Amauta Spanish School Blog

Tango in Buenos Aires

2010-08-27T15:18:56Z

The third dance in the history of dance done with the man and woman facing each other is the Tango. It consists of the man holding the woman’s right hand in his left, while his right arm is around her. The first dance done in this position was the Viennese Waltz, a craze which spread across Europe throughout the 1830s; the second dance was known as the Polka and was the next craze throughout the 1840s. Finally the Tango evolved into the third dance of its kind which greatly varied from anything before its existence because it introduced the great concept of improvisation for the first time.

The Tango soon after had a great influence on all of the “couples dancing” in the twentieth century. Its evolution was due to the great amounts of immigrants coming into Argentina which brought an array of new dancing with shocking new holds. It is, however, unknown as to how and when exactly the Tango evolved from the Viennese Waltz and the Polka into what it is today. This is due to the fact that it was everyday normal people who helped with the evolution of the Tango. They were the poor and the underprivileged that helped shape this phenomenon.

The first piece of music written and published in Argentina describing itself as what we know as the Tango appeared in 1857. It was called, “Toma mate, che”. The name “tango” at the time probably referred to what is known today as “Tango Andaluz” or “Andalucian Tango” which was the style of music brought over to South American from Spain—also the home of the Flamenco, another popular type of music in Buenos Aires in the middle of the nineteenth century.

The origin of the word “tango” has many theories of how it came to be. One such theory is that it came from the community of African slave descendents who mixed the name of their god of the drum with the Spanish word for drum, “tambor”. However, this theory has not been accurately proved, as there is not proof of African dances being involved with a man and woman in the same form as the Tango. The most important groups of people in the evolution and development of the Tango were the poor, the undereducated, and the underprivileged white men. Finally, Tango was sung in theatres throughout Buenos Aires during the second half of the nineteenth century.

Its emergence in popularity led it to Europe in the early years in the 20th century, where dancers and orchestras from Buenos Aires traveled to European cities such as Paris, London, Berlin, and other major capitals where the Tango craze was then born.

Today in Buenos Aires, three different forms of the Argentine Tango can be found: Salon, Fantasia, and one created specifically for the stage. After shows of stage Tango dancing, classes and demonstrations are offered for the viewers, however it is recommended to learn the traditional Argentine Tango as opposed to learning the choreographed steps of the stage Tango.

For more information about Tango Workshops in Buenos Aires and Free Tango Lessons:
info@amautaspanish.com

Learn Spanish quickly with Amauta

2010-06-16T22:30:01Z

Communicative and Interactive Teaching Method

AMAUTA SPANISH SCHOOL is known for its interactive, communicative and personal teaching methods. Standard group or individual programs include four hours of instruction per day from Monday to Friday. The complementary cultural courses (freely included in all programs) are an excellent complement of the course since they are a great way of improving your Spanish in activities all directed towards learning in a dynamic environment where you will learn about Latin American and Peruvian culture.

All AMAUTA Spanish courses include:

development of listening, writing and reading comprehension;
exercises to extend vocabulary and improve pronunciation;
study of grammar (theory and practice);
guided conversation, role playing and debates.

AMAUTA works with four levels fixing the goals for each based on our experience and in accordance with the curriculum of the Instituto Cervantes and the equivalents of the Council of Europe: beginners, intermediate, advanced and superior. Our own Latin America-oriented text books form the basis of the course, in combination with other materials (e.g. newspapers, songs, literature, cassettes, videos, grammar exercises etc.) including the use of overhead projectors, videos, and other audio-visual materials. However, our materials have a support function only. Large part of the study material are practical activities and exercises through which the students will learn to understand and speak Spanish quickly. Visits to typical locations (the market, a school or a hospital) may be arranged for.

Visit: www.amautaspanish.com
Calle Suecia 480 – Cusco
Info@amautaspanish.com

Spanish classes and Night out on the Town!

2010-05-28T23:34:52Z

It is an inevitable fact that while studying a new language – what about Spanish in Buenos Aires - you will have days when it feels as though your head is going explode from all of the new vocabulary, verb conjugations, and expressions. Fortunately, there is a great new way to blow off a bit of steam during your time at AMAUTA SPANISH SCHOOL in Buenos Aires, that will also give you some great insight into why many people consider Buenos Aires one of the world’s top nightlife destinations. The Buenos Aires Pub Crawl, or BA Pub Crawl, is taking the city’s nightlife scene by storm. Operated by a fun and truly international staff, the BA Pub Crawl is a great option for those with little experience in this large city to meet other travelers as well as locals, in a night that will lead them to four or five different city hot spots. What´s more, the BA Pub Crawl operates its nightlife tour in three different and distinct city locations, each offering an entirely unique experience.

For those looking to take a break during their time studying in Buenos Aires, the BA Pub Crawl is a must. All you can eat pizza, all you can drink wine and beer (during registration), a welcome drink at each bar you visit, along with entrance to a club or “boliche” are all included in the $60 (AR) registration fee. I´ts a sweet deal, not to mention the people and places you will meet along the way.

For more information check out www.pubcrawlba.com

Remember, AMAUTA students receive a discount at registration with their student cards!

Study Spanish in Pisac in the Sacred Valley of the Incas

2010-05-26T15:13:47Z

AMAUTA Spanish School offers the exceptional opportunity to follow the Spanish Program at three different locations, each highlighting a different aspect of Peruvian culture: the beautiful city of Cusco, the rainforest of Manu and the picturesque village of Pisaq, at 15 minutes walking from the main square and the market, in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Due to the lower altitude (2800 meters) the climate here is warmer than in Cusco. Here you can explore Peru as it is and feel like you are truly immersed in the culture.

The Sacred Valley Spanish Program maintains the high level of instruction, as all AMAUTA teachers rotate between the locations. In AMAUTA Pisac, the students live with the teachers in the residence, with many opportunities to practice Spanish. The Spanish classes will take place in either the morning or in the late afternoon, allowing time for the multitude of opportunities for exploring the Valley. Two guided excursions are included in the program.

The AMAUTA school building is divided into a sleeping and a study/teaching area and has a lovely, sunny garden with fruit trees surrounded by snow peaked mountains. Participants in our Sacred Valley program have spoken so highly of this location that we strongly recommend all students follow part of their program in the Sacred Valley. There endless opportunities to combine excursions with the Spanish program and students enjoy the tranquillity and the intimacy of traditional Peruvian life, away from the hassles of the tourism centre of Cusco.

Amauta Spanish School also offers classes in Barilcoche, in the south of Argentina. A great opportunity to combine with your Spanish lessons in Buenos Aires!

2010-05-14T21:36:07Z

Bariloche – the portal to Patagonia- is a wonderful place to learn Spanish. This small town in the South of Argentina, surrounded by mountains and lakes, is absolutely safe and you can combine your Spanish study with lots of activities such as rafting, kayaking, paragliding, scuba diving, skiing, fly fishing and horseback riding. Bariloche is also the main hub for traveling around the Lake District, the gateway to Patagonia, and the “chocolate capital” of Argentina. Only an 18 hour bus drive from Buenos Aires (or a hour and a half flight) and you enter in a different world.

The standard Spanish Course consists of 4 hours of daily Spanish lessons in small groups in the morning with a maximum of four students; there are daily activities during the afternoons. You can join a Spanish class in progress at your level if you already have some knowledge of the Spanish language.

All the teachers are specialists with a wealth of experience! Coming from different parts of Argentina, they give you the chance to hear the different accents from all over the country. They know the Spanish Language and culture first hand and enjoy teaching it. The evidence of this is their enthusiasm inside and outside the classroom. The school offers accommodation with local host families and also organizes a volunteer program in Bariloche and surroundings.

Write us for more information: info@amautaspanish.com
Or visit our web: http://www.amautaspanish.com/amautaspanish/argentina/spanish_bariloche.asp

Want to read some fun travel stories about Bariloche and Patagonie?

Argentina: Sweeter in the South!

Camping in Patagonia Argentina!

Beach bumming – in Patagonia Argentina!

Weekend Trip for Spanish Students in Buenos Aires, Mar de Plata

2010-04-30T23:26:34Z

I hade been for a few weeks in Buenos Aires, studying at AMAUTA SPANISH SCHOOL and I enjoyed this so much that I extended my stay. That gave me the opportunity to do some more weekend trips, so one of those weekends my friends and I hit the road for Mar del Plata. One motorcycle tap, ten U-turns, a flat tire, and forty-eight hour later we returned to good old Buenos Aires, happy to be home. In the States we would say “this trip is one is for the books” Nevertheless, even with our many mishaps along the way, Mar del Plata was worth our while.

An easy drive from Buenos Aires–just stay straight on Autopista La Plata for 400 Klms– Mar del Plata offers the perfect weekend getaway. Quaint and welcoming, this massive beach town claims a special place in the hearts of many Porteños. Whether you visit in chilly mid July or in the extreme heat of December, the deep blue tone of the delta and white sands are always there to greet you…. By the way, the cost of visiting Mar del Plata also varies greatly depending on the season. In the off season, everything is very inexpensive, roughly half the cost of things in Buenos Aires.

Although we were unable to swim during our visit in July, (a consequence of the 10 degree temperature), I was able to leisurely traverse the ocean shores–(during the tourist season such a feat is supposedly unheard of). Apparently everyone and their mother heads to the Mar de Plata on the first warm weekend of verano (summer: January and Februery) and stays until the last. Like the Jersey Shore or Atlantic city, or the Costa Brava in Spain, Mar del Plata is THE vacation destination for Porteños.
While the beauty of Mar del Plata is undeniable, I would argue that the character of the local people is of equal merit. From the moment we arrived in town I felt welcomed. Often when I travel to more typically tourist destinations, I experience a sense of misbelonging. As if, I am just a part of the mass horde of consumers bombarding the beaches and restaurants. This time, however, the experience of my friends and I was quite different.

Hungry after our seven hour drive (our inability to follow directions, coupled with the lack of street signs turned a supposedly four hour trip into a seven hour one) we stopped in at the first restaurant we could find. While waiting for our empanadas, we began chatting with the owner and her daughter. Unlike Porteños, these women actually talked slow and enunciated with a precision I have not experienced (outside of the classroom at AMAUTA) in Buenos Aires. Since we ordered our Empanadas “bien calientes”, we ended up chatting for almost a half hour. I don’t know if I have ever felt more comfortable speaking Spanish in public before.

I think that my favorite place in Mar del Plata is the Main Port. If you´re in the mood for some exercise its about an hour walk from the center. If not there are a number of different colectivos that you can take to get there. Upon arrival, you will quickly understand why this port makes the tourist books. After traversing though a cobble stoned pathway, lined with stores hosting a variety of local delicatessens, you will come face to face with a colorful mass of antiquated sea boats (for those who have seen Pirates of the Caribbean I think you might find some similarities). If sailboats aren’t really your thing, don’t worry, this port also promises a showy display by the local sea lions. Even with their horrendous stench, the frisky cuteness–from the kissing to the roaring battles– will touch your heart.

Medical spanish in Peru And Argentina

2010-03-24T00:47:17Z

Our Spanish course “Medical Spanish” is especially designed for doctors, nurses, social workers, medical students etc. The course focuses on medical terminology and information to improve communication with Spanish speaking patients. Special attention will be given to cultural differences between the western world and Latin America – especially Peru and Argentina - including information on subjects such as health, illness, family issues, etc. and how they are dealt with by the Latin Community.

AMAUTA Spanish school is known for its interactive, communicative and personal teaching methods. Successfully implementing the interactive method depends on the personal attention your teacher is able to provide. Therefore, all our groups are small. The group course is taught by two teachers, to allow variety in teaching styles. Although all teachers are familiar with at least one foreign language, primarily English, all classes are taught in Spanish from the beginning. Groups are formed according to students abilities to ensure you are placed with others of the same level. The first day of class will begin with both a written and oral placement test.

Visits to hospitals with the possibility of clinical shadowing and lectures on subjects as Traditional Medicine etc., are included.

Maximum number of students: 6 in the Spanish Course.
Duration: Two weeks, Six hours daily
When: info@amautaspanish.com info@amautaspanish.com

Flooding in Taray – Sacred Valley - Peru

2010-03-04T18:04:06Z

On the weekend, overflowing rivers caused a large landslide that destroyed almost the entire village of Taray in the Sacred Valle in Peru, with flooded homes, destroyed roads, crops, infrastructure and lost lives. 80% of people have also lost their homes. The AMAUTA school building is situated on the far side of the valley from the affected area and is therefore fine. None of our students or Spanish teachers were there at the time. However, the devastation in the village of Taray is catastrophic, and the people there are left with nothing and in need of help. They are living in tents and are surviving only by the help of outsiders and organizations from Cusco.

AMAUTA is supporting the village, with some students having gone there already to help. We are collecting donations and running quiz and bingo nights in order to raise money to buy food and blankets for the people in the village, and we are going to the village with a large group of people – both staff and students- on Sunday. As far as the AMAUTA program goes, we will not be sending students there for at least a few weeks until the village is on its feet again. We will keep you updated as to when we will be running our Sacred Valley program again, however in this moment the priority is taking care of the village and its people.

Study Spanish in the Rainforest of Peru

2010-02-26T16:04:27Z

There is nothing quite like living in a rainforest. The experience of learning Spanish while surrounded by such natural beauty is something not to missed while you are in Peru.

Tambopata National park is a beautiful green paradise, comprising 1.5 million acres of sub-tropical rainforest of the Madre de Dios and Puno regions of Peru, and is internationally acclaimed as one of the most bio-diverse areas on earth. It is particularly famous for its monkeys, giant river otters, black caimans, capibaras, tapirs and hundreds of bird species.

Study Spanish in the rainforest of Tambopata and be amazed at the wildlife. The Tambopata Reserve is known for its great wildlife spectacle, as the world´s largest known mineral clay lick is found here, where hundreds of parrots, macaws and parakeets congregate daily to feed. This is considered the biggest clay lick on the Peruvian Amazon.

There are plenty of excursions to fill in your spare time in the jungle. You´ll never be bored in such a paradise. You can take various hikes through the trail system to observe the wildlife, take canoes on the Sandoval Lake and observe monkeys, turtles and perhaps even the Giant Otter! Visit the observation tower, take a night walk to observe insects and search for caiman, visit the butterfly farm or a local community, or visit the famous Monkey Island and the Macaw Clay Lick.

Our Spanish teachers, and bi-lingual guides are always there to guide you and explain the fauna and history, and the ways of the Peruvian jungle.

From Cusco, we take a 25 minute flight to Puerto Maldonado, the main city near the national park, 55kms west of the Bolivian border.

Explore this wonderful lowland – it´s like nothing you´ve ever seen before.

Study Spanish with us in the Peruvian rainforest and experience this amazing place.

Trips leaving on 9^th May, 6^th June and 27^th June.

info@amautaspanish.com
http://www.amautaspanish.com/amautaspanish/english/spanish_tambopata.asp

Trains to Machu Picchu running again

2010-02-22T21:37:01Z

“Last week it was confirmed that Peru Rail will be running the route from Km82 to Machu Picchu Pueblo as normal from April 1st. Work on the train tracks - which suffered serious damage due to heavy rain falls and mudslides during the last week of January this year - will be continuing throughout February and March in order to meet this deadline. However, once the line is open services will be running with a lower capacity than normal – we are expecting train services to transport just 1,000 passengers per day as opposed to the normal 2,500 daily passengers. This reduced capacity is likely to cause some problems due to the already large list of people who were unable to travel to Machu Picchu in February and March and as such have rescheduled their trips for April and May. It is important that clients understand that all services to Machu Picchu during April and May are likely to be very busy and/or fully booked. One solution will be to operate more car tours to Machu Picchu in order to take the pressure off the train services. Priority will be given to those passengers whose tour reservations are already confirmed.
Looking further ahead, we expect train services to be running as normal from Ollantaytambo by May and from Cusco itself by June.”

Please contact Dos Manos for further information and to confirm bookings from April on. http://www.dosmanosperu.com