The Canaval of Barranquilla in Colombia is the second biggest after the Carnival in Rio. Pack your bags because its going to blow!

(18-22  February 2012)

This Carnival began over 100 years ago and it’s precedence is from Europe, more specifically Spain. It was the party where slaves, spaniards and portuguese came toghether, and with the years it shapped until what it’s today: the second biggest carnival in the world! The Carnival was honored by UNESCO as World Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. It lasts four days but it takes a whole year to organize it. It’s all about dancing, drinking, partying, music, smiles, and RUMBA!

Marimondas

The carnival begins in the 18th of february with La batalla de las flores (Battle of the Flowers). That is a parade with live music, costumes, and beauty queens, all of which go around barranquilla. During the Carnival there are 3 main icons: El Rey Momo, The Queen of the Carnival, and Joselito Carnaval.

The Rey Momo: It’s the icon you can find in almost all the carnivals around South America. When he appears, the party begins. The elected king is given the “keys” of the city and he is usually a really big guy.

The Queen: She is the one in charge of encouraging the people from Barranquilla to follow the only rule of the carnival : “bailar y gozar hasta que el cuerpo aguante.” (Dance and enjoy until you drop)

Joselito Carnaval: He symbolizes the end of the carnival. Locals reinact the myth of a carriage driver who partied so much during the carnival that the last day he died.

When Joselito Carnaval is ''buried'', the Carnival of Barranquilla ends

Feel like learning Spanish to travel all over South America? Get Bueno, entonces… now and you’ll be speaking and understanding conversational Spanish in just five weeks! We also have clips of our Spanish classes on Youtube – go check ‘em out and get a taste of our teaching style.

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Christmas in South America is totally different! Lets begin by saying there is NO snow!

The City is full of lights, specially the Rio Medellin covered with lights like the picture shows. Beautiful!

Even though we may be sunbathing and having asados in Argentina, Lechona in Colombia, ceviche in Perú for Christmas here in South America, it doesn”t mean that we”ve lost our holiday spirit! Things are a bit different down South–but we could say the exact same thing from household to household up North.

Back home, oftentimes the presents are opened on Christmas Eve, rather than Christmas morning; some families have elaborate dinner while others eat Dim sum; and some decorate their house to the max while others go for a more sparse look. In my experience, because of the widespread Catholicism in the Spanish-speaking countries, the holiday is more religious and less about presents. Generally there is a large dinner on Christmas Eve and another large lunch on Christmas Day, but the hooplah that exists up North is absent here. There are decorations, though, and the image of Papá Noel does exist—people just kid about how he wears less clothing.

Our Lovely models from Bueno Entonces!

In the Spanish-speaking world, each country (and family) has different traditions (dinner, when to open presents, etc.), but the vocabulary stays the same. Here are some useful vocabulary terms that you can use to show off your Spanish skills this holiday season!:

Nochebuena = Christmas Eve

Dí­a de Navidad = Christmas Day

(el) regalo = present

(el) muérdago = mistletoe

(el) Árbol de navidad = Christmas tree

¿Qué te regalaron para Navidad? =What did you get for Christmas? (What did they give you for Christmas?)

Año Nuevo = New Year

Nochevieja = New Year”s Eve

El dí­a de año nuevo = New Year”s Day

Túrron = A typical Spanish sweet eaten during the holidays, made of almonds, nougat, and sometimes rice or chocolate

Una rosca de reyes = a bread eaten on the 6th of January (stay tuned for a more in-depth post about this day in the New Year)

There you have it. Now, spike some eggnog, grab some muérdago, and make this holiday season an unforgettable one!

Felices fiestas from Bueno, entonces…!

Don’t get bored.

That’s our philosophy here is Bueno, entonces…—make it as fun, culturally relevant, and engaging as possible. Check out our videos if you aren’t familiar with the program!

Also, try out Bueno, entonces…. Class 1 for Free! Click here to get started

 We are used to the idea that Friday the 13 is a day of bad luck due to the Hollywood movie that goes by it’s name. But in Latin America its on Tuesdays! MARTES 13

Are you scared at your desk while you are reading this? Well you should be! Martes 13 it’s a very serious day and nobody leaves their houses unless they are wearing black! I am just playing with you guys it’s like any other tuesday, but the story behind this day, is very interesting.

Number 13 (número 13) around the world has been considered a bad luck number for several reasons, especially in religion:

• Paganism (Paganos): 13 is the age when people start learning witchcraft (magia negra).
• Christianity (Cristianismo): There were 13 attendees of the Last Supper and the 13th dinner guest, Judas, betrayed Jesus to the Romans. It was on Friday, the 13th of October, 1307 that King Philip IV sent out his guards to systematically massacre the Templar Knights.

• Sikhism (Sijismo): It is a lucky number in Sikhism, in which it means ‘yours.’ The holy word of Sikhs ‘Waheguru’ appears only 13 times in the Holy Sikh scripture. The Baisakhi festival is celebrated on April 13
• Judaism (Judaismo): God has 13 attributes of mercy. 13 years is the age of maturity. 13 circles, or “nodes” make up Metatron’s Cube in Kaballistic teachings.

Many of the buildings around the world don’t have a 13th floor, ( just went to check my elevator but it does have floor 13, I guess my building was built by an unsuperstitious architect) or they just skip the number 13 in the elevator. But that does not mean there is no 13th floor! They say that in government buildings 13th floors are not open to the public, and used for top secret activities.

Por qué un Martes? (Why a Tuesday?)

At the end of the  Medieval Age ,specifically, Tuesday 29 of 1453, the Christians lost control of one of the most important cities of their empire; Constantinopla. This was such a slap in the face for the Pope, Genoa and the Venetian States that they marked this day as a day of bad luck. Also, the name “Martes” is related to the planet Mars (Planeta Marte) that was seen as  the “small hex planet” (pequeño maleficio) in the middle ages. That is why it’s Martes the 13th not Viernes the 13th like the Hollywood movie says!

That is why in Spanish there is a saying : En un Martes 13 ni cases ni te embarques. (Tuesday the 13th neither get married nor start a journey (take a boat or a plane)).

What do you think about all this? Are you a Triskaidekaphobia (someone who has a phobia of the number 13?)

Now you know about Tuesday the 13th! There are a bunch of traditions and superstitions to learn about here in Latin America. We are more than welcome to be writing about them, this is what is all about sharing knowledge. Follow us on #Facebook! Facts, Lessons, and many other #spanish things! http://www.facebook.com/buenoentonces . You can also start learning Spanish with our program! Try it for free! http://bit.ly/BEFreeTrial

This is how we do it! 

BUENO ENTONCES – Video Presentation on Vimeo.

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Bibliography:

• Home of beliefs : http://www.homeofbeliefs.com/the-number-13-superstition/
• Wikipedia: Martes 13

The names of your groceries may change in the translation, so how do we call…

Lets start by the personal hygiene while traveling, things you always forget to pack! And they are the things you will need to buy as soon as you land.

Deodorant – Desodorante

Soap – Jabón

Toilet paper – Papel higiénico

Toothbrush – cepillo de dientes

Toothpaste – crema dental

Foot deodorant – talco para píes

Sunscreen – Protector Solar

Dental Floss – Hilo Dental

Panty Pads – Toalla higiénica.

Hopefully this will help you around if you land in a new country, but forgot a few things- the things that are necessary to keep yourself clean during your visit! We will continue with this lesson next week!

This is simple vocabulary, but Want to learn more Spanish? Head to our site to get the first 40 min Spanish class for free! Go here today:http://www.generallinguistics.com

You can also see funny Spanish classes on our Youtube Page.

The only place in the world where you are invited to drink and drive!

In South America, the wine culture has been growing rapidly in the last century, especially in Argentina and Chile. In the western city of Mendoza, Argentina you can find more than 1200 vineyards and most of them are open to the public in guided tours. The wines from the region of Mendoza have always been recognized in Argentina. The Harvest Festival, between February and March, is known nationally, with musical performances, parades, and the election of a queen. In the last decade, with the organization of  rutas del vino”wine roads”,  it exploded as wine tourism destination: the wineries opened their doors, organized visits to vineyards, wine tastings, started up restaurants and art galleries. Some of them are even offering accommodation in boutique hotels and spa’s with ”wine”.

The idea of the “wine roads” is to visit the vineyards in the lovely summer weather of Mendoza, and one of the options is by bicycle. The tour is around 12km and it takes the whole day. You visit around 6 different wineries, a chocolate and olive oil factory and some other stops that would let you catch a breath if you are not an exercise fan!

But before you pack your bags to see this amazing place, get your language skills up to scratch so you can fully enjoy the locale (and the locals!) Start Bueno, entonces… Learn Spanish I & II today and get the first class free: http://www.generallinguistics.com

Coolest thing? You can take the classes everywhere with you on your laptop, iPhone, iPod, or iPad so you can learn while you’re exploring!

See for yourself: http://www.generallinguistics.com

Hello everyone, I hope you all had a great weekend even thought it’s Monday! But guess what we have some great music to cheer you up.

Today we are listening to an Argentinean band: Los Pericos. This band was founded in the late 80’s, by a group of friends that loved reggae music. In 1987 they became famous when they opened a concert for UB40 at River Plates Stadium in front of 50,000. Since then they haven’t stop releasing cds. “Me late” (It beats) was one of the most successful hits from the 90’s in all of South America, making them so big that Jamaica officially designated them as the official reggae ambassadors in Argentina. In their almost 21 years of carrer they have sold over 2,000,000 records  and 1,500 live performances around the world.

So listen to them, and sing along, to this successful single “Me Late”.

Anoche salí (soñé) con una mujer
de esas que nunca se olvidan, no, no.

Wha, wha, y no pude dormir.
Wha, wha, y no pude dormir.

Yo creía que todo,
que todo era el final;
que ya nadie podría,
hacerme sentir igual, no, no.

Por suerte amigos,
yo me equivoqué,
todavía me queda,
mucho por recorrer.

Me late, me late,
me late el corazón,
tengo taquicardia,
ay si Señor.
Me late, me late,
me late el corazón,
tengo taquicardia,
ay si Señor, no, no.

Hay pulso, hay pulso,
oh no, no,no,no,no.
Hay pulso, hay pulso.

Anoche salí con esa mujer,
que me hizo ver las estrellas,
anoche salí con esa mujer,
que me sacó del planeta.

Wha, wha,
y no pude dormir.

Que linda minina que tengo en Panamá.
Que linda minina que tengo en Panamá.

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How’d you do? It’s really important to practice your Spanish listening with how people really sound, accent and all! In fact, training your ear is one of the most important steps to learning a language, because once you can understand people, you will start getting new words, grammar, and sentence structure.

That’s what so special about Bueno, entonces…Learn Spanish I & II- a program unique in its format and structure. It teaches you Spanish at REAL speed, and gets your ears ready for talking folks on the street.

PLUS: You’ll hear Spanish while seeing both the Spanish and English written below, color coded and with road signs so you can pick up grammar and vocabulary easily.

Best thing of all? You can take it ANYWHERE – on your laptop, iPhone, iPad, and iPod. Check out the first Bueno, entonces… class for free & get a discount!:http://www.generallinguistics.com

So here are a few jokes(chistes) just to end the week with some humor.

Un hombre cae a un rí­o y es salvado por un habitante del lugar.
- Gracias por salvarme la vida. Le darí­a cincuenta dólares en agradecimiento, pero sólo tengo un billete de cien.
- Bueno, en ese caso, tí­rese al agua y lo rescato de nuevo.

A man fell into a river and was saved by someone who lived there
-Thanks for saving my life. I would give you $50 dollars in gratitude, but I only have a $100 bill.
-Well, in that case, throw yourself in the water and I’ll rescue you again

Un átomo viendo la cara de preocupado del otro le pregunta:
- ¿Por qué llevas esa cara?
- Es que perdí­ un electrón
- ¿Estás seguro?
- Sí­, estoy totalmente positivo

One atom, looking at the worried face of another, asks
“Why do you have that look on your face?”
-”It’s because I lost an electron”
“Are you sure?”
-”Yes, I am completely positive”

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See how quick and painless that was? Bueno, entonces… is the most effective, entertaining Spanish learning software on the market–and our user community is growing rapidly because of it. Join us on our Learn Spanish Facebook Page!

Want to watch the first Bueno, entonces… class for Free? Check us out here: http://www.generallinguistics.com

Click here to order the 6-DVD set or Instant Download and learn Spanish today!

A few years ago when you told your friends that you were coming to South America,most of them would have said to you: “You know it’s Dangerous”, “Are you going to be safe?”

Well, we are not going to lie about it, South America has its issues, but who doesn’t? Countries in Latin America have their pros and cons (los pros y los contras), and one of their main pros is that there is a big RISK (Peligro) of  falling in love with the country you visit. Have you ever talked to a Colombian about the civil war in their country, or better yet, read the appropriate articles about the situation and not ONLY the sensationalist press(Prensa Amarillista)? That is the biggest outcome on the image of Latin America in general, it only pops-up on the news every time something bad happens.

But times are changing (Pero los tiempos están cambiando) and in that contient that begins with Colombia and ends in Argentina, holds 371,000,000(Trescientos setenta y un millones) happy enthusiastic souls. Good things happen in Latin America everyday, that’s why they wake up every morning with a smile, because their issues are just a little part of their lives, and they try to overcome them every  day, just like you. When you step a foot in Latin America you will receive a “smile-tan” all over your face, and that would be reflected on your experiences of traveling or living in Latin America. The three things we recommend you are basic, be respectful (respetuoso), comprehensive(comprensivo), and have a positive attitude (actitud positiva) -  the recipe  to a successful experience with the Latinos!

So come to Latin America, read about it, practice your spanish, experience the culture, and try new things! It would be a mind opening, this culture is more than amazing! Here are some useful links for countries in South America!

www.colombia.travel

www.peru.travel

www.ecuador.travel

www.paraguay.travel

www.chile.travel

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Feel like learning Spanish to travel all over South America? Get Bueno, entonces… now and you’ll be speaking and understanding native Spanish in just five weeks! We also have clips of our Spanish classes on Youtube – go check ‘em out and get a taste of our teaching style.

Better yet – you can now get the first 40 minute class for free! Try it out here: http://www.generallinguistics.com

Okay, we know the photo has nothing to do with learning Spanish, but come on. “Bilingual Curious”? What did you expect? Bi? Lingual? Curious? Dale.

Daniel Cubias, aka “The Hispanic Fanatic” , wrote in the Huffington Post, about how being bilingual is, well, necessary. And the title, “Bilingual Curious”? Oh Daniel, you’re like one of our own.

Here is a bit of the article, which highlights the reasons for learning Spanish. To us it’s kind of a no-brainer, but for you Gringos who are still on the fence about learning Spanish, it’s more proof that it’s time to dive in. No excuses.

Check out an excerpt from the article below:

So with English firmly ensconced, why should I, or anyone, bother to learn Spanish?

Well, first, there is the practical aspect. According to the U.S Census Bureau, above 12 percent of U.S. residents speak Spanish at home. They range from adults who don’t know any English to little kids who are perfectly bilingual. Within this range are millions of Americans who prefer to communicate in Spanish.

At some point, you will need to talk to someone who will throw a cascade of trilled R’s at you. It will happen. And when it does, gesturing randomly or yelling louder in English will not work.

A second reason for learning Spanish is pure economics. Among the few booming occupations are jobs where Spanish is considered a plus, if not an outright requirement. Both the blue-collar construction worker and the white-collar marketing manager are learning that it’s smart to know the difference between lo siento and claro que se. In these recessionary times, a little awareness of Spanish can be the difference between landing the gig or spending another day watching soaps.

In addition to these practical matters, there is the fact that we are a multicultural society. We have always been a multicultural society, in truth. It just is no longer possible to wall ourselves off and demand that everyone acquiesce to the majority’s needs. Showing respect for other cultures, and gaining a basic understanding and empathy of others, is becoming a necessary skill – not a luxury for do-gooders.

Finally, exercising your brain and learning something new will never hurt you. So don’t worry.

Gato.  That is undoubtedly one of the first words you will learn in Spanish.  And if for some reason or another you missed chapter one of Spanish, gato means cat.

Just one of the many Gato Groups

Now, why would we be talking about gatos on our blog?  Because one of the most famous parks in Buenos Aires has been taken over by los gatos.  Ahh!  Alright, it’s not quite as dramatic as it sounds.  By gatos, we aren’t referring to the kind of cats you see in a zoo, but rather little tiny house cats that purr and like to fall asleep at your feet.  And by taken over, we mean that there are a lot that live there.  And totally in peace.

Despite the fact that this post does not cover a breaking-news story on wild cats taking over a city park in Buenos Aires, we still find the whole thing pretty interesting.  You see, here in Buenos Aires, there are loads of parques (parks) all over the place.  And one of the most beautiful parques is called the Jardín Botánico (Botanical Garden).  It was built over a century ago, and lies near the heart of Palermo (where the Bueno, entonces… team has our office).  For years and years this parque was just that: un parque.  Nada más (nothing more).  But at some point in the existence of the park, a community of homeless cats has formed.  Yup, pretty random.  We know.

Anyway, there have been loads of attempts to get rid of these cats, but there are just too many of them, and the population just keeps on growing.  Nowadays they are just accepted to the point that they are pretty much the Jardín Botánico‘s mascot and top rulers.

Most of the cats probably came from families that abandoned them, or knowing the personality of most cats, the cats probably were the ones who abandoned the family.  Nonetheless, the community has now passed the first generation, and it looks as if los gatos are there to stay.

So if you happen to be visiting Buenos Aires and walk past a park full of cats, don’t try to shoo them away– you’re the one trespassing in their territory.

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