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Gauchito Gil Argentina

Gauchito Gil: Argentina’s Cowboy Saint of the People

When I arrived in Argentina overland from Bolivia in January 2003, one of the first things that caught my eye were these mysterious little red shrines by the side of the road. At first, I had no idea what they were—just flashes of red whizzing past the bus window. It wasn’t until I later hitched a lift in the back of a truck with an Argentine family that I had the chance to ask. They explained, matter-of-factly, that these were shrines to Gauchito Gil—a legendary figure who, in the eyes of many Argentinians, was more important than the Church itself.

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From Panic to ¡Perfecto!: How I Finally Spoke Spanish Without Freezing Up

Ever frozen up mid-sentence while trying to speak Spanish, even though you know the words? Been there. In this blog post, I share how I went from total tongue-tie to confidently chatting with truck drivers as I hitchhiked across South America—plus the surprising role grammar lessons in Quito played in unlocking my fluency. It’s a story of nerves, mistakes, and the messy magic of real-life language learning.

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Spanish etiquette to say hello

The Art of Saying Hello: A Guide to Spanish Greeting Etiquette

Greetings are more than just words—they’re a handshake, a hug, a kiss (or two), and sometimes a full-blown social event. If you’ve ever found yourself in a Spanish-speaking country wondering whether to lean in, shake hands, or awkwardly wave from a distance, you’re not alone. After 20 years in South America, I became an expert in greeting blunders—and I’m here to help you avoid them!

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white flag

How My South American Adventures Made Me a Better Language Teacher

Learning a language doesn’t just happen in a classroom. It’s an adventure—a series of missteps, laughs, and lightbulb moments. Trust me, I know. I spent two decades exploring South America, and those years profoundly shaped how I approach teaching Spanish today. Let me walk you through the top lessons I picked up from my life abroad.

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tall trees on the mountain ranges

A Guide to Spanish-Speaking Countries You Didn’t Know You Needed

When it comes to Spanish-speaking destinations, Spain and Mexico often steal the spotlight. But did you know there are over 20 countries where Spanish is the official language? Each one is bursting with unique flavors, accents, and adventures. Buckle up as we take a whirlwind tour of three underrated gems you might just want to add to your travel bucket list.

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Speak spanish like a native

What Does Speak Spanish “Like a Native” actually mean?

With exam results out in the UK this week the ongoing debate about whether ‘native speakers’ should sit exams (as it is said to jeopardize the statistics and influence grade boundaries) got me thinking about what actually a “native speaker” of a language is. So in this blog post I’m explore what it actually means to speak native Spanish in the UK?

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person in traditional dress at the street

Beyond the Textbook: Understanding Spanish Culture Through Immersion

There’s something truly transformative about living within a Spanish-speaking culture that goes beyond traditional language learning. Immersion offers you the chance to experience the language as it’s naturally spoken, embedded in the everyday life and customs of the people around you. From ordering food at a local market to engaging in casual conversations with neighbours, these experiences push you to think in Spanish, accelerating your fluency in a way that textbooks simply can’t.

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person holding brown and black guitar

Rhythms of Learning: Music as a Language Learning Tool

When learning a new language, textbooks and flashcards are great, but music can take your skills to the next level. Spanish, in particular, has a rich musical tradition that offers an enjoyable and effective way to enhance your language abilities. Artists like Manu Chao bring not only catchy tunes but also a deep cultural understanding, making them invaluable resources for language learners.

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Local Lingo: Navigating Cultural Nuances in Spanish

When learning Spanish, it’s easy to focus solely on the “standard” version of the language, often associated with Spain. However, one of the most rewarding aspects of becoming truly fluent is understanding and appreciating the regional variations and local expressions that pepper conversations across different Spanish-speaking countries. South America, in particular, offers a treasure trove of linguistic diversity that can transform your language skills from good to great.

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scuba and spanish

Learning Spanish Through Passion: A Dive into Language Education

Combining your passion with language learning can significantly enhance your Spanish skills. For me in my early 20’s scuba diving was my passion and what better place to do this and learn Spanish at the same time than in the stunning Caribbean coastal village of Taganga! In this blog post I reflect on my own experiences of how learning to scuba dive in Colombia accelerated my language learning.

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