Learn Spanish the Easy Way

When I first arrived in Mexico and began to study Spanish, a teacher recommended I watch a popular soap opera to improve my language skills. 'Te Sigo Amando' was wildly popular then. When it came to an end (as Mexican soap operas do, with final episodes that rival Wagner's 'Gotterdammerung') the country practically came to a halt as everyone sat glued to their televisions.

A new offering on Netflix, 'La Casa de Las Flores', may reach an even wider audience, since you can watch it any time. Absurd, over-the-top situations abound--I found myself laughing in disbelief several times watching the first episode. There's nothing subtle going on in this story of a wealthy Mexico City family, their secrets, lies and passions. But it sure is fun.

The show is in Spanish, but has Spanish subtitles, so it's great for those trying to attune their minds and ears to colloquial spoken Spanish.

Take a look at the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-z8-ZEiVw0

Mexico City on Wheels

I've been noticing the amount of merchandise that is sold 'on the move' here in Mexico City. Mobile vendors are one of the city's distinctive qualities. I've collecting photos for this post for a while, but this week saw someone who wins the prize for the most unusual merchandising. It was a close call with the shoelace vendor, but there are several of them around, but this this the first mobile ironing board salesman I've seen.

At night they are carefully wrapped up and tucked away, out of sight, but as daylight appears, so do Mexico City's push carts, thousands of them, crawling out from under tarps and behind unmarked doorways to enliven the streets of the city with their colorful offerings. Usually one-person operations, these mobile stores offer everything from food to house plants, shoe laces, books and cleaning supplies. The vendors often hawk their wares with pregones, prayer-like cries, almost like little songs, that add to the musical character of our city. They are also a great reminder of the Mexican gift for invention, creating something out of little.