Fifteen percent of our nation's population speak Spanish as a primary language. More and more business is becoming global in nature. Today, service and financial sectors are playing the world market not just the importing and exporting of agricultural and industrial goods.
Spanish is the fourth most commonly spoken language in the world (after English, Chinese and Hindustani), and according to some people it has more native speakers than English does.
Better understanding of English - Much of the vocabulary of English has Latin origins, since Spanish is also a Latin language, you will find as you study Spanish that you have a better understanding of your native vocabulary.
Travel - It is perfectly possible to visit Mexico, South America or Spain without speaking a word of Spanish. But it isn't nearly half as much fun.
Cultural Understanding - We can learn how other people learn and think.
Learning other languages - If you can learn Spanish, you'll have a head start in learning the other Latin-based languages such as French and Italian.
It's easy - Spanish is one of the easiest foreign languages to learn. Much of its vocabulary is similar to English's, and written Spanish is almost completely phonetic.
Employment - If you work in medicine or education, you'll find your opportunities expand by knowing Spanish.
It's fun - Whether you enjoy reading, talking or watching telemundo, you'll find them much more enjoyable learning Spanish.
Sunday, March 31, 2013
Chiapas Mexico
Chiapas is the southernmost state of Mexico, located towards the southeast of the country. Chiapas is bordered by the states of Tabasco to the north, Veracruz to the northwest, and Oaxaca to the west. To the east Chiapas borders Guatemala, and to the south the Pacific Ocean.
In general Chiapas has a humid, tropical climate. The state is extremely rich in water and other natural resources; its jungles and highlands are great producers of valuable hardwoods and are home to an incredible variety of other flora and fauna as well as some of Mexico's most fascinating Mayan archaeological sites.
It has a small international airport in the state capital, Tuxtla Gutierrez, and is also connected by highways (some are toll roads, or cuota) with the surrounding states and Guatemala.
A trip into the perilous state of Chiapas in southern Mexico is taken in this documentary, which focuses on the Zapatista National Liberation Army and its mysterious leader, Subcomandante Marcos. The narration notes that The New York Times has referred to the struggle of the Zapatistas as the "world's first postmodern revolution," and there is a remarkably surreal air at times. At one point Subcomandante Marcos is filmed while posing for the French fashion magazine Marie Claire, yet there can be no denying that the residents he champions are extremely poor. The interviews with farmers who fear they will be murdered by government troops are moving, and a press conference in which tape recordings of death threats are played is disturbing. The film's director, Nettie Wild, has a definite point of view and notes stoically that a memo from American bankers may have inspired the violence directed against the local rebels by the Mexican government.
The background of the rebellion in Chiapas is told concisely with most of the film consisting of atmospheric footage showing life in the troubled and violent region. The film crew was itself threatened by right-wing paramilitary death squads, and the paranoia that is an asset in such an environment is tensely translated via filmed encounters with government troops.
In general Chiapas has a humid, tropical climate. The state is extremely rich in water and other natural resources; its jungles and highlands are great producers of valuable hardwoods and are home to an incredible variety of other flora and fauna as well as some of Mexico's most fascinating Mayan archaeological sites.
It has a small international airport in the state capital, Tuxtla Gutierrez, and is also connected by highways (some are toll roads, or cuota) with the surrounding states and Guatemala.
A trip into the perilous state of Chiapas in southern Mexico is taken in this documentary, which focuses on the Zapatista National Liberation Army and its mysterious leader, Subcomandante Marcos. The narration notes that The New York Times has referred to the struggle of the Zapatistas as the "world's first postmodern revolution," and there is a remarkably surreal air at times. At one point Subcomandante Marcos is filmed while posing for the French fashion magazine Marie Claire, yet there can be no denying that the residents he champions are extremely poor. The interviews with farmers who fear they will be murdered by government troops are moving, and a press conference in which tape recordings of death threats are played is disturbing. The film's director, Nettie Wild, has a definite point of view and notes stoically that a memo from American bankers may have inspired the violence directed against the local rebels by the Mexican government.
The background of the rebellion in Chiapas is told concisely with most of the film consisting of atmospheric footage showing life in the troubled and violent region. The film crew was itself threatened by right-wing paramilitary death squads, and the paranoia that is an asset in such an environment is tensely translated via filmed encounters with government troops.
Mexican Fiestas
Fiestas are an essential part of the Mexican culture. It seems that every day there is a Fiesta somewhere in Mexico. The fact that Mexico has so many different holidays and regional festivals offers the opportunity to sample Mexican celebrations throughout the entire year.
Fiestas Patrias is a Spanish phrase meaning "Patriotic Holidays".
The Fiestas Patrias in Mexico originated in the 19th century. They are observed today as public holidays. Aniversario de la Constitución (Constitution Day) commemorates the Constitution of 1917, promulgated after the Mexican Civil War on February 5.
Natalicio de Benito Juárez (Birth of Benito Juárez) commemorates President Benito Juárez's birthday on March 21, 1806. Juárez is popularly regarded as an exemplary politician due to his liberal policies that, among other things, defined the traditionally strict separation of the church and the Mexican state.
Día del Trabajo (Labor Day) commemorates the Mexican workers' union movements on May 1 - specifically, the 1906 Cananea, Sonora, and the 1907 Río Blanco, Veracruz, labor unrest and repression.
Grito de Dolores (on the evening of September 15th) and Aniversario de la Independencia (September 16th) commemorates Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla's Grito de Dolores - on September 16, 1810, in the village of Dolores, near Guanajuato. Hidalgo called for the end of Spanish rule in Mexico. On October 18, 1825, the Republic of Mexico officially declared September 16th its national Independence Day.
Aniversario de la Revolución commemorates the Mexican Revolution which started on November 20, 1910 when Francisco I. Madero planned an uprising against dictator Porfirio Díaz's 34-year-long iron rule. Although November 20 is the official day, the uprising started on different days in different parts of the country.
Cinco de mayo is not an important national holiday in Mexico. That distinction is reserved for Dieciséis de septiembre, which is celebrated from the evening of September 15 with a re-creation of the Grito de Dolores by all executive office-holders (from the President of the Republic down to municipal presidents) and lasts through the night. In contrast, Cinco de mayo is observed mostly at a local level (Puebla State) and is a minor Bank Holiday in the rest of Mexico.
Fiestas Patrias is a Spanish phrase meaning "Patriotic Holidays".
The Fiestas Patrias in Mexico originated in the 19th century. They are observed today as public holidays. Aniversario de la Constitución (Constitution Day) commemorates the Constitution of 1917, promulgated after the Mexican Civil War on February 5.
Natalicio de Benito Juárez (Birth of Benito Juárez) commemorates President Benito Juárez's birthday on March 21, 1806. Juárez is popularly regarded as an exemplary politician due to his liberal policies that, among other things, defined the traditionally strict separation of the church and the Mexican state.
Día del Trabajo (Labor Day) commemorates the Mexican workers' union movements on May 1 - specifically, the 1906 Cananea, Sonora, and the 1907 Río Blanco, Veracruz, labor unrest and repression.
Grito de Dolores (on the evening of September 15th) and Aniversario de la Independencia (September 16th) commemorates Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla's Grito de Dolores - on September 16, 1810, in the village of Dolores, near Guanajuato. Hidalgo called for the end of Spanish rule in Mexico. On October 18, 1825, the Republic of Mexico officially declared September 16th its national Independence Day.
Aniversario de la Revolución commemorates the Mexican Revolution which started on November 20, 1910 when Francisco I. Madero planned an uprising against dictator Porfirio Díaz's 34-year-long iron rule. Although November 20 is the official day, the uprising started on different days in different parts of the country.
Cinco de mayo is not an important national holiday in Mexico. That distinction is reserved for Dieciséis de septiembre, which is celebrated from the evening of September 15 with a re-creation of the Grito de Dolores by all executive office-holders (from the President of the Republic down to municipal presidents) and lasts through the night. In contrast, Cinco de mayo is observed mostly at a local level (Puebla State) and is a minor Bank Holiday in the rest of Mexico.
Puebla "Cinco de Mayo" Mexico
Puebla, a charming and vibrant city and distinguished visually by the numerous examples of Spanish colonial architecture in the city center. The cuisine of Puebla is known world wide for its originality and the quality of ingredients; one of the best known is mole poblano.
It was the first city in central Mexico founded by the Spanish conquistadors that was not built upon the ruins of a conquered Amerindian settlement.
The city's main claim to fame is Cinco de Mayo, a festival commemorating the May 5th, 1862 defeat of the French army at the battle of Puebla.
The city was founded in 1531 in an area called Cuetlaxcoapan, which means "where serpents change their skin", in between of two of the main indigenous settlements at the time, Tlaxcala and Cholula. This valley was not populated in the 16th century as in the pre-Hispanic period; this area was primarily used to the "flower wars" between a number of populations. Due to its history and architectural styles ranging from Renaissance to Mexican Baroque, the city was named a World Heritage Site in 1987. The city is also famous for mole poblano, chiles en nogada and Talavera pottery. However, most of its economy is based on industry.
It was the first city in central Mexico founded by the Spanish conquistadors that was not built upon the ruins of a conquered Amerindian settlement.
The city's main claim to fame is Cinco de Mayo, a festival commemorating the May 5th, 1862 defeat of the French army at the battle of Puebla.
The city was founded in 1531 in an area called Cuetlaxcoapan, which means "where serpents change their skin", in between of two of the main indigenous settlements at the time, Tlaxcala and Cholula. This valley was not populated in the 16th century as in the pre-Hispanic period; this area was primarily used to the "flower wars" between a number of populations. Due to its history and architectural styles ranging from Renaissance to Mexican Baroque, the city was named a World Heritage Site in 1987. The city is also famous for mole poblano, chiles en nogada and Talavera pottery. However, most of its economy is based on industry.
Chichen Itza - "At the mouth of the well of the Itza."
Chichen Itza is the largest pre-Columbian archaeological city built by the Maya civilization located in the northern center of the Yucatan Peninsula, Yucatan, Mexico. It is one of Mexico's most visited tourist destinations.
Chichen Itza was a center of pilgrimage for the ancient Maya for over 1,000 years. The Maya name "Chichen Itza" means "At the mouth of the well of the Itza."
Dominating the center of Chichen Itza is the Temple of Kukulkan (the Maya name for Quetzalcoatl), often referred to as "El Castillo" (the castle).
"Templo de los Guerreros" (the Temple of the Warriors) complex consists of a large stepped pyramid fronted and flanked by rows of carved columns depicting warriors.
"El Caracol" (the snail), this structure was an observatory with its doors aligned to view the vernal equinox, the Moon's greatest northern and southern declinations, and other astronomical events sacred to Kukulcan, the feathered-serpent god of the wind and learning.
Chichen Itza was a center of pilgrimage for the ancient Maya for over 1,000 years. The Maya name "Chichen Itza" means "At the mouth of the well of the Itza."
Dominating the center of Chichen Itza is the Temple of Kukulkan (the Maya name for Quetzalcoatl), often referred to as "El Castillo" (the castle).
"Templo de los Guerreros" (the Temple of the Warriors) complex consists of a large stepped pyramid fronted and flanked by rows of carved columns depicting warriors.
"El Caracol" (the snail), this structure was an observatory with its doors aligned to view the vernal equinox, the Moon's greatest northern and southern declinations, and other astronomical events sacred to Kukulcan, the feathered-serpent god of the wind and learning.
Cancun, Mexico
Cancun is a coastal city in Mexico's easternmost state, Quintana Roo, on the Yucatan Peninsula best known as the Mexican Caribbean or at the northern section of the Mayan Riviera.
There are about 140 hotels in Cancun with more than 24,000 rooms and 380 restaurants. Four million visitors arrive each year in an average of 190 flights daily. Many of the hotels are time-share condominiums with kitchen facilities. Some are all inclusive hotels which offer unlimited breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks, beverages, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, hotel activities, entertainment, non-motorized water sports, and discounts on tours to the Maya ruins. Many tourists get packages to visit Chichen Itza. It offers a unique insight in the precolombian civilization of Mexico.
The spectacular coastline of Mexico's Yucatan peninsula is a diverse playground where you can bask on pristine beaches, explore ancient ruins, play golf or tennis, go biking, snorkeling or scuba diving, do serious shopping, or escape to a secluded lagoon. With info on Cancun, Isla Mujeres, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya, plus the nearby ruins, this friendly guide gives you the low down.
There are about 140 hotels in Cancun with more than 24,000 rooms and 380 restaurants. Four million visitors arrive each year in an average of 190 flights daily. Many of the hotels are time-share condominiums with kitchen facilities. Some are all inclusive hotels which offer unlimited breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks, beverages, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, hotel activities, entertainment, non-motorized water sports, and discounts on tours to the Maya ruins. Many tourists get packages to visit Chichen Itza. It offers a unique insight in the precolombian civilization of Mexico.
The spectacular coastline of Mexico's Yucatan peninsula is a diverse playground where you can bask on pristine beaches, explore ancient ruins, play golf or tennis, go biking, snorkeling or scuba diving, do serious shopping, or escape to a secluded lagoon. With info on Cancun, Isla Mujeres, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya, plus the nearby ruins, this friendly guide gives you the low down.
Manzanillo, Colima, Mexico
Manzanillo is a city as well as a city surrounding municipality in the Mexican state of Colima. The city, located on the Pacific Ocean, contains Mexico's busiest port.
In the 2005 census the city of Manzanillo had a population of 110,728 and its municipality had 137,842. It is the second-largest community in the state, after Colima, the capital. The municipality covers an area of 1,578.4 km2 (609.42 sq mi), and includes such outlying communities as El Colomo, in addition to many smaller communities.
Manzanillo is also a beach resort and, as the self-proclaimed "sailfish capital" of the world, hosts a yearly sailfish fishing tournament. The Revillagigedo Islands, off the west coast of Mexico in the Pacific Ocean, are part of the municipality.
Manzanillo is Mexico's busiest port, as measured by total tonnage and volume of containerized cargo. In 2007, the port moved 1.4 million TEUs and 18.0 million tons of total cargo. Port business experienced a significant surge during the USA's West Coast Lockout in Long Beach, California, in 2002. The port is connected by Ferromex rail lines to Guadalajara and Mexico City.
Manzanillo is also home to the Navy's Pacific Naval Force. Manzanillo also hosts the most efficient port for tuna landings in Mexico.
The Playa de Oro International Airport (ZLO) is a small airport located about 35 minutes north of Manzanillo along Highway 200. Ground transportation is limited to taxis and car rentals. It has daily domestic and international flights and has recently been remodeled.
In the 2005 census the city of Manzanillo had a population of 110,728 and its municipality had 137,842. It is the second-largest community in the state, after Colima, the capital. The municipality covers an area of 1,578.4 km2 (609.42 sq mi), and includes such outlying communities as El Colomo, in addition to many smaller communities.
Manzanillo is also a beach resort and, as the self-proclaimed "sailfish capital" of the world, hosts a yearly sailfish fishing tournament. The Revillagigedo Islands, off the west coast of Mexico in the Pacific Ocean, are part of the municipality.
Manzanillo is Mexico's busiest port, as measured by total tonnage and volume of containerized cargo. In 2007, the port moved 1.4 million TEUs and 18.0 million tons of total cargo. Port business experienced a significant surge during the USA's West Coast Lockout in Long Beach, California, in 2002. The port is connected by Ferromex rail lines to Guadalajara and Mexico City.
Manzanillo is also home to the Navy's Pacific Naval Force. Manzanillo also hosts the most efficient port for tuna landings in Mexico.
The Playa de Oro International Airport (ZLO) is a small airport located about 35 minutes north of Manzanillo along Highway 200. Ground transportation is limited to taxis and car rentals. It has daily domestic and international flights and has recently been remodeled.
Mexico is a great choice for a vacation!
Mexico is a vacation paradise, filled with charming beaches, snow capped mountains, desert landscapes and lush rainforests. Mexico offers a variety of vacation travel, from the small, peaceful fishing villages to the flashy neon cities, teeming with life, each with its unique mix of modern-day technology and tradition.
A vacation in Mexico will allow you to experience Mexico's rich history, romantic legends and creative culinary specialties as you journey through the country. Each region offers a distinct cultural personality, so there's always something new and exciting at each stop.
Mexico can crawl along at the relaxed pace of a sunbather or fly by as you rush to take the Metro. You can hike through Mexico's vast interior, explore the ruins of civilizations past, or bargain hunt for arts and crafts, jewelry, clothing and accessories at each port of call.
Mexico is a beautiful land with a proud history, magnificent ruins, and of course the coastal cities like Los Cabos, Cozumel, Acapulco, Cancun and Puerto Vallarta which have become world class destinations for those who love Mexican vacations.
Mexico has friendly and warm people, unique food, art and archeology, leather, pyramids, museums, volcanoes, haciendas, 6,000 miles of shoreline, superb architecture and 21 century cities, weather from snow mountains in the Sierras, to rainforest jungles in the southeast and desert in the northwest, lots of golf courses throughout the country, excellent fishing, and world top destinations.
Mexico is ranked 7th major vacation destination for foreign visitors, according to WTO.
A vacation in Mexico will allow you to experience Mexico's rich history, romantic legends and creative culinary specialties as you journey through the country. Each region offers a distinct cultural personality, so there's always something new and exciting at each stop.
Mexico can crawl along at the relaxed pace of a sunbather or fly by as you rush to take the Metro. You can hike through Mexico's vast interior, explore the ruins of civilizations past, or bargain hunt for arts and crafts, jewelry, clothing and accessories at each port of call.
Mexico is a beautiful land with a proud history, magnificent ruins, and of course the coastal cities like Los Cabos, Cozumel, Acapulco, Cancun and Puerto Vallarta which have become world class destinations for those who love Mexican vacations.
Mexico has friendly and warm people, unique food, art and archeology, leather, pyramids, museums, volcanoes, haciendas, 6,000 miles of shoreline, superb architecture and 21 century cities, weather from snow mountains in the Sierras, to rainforest jungles in the southeast and desert in the northwest, lots of golf courses throughout the country, excellent fishing, and world top destinations.
Mexico is ranked 7th major vacation destination for foreign visitors, according to WTO.
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