and cobblestone streets, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It acquired the heritage status by having been “the cultural, economic, religious, political and educational centre for the entire region until the capital was moved,” according to...Read More
How to Talk About Your Home in Spanish
Home is where the heart is, isn’t it? Home is where our roots are, where our ancestors are from, and where our family lives. Home is where we create a comfortable space for living. A house may be anything from a high-rise apartment in the center of a pulsating city to a rustic cabin in the middle of nowhere. We make a house into a home with love, kindness, care, and gratitude. A common...Read More
Te Quiero vs Te Amo: Don’t Say the Wrong ‘I Love You’ in Spanish
There is a misconception about using te quiero vs te amo when expressing the concept of “I love you” in Spanish. Although quiero often means “I want,” te quiero can translate to “I love you” in certain circumstances. The two phrases are used in different ways across the vast Spanish-speaking world. Amar means to love. Te amo is a deeper, more intense declaration of love than...Read More
Independence Day Celebrations in Spanish-Speaking Countries
Here in Guatemala, our HSA teachers celebrate Independence Day on September 15 with parades of marching bands, while you might be listening to the Star-Spangled Banner and watching a fireworks show in the U.S. this 4th of July. Let’s learn about the most fascinating cultural traditions for celebrating independence day in the Spanish-speaking countries of Latin America! ...Read More