Gringo Guide to Speaking Spanish - Instantly Know What To Say!

By Dr Jay Polmar

My story: I had a challenge. I had to move to Mexico for my health and retire. Sure, I spoke English, a few words of French from high school, about 12 words of Spanish which might wind me up in fight or worse in a Mexxican jail, yeah - mostly curse words.I was in trouble and when I arrived in Mexico, I needed help.

I was in trouble and when I arrived I needed help. Luckily I met Reuben Varela, a well known Restauranteur at the Hot Springs in San Juan Cosala, Jalisco, Mexico and Gerardo Tolentino, an English teacher who was struggling with teaching English. Reuben pushed me to find ways of learning and practicing Spanish, and Gerardo worked with me to create the Gringo Guide.

Reuben pushed me to find ways of studying and practicing Spanish, and Gerardo help me create the Gringo Guide. I was the gringo -- and I definitely had to have a guide to get me through the experience of living here in Mexico.

We searched the internet, and books on Spanish, and listened to conversations in the English speaking sections of restaurants in Ajijic and San Miguel de Allende where most of the gringos hang out and we figured out what was needed.

We talked to Americans and Canadians in Mexico and asked them what they needed, and we listened to what they asked of the waiters, restaurant owners, etc. Later, then Gerardo accompanied me to doctors and we went to travel through Mexico.

By the time we were finished, so was the book and we had part of it recorded so that pronunciation would be no problem for anyone to learn. The book was finished and put up on our site, www.speedread.org

Now, everyone I know who visits Mexico, Spanish or anywhere else in Latin America - can speak like a expat that lives in Mexico. It's that easy.

The electronic pdf will fit on pocket devices to help you communicate on the spot with electronic support.

So, when someone says: Que quieres tomar? You'll immediately know the answer -- una marguarita, por favor. Or, una coca, limonada, cerveza, or whatever you want!Fulfill all your needs to communicate in Spanish for Spain, Mexico or Latin America?

The book comes with a full guide, by sections to learn, use, and get answers to all your questions. It's guaranteed to make your vacation -- fantastic. - 30312

About the Author:

Vacationing in Mexico, Latin America, Spain, learn the Spanish you need to enjoy your trip like you were born there. Gringo Guide for Speaking SpanishPocket sized printed edition or digital guide with mp3 to learn sounds.

Practice Your Letters And Learn The Spanish Language Free

By Juan Lopez

As attractive and effortless as Spanish sounds, there is always a certain amount of demanding work involved in learning any new language. The rules might seem difficult at first, but don't forget that the English language is often cited as one of the most complicated to learn, thanks to each rule's numerous exceptions.

Spanish is no different, but when you consider how many exceptions to the rule there are in English, the Spanish language and its emphasis on phonetics is actually fairly simple.

The Sound Of Spanish Vowels

All of Spanish's vowels are associated with strong sounds that will help each word jump off the tongue, like from a diving board. The letter "A" is pronounced like an "uh," an "e" sounds like "ay," the letter "i" becomes an "eee" sound and finally a "u" results in an "ooh" noise. The only vowel that retains the same sound from English to Spanish is the "o," which keeps the "oh" pronunciation.

By examining a short sentence in Spanish, you can see more clearly how to use this information. Our sample here will be "I want to buy new pants."

Me gusta comer el pollo frito.

"Me gusta" are the first two words, which are pronounced "May Goose-toe" and it means "I like." The following word, "comer," is spoken as "koh-mare" and it means "to eat." Finally, "el queso" means "the cheese" and it is pronounced "el kay-soh."

Spanish Consonants And How They Sound

Consonants in Spanish are understated for the most part. Even so, many rules apply to the consonants that can make subtle changes to not only meaning but the very sound of a word. In addition, there are a couple new letters to play with in Spanish. The first new letter is "ch," which is voiced just as it would be in English.

When the letter "c" makes an appearance by itself, it adopts an "s" sound if in front of either an "i" or an "e," as in the word "cero," or "zero" in English. The "g" letter makes a sound like "ch" if used in front of an "e" or "i" but elsewhere, it will be used like the "g" in "go."

There are additional hiccups as well. The letter "z" will make a "th" sound. The letter "h" is always silent. There's a second new letter as well, the "ll," which is pretty common in Spanish and makes a hard "y" sound like in "you." That sound is used in the word "llamar" and gives the word the following pronunciation: "ya-MAR."

Then there's the little tilde that appears in many Spanish words, such as "el nio." This produces a similar sound to the "ll," and as a result "el nio" is spoken "Ehl neen-yo."

Even so, the ground we've covered in this article certainly isn't everything, but it's a good start for those who want to learn Spanish free. There are a couple more sounds which can come in handy.

There are still more sounds if one cares to look, including "qu," which becomes a hard "k" sound. "R" letters are always rolled, particularly when they crop up at the beginning of a word. The letter "y" is pronounced just like its English equivalent unless it's used by itself or at the end of a word in which case it sounds like "eee. - 30312

About the Author:

Do you know the best way to learn Spanish free? Look for great Spanish language courses online from verified educational institutions to make your dreams into your reality, without leaving you in massive cash debts. Only contact websites with a history of pleasing students so your education will be cost effective without letting the quality suffer.

Traditional Mexican Food is Fascinating

By Ken Kudra

Food has enjoyed a long and varied history in Mexico. This diverse history is rich in influences that are now enjoyed all over in many countries. True Mexican cuisine is a fabulous blending of fresh foods that are lovingly made from scratch. It is delicious and finds new followers everywhere.

Mexican cuisine is a blending of Aztec, Spanish, and Mayan influences with a little French thrown in. It has a reputation for spicy foods, but not all of their dishes are known for their heat. Recipes will depend on what part of Mexico it comes from. Ingredients and tastes change.

Cortez arrived in Mexico from Spain in 1521. He and his group discovered many new foods in the New World that they had never tasted before such as squash, vanilla, peanuts, avocados, chocolate, tomatoes, corn, beans, and coconuts. They shared what they had brought from Europe. The beef, cheese, lamb, pork, garlic, wine, milk, vinegar, and citrus fruits were quickly assimilated into Mexican cuisine and have long since become a major part of their diet.

Every cuisine is based on a few key ingredients. Mexican cuisine is based on beans, corn, and squash. Each area of Mexico then added their specialties. The Yucatan, for example, added fresh seafood and fruit. Northern Mexico became known for their grilled meats. Oaxaca and its surroundings contributed many different types of corn and chili peppers. They make at least seven different kinds of mole sauce in this region.

Around Veracruz, most recipes are based on fish. Tamales, tacos and everything else is made with the fresh fish that is available in this region. Other common ingredients that are used include olives, tomatoes, and chilies. What you eat in Mexican restaurants does not closely resemble true Mexican food.

The Mexican food we eat in the United States tends to be more Tex-Mex than Mexican. In Mexico, rice and beans would rarely be served together in the same meal, let alone the same course. Here, we get both on the same plate at most Mexican restaurants. Mexicans hardly ever make salads, either. This is the influence of the United States that has added these dishes.

There are many traditional Mexican foods to be found at the grocery store, you just need to know where to look. Authentic Mexican cuisine is a delicious way to feed your family. Find some traditional recipes and try them out. You will really enjoy the fresh flavors.

Sitting down to a Mexican meal does not necessarily mean tacos and enchiladas, but this certainly is a wonderful way to enjoy it. The real cuisine of Mexico is rich and full of flavor. Enjoy some at your own table and see all it has to offer. You will be very surprised. - 30312

About the Author:

Mexicans use various pots, pans, machines and utensils to create their delicious Mexican recipes and there are a number of Mexican cooking methods that work well, including baking, slow roasting and deep frying. Some cooking methods have remained unchanged since pre-colonial Mexico because these methods work perfectly to create tasty Mexican recipes.

Items You Will Probably Want To Buy For Mexican Recipes

By Beverley Drake

In order to cook authentic Mexican foods you will need some special tools. While it is possible to do Mexican cooking without these tools, true Mexican flavor depends on some of these tools that allow the food to develop the traditional flavors.

One such tool is the Cazuelas. This is a small bowl shaped dish that is about five to seven inches deep that is used for cooking sauces. Clay is very even heating and so there are no burnt spots in the sauces that you make in this dish. Mole is one sauce that is often cooked in this dish. The dish sometimes has some handles on either side and can be brightly painted on the outside and glazed on the inside.

Olla or Barro are Mexicaan pots. These large clay pots are used to simmer beans, soups or stews. They offer very even heating and can be used all day long over direct flames. Clay pots are fragile and quick changes in temperature should be avoided to keep from breaking the pot.

A Comal griddle is a large griddle that is made of cast iron, aluminum or clay. It is usually round and can be used for warming tortillas or roasting chiles or other vegetables. They come in a variety of sizes from that of a large plate up to two feet across.

A Metate y Mano is a manual grinder which is carved from lava rock or stone. It looks much like a large mortar and pestle. It is used in Mexico for grinding corn to make tortillas. Water is then added to the ground corn to make the paste to make the tortillas.

The Molcajete y Tejolote is a true Mexican mortar and pestle. It can be made of stone, clay or even wood. It is sold with a wood cylinder that is rounded on each end to use to crush spices or chilis to prepare them for cooking.

The Molinillo is a wooden whisk that is used to make foam on top of a cup containing hot chocolate. The Molinillo is spun between your hands in order to form the foam.

The Tortilla Press or Tortillero was first made of wood, but today can be found made of cast iron or resin. There are aluminum tortilla presses, however they tend to break easily, so save your money. The press has two large wood blocks or round plates. Mesa is rolled into a ball and pressed in the press in order to make a tortilla.

Traditional Mexican cooking, like many other traditional methods of cooking can is labor intensive and can take some time. Today, we have many shortcuts available that may help. Many people use these shortcuts to make very good Mexican foods in their kitchen.

Another shortcut is to find a good quality Mexican bakery in your hometown. They will supply you with very high quality tortillas (in corn or flour) that will prevent you from having to grind your own corn or press your own tortillas. Why not enjoy some Mexican food tonight. - 30312

About the Author:

At Yellow Rose Peace Bus you are able to find lots more useful information on cooking.

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about Mexican Seafood

By Ken Kudra

Most people do not think of seafood when they think of Mexico, but with six thousand miles of coastline, seafood is an important part of Mexican cuisine. Mexico lies right between the Pacific and Atlantic oceans and it borders a good portion of the Gulf of Mexico. This area provides a great variety of seafood that can be put to good use in Mexican recipes.

One of the most popular seafood dishes in Mexico is ceviche. This dish is made with raw fish, shrimp, or squid that is diced finely. Cilantro, chili peppers, onion, and salt may be added. Finally, a citrus juice like lemon or lime is added. The acidity of the juice "cooks" the fish slightly. Some ingredients may be cooked first for safety. Ceviche is served on its own, with crackers or tostadas, or even as taco filling.

Seafood can also be simmered in the Veracruzana style. This is a sauce preparation made with tomatoes, chilies, olives, and capers. The resulting dish is both tangy and spicy. This sauce is often prepared with red snapper or shrimp. Veracruz and its surrounding region are well known for this and many other seafood dishes.

"A la Plancha" is a Spanish cooking method that is also popular in Mexico. In this method, a metal plate is set on top of an open flame for grilling. Fish does not stick to the plate like it does to a grill, yet it gets all of the grilled flavor.

Winter is the most prolific season for fishing in Mexico. Many people follow the edicts of the Catholic Church in Mexico, and so they do not eat meat on Fridays or for Lent. Seafood comes to the rescue on these days since the Church exempts it from being classified as meat. Due to this, seafood plays a big part in Mexican religious celebrations. Every family has their own recipes for making the most of whatever type of seafood they can afford to buy, no matter if it is something humble or something luxurious.

When it comes to making food in your own kitchen, do not overlook the Mexican recipes for seafood. Fish is really a versatile ingredient. Many popular dishes in Mexico include spicy stuffed clams, red snapper and shrimp stuffed chilies. Let them tickle your taste buds without having to go on vacation.

Add some of these delicious Mexican recipes to your recipe file. Seafood soup, stews and other dishes are both delicious and filling. Shrimp is used in enchiladas, tacos, and many more favorite dishes. Seafood and rice is a common dish served in Veracruz that contains fish, shrimp, octopus, clams, and crabs. Seafood frittatas are made with octopus, shrimp, crab, fish, and shellfish such as oysters, mussels, or clams for an exciting way to enjoy eggs.

Do not write off Mexican food if it does not contain beef, pork, or chicken. Seafood truly shines in Mexican cuisine. Explore the culture of Mexico through its seafood and you will see everything in a whole new light. The seafood provides the perfect combination with the many spices and ingredients best loved in Mexican cooking. - 30312

About the Author:

Not every country can claim fame for its cuisine but there are quite a few famous Mexican foods which are known all over the globe, including tacos, tamales, fajitas and many more. Mexican cuisine is exciting and unique and it is easy to fall in love with this magical food.

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