Cultural Notes

Spanish Culture

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Languages are neither learned nor spoken in a vacuum. These short essays serve as your window into the people, places and customs that make the Hispanic culture so amazingly rich.

Variety!

Here are a few examples:

In Ecuador, Año Viejo is a fiery tradition that symbolically burns up the failures, regrets and anger of the old year in order to usher in the hopes and resolutions of the new one . . .
The páramo is an ecological zone found only in the Andes. It begins at about 11,000 feet, where the temperate forests dwindle, and reaches up to 16,000 feet, where the glaciers begin . . .
Leave your car at home and don’t rent one when you get there. When in Mexico, take the bus. It’s cheap, comfortable and relaxing. In Mexico, buses arrive and leave on time, are frequent, and they go anywhere there is a passable road . . .

All Levels

Beginners gain insight into Spanish culture by reading the English version of the essays. Intermediate level students expand their vocabulary. Even advanced students will find the audio to be quite challenging.

Advanced Listening Practice

The audio has not been slowed down, so don’t be discouraged if you find these to be difficult.

After you have worked with Camino del éxito for a couple of months, come back and try them again, and see how much your listening skills have improved!

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