When you start learning a new language, you learn so much more than just the language: you learn to put things in context, and you might even end up finding a deeper meaning to words in your native language or other languages you speak. This happened to me when I moved to France. All of a sudden I was hearing words that had always been familiar, but I had no knowledge of their origins or different meanings. Since Spanish is my native language, I immediately began to make the word connections and since both languages have latin roots, made my learning went a lot smoother. I also realized that many French words were used in English as well. About 29% of English derives from the French language but most words have evolved through spelling and phonetics. However, there are still words out there that are purely French, but their meaning or context might have changed. Let’s take a look at some!
Welcome 2017 [Bienvenido 2017]
We say goodbye to 2016 and hello to 2017, an opportunity to smile and live life to the max. 2016 was full of changes, learning, adventures, new friendships, and weddings… lots of weddings (I’m going through that age). I was fortunate to receive 2016 next to the Duque family, my parents, sister, and boyfriend in Medellin. Something that with time seems to be harder since we live in different places and the pace of our lives are different. It was a welcome where my heart was truly full.
Christmas in France [Navidad en Francia]
Since I’m used to spending Christmas in Medellín or Texas, Christmas in France is… a cold one. But only in temperature, since like in many places, Christmas transforms cities and the spirit of its people. Cities seem to be a little louder and warmer than normal.
December is a PARTY ! [Diciembre es una Fiesta]
In Colombia, the word December has become a synonyms with Christmas, and how not if for us the celebration begins December 7? December 7, most commonly known as, “El Día de las Velitas,” marks the beginning of Christmas with the eve of the immaculate conception. And December 16, is the beginning of “Las Novenas,” a festive period where family and friends gather every night in preparation for the birth of Baby Jesus or Christmas. Most Colombians have collective vacations during the last 2 weeks of December, therefore, spreading the festive air all over the country. Family gatherings take place around the christmas tree and the Nativity Scene, while eating typical Colombian snacks like: buñelos, natilla, and hojuelas among others. Christmas in Colombia is not just one day out of the year, it’s a whole month, thats why, there is no place like Colombia for Christmas.
An Autumn in Paris [Un otoño en París]
An Autumn in Paris. It sounds like the title of a movie, and that is exactly what you feel when you spend a couple of autumn days in the City of Lights.
Transit Visas in China – [Visas de Transito en la China]
In a previous post I explained how China requires a visa for most citizens to enter the country, however, there’s a small loophole to that. China has in place a 72-hour and 144-hour transit visas. The really interesting visa is the 144 hours one, equal to 6 days, and was implemented to increase tourism in the area. The policy was put into place this year (2016) and covers only the cities of Shanghai, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang. However, only nationals of certain countries can enjoy this special transit visa. The downside of this visa is that you cannot leave the city it was delivered in, but on the other hand, Shanghai is big and interesting enough for you to spend 6 days there. The 72-hour policy only includes 18 cities for the moment, and you are required to leave through the same airport you entered. Three days might seem short, but if you’re wanting to visit say, Beijing, while avoiding all the visa hassle it may already seem like the better option. One important thing is that, upon arrival in order to obtain either visa you must make sure you have a ticket confirming your flight to your final destination. So if […]
Shànghǎi – Futuristic City [Ciudad Futurista]
Unfortunately our trip to Shanghai was very short, we were there for only 3 days taking advantage of the fact that we had some friends that lived there. Our final destination was actually Vietnam. To travel to China most people need a visa (Colombians, French, Americans , etc.) however you can do transit through the country for a total of 144 hours. So luckily we didn’t have to deal with that! But you do have to get a special permit upon arrival, showing you’re there for the less than the hours permitted.
Bilbao, Basque Country [País Vasco]
A major city in the autonomous community of the basque Country and the city of pintxos! When we arrived to Bilbao we didn’t have an exact plan on what to do, besides the Guggenheim Museum. And that is exactly what I love about Spain, you don’t really need to do a lot planning… just pack your bags and go. The rest just happens!
Opinion – The Peace We All Want [La Paz que Todos Queremos]
It makes me sad to see how Colombians fight with one another for peace when at the end of the day we all want the same thing: peace. If we took a moment to really listen to what our neighbors have to say, we would understand that the heart of every one of us is with the peace.
Sin City, Vegas [La Ciudad del Pecado, Las Vegas]
Anyone said bachelorette party? Last march one of my best friends got married, and to celebrate we decided to go to the “Sin City,” Las Vegas, Nevada. Nine girls ready to enjoy a weekend in one of the party capitals of the world. So we packed our bags for a long weekend trip and got on that plane! Like good Colombians, we made sure that this trip paid off in fun and money. We stayed at The venetian hotel, where we reserved 2 rooms for the 9 of us and were lucky enough to have them be conjoined rooms. The rooms were super big, we could have easily fit 3 more people in each!