Hola todos,
Hope you are having a great summer! I spent much of the early part of it watching the soccer Copa Mundial/World Cup on Spanish TV! I got introduced to soccer the year I lived in Mexico and it was the site of the World Cup. I've been a fan ever since. There were lots of great teams and this year Spain won! ¡Viva España! ¡Viva la Furia Roja! It was sooooo exciting to watch and a great way to practice my Spanish skills and learn new vocabulary. I almost didn't know what to do once the Copa had finished. Since then I have been doing lots of reading (mostly novels - 3 set in Japan, 1 set in China, and 1 set in Barcelona), studying Japanese, and spending time with family and friends.
Be sure to keep your Spanish channel humming by listening to music, doing easy reading, and using on-line tools, such as Mango languages through the Oak Park Public Library. Spanish- speaking culture is all around us in metropolitan Chicago, so jump in! Visit the Pilsen community for the National Museum of Mexican Art, lunch at a local restaurant, and a trip to the panadería. Visit a Mexican grocery store in Berwyn, Maywood, or Melrose Park. Participate in some of the festivals around town -- Peruvian Independence Day celebrations happen this week. Eat Cuban, Ecuadorian, or Mexican food right in our own neighborhood.
Still lots of summer left! Can't wait to hear what you've all been up to. And don't forget, if you travel to be sure to send me a post card!
Hasta pronto, Sra. D
