Spanish Sucks – May-June 2019
The Best Way to Learn Spanish
By Anousha Al-Masud
To quote Ludwig Wittgenstein, ‘The limits of my language are the limits of my world’. Learning a new language is like finding a new key that can help unlock doors and open up your mind, introducing you to new adventures and people along the way. With over 400 million native speakers spread over four continents, Spanish is the second most widely natively spoken language in the world. Like English, Spanish has Latin roots and is therefore considered to be one of the easiest languages to master for an English speaker. But what is the best way to learn Spanish?
Of course, you have to start somewhere. In this post, we share how technology can be used as a great starting point whilst also revealing the best way to learn Spanish: immersing yourself in the country where that language is spoken. Intrigued? Read on.
7 Essential Items to Pack when Traveling to Costa Rica
By Rebecca Fox
You’ve booked your tickets, planned your itinerary and are almost ready for your Costa Rican adventure. The only thing left to do is pack your bag. Many travelers are pleasantly surprised by the infrastructure and amenities available in Costa Rica, drinkable tap-water being a good example. There are, however, a few fairly simple things you can bring from home that will make all the difference to your experience. Whether you are a budget backpacker or a luxury traveler, make sure you consider bringing the following.
1. Waterproof Phone Case
I cannot count the number of times I have encountered a visitor desperately trying to dry out their (typically new and expensive) phone by putting it in a bag of rice or sitting it in front of a fan. A rogue wave or unexpected rainstorm can quickly turn the latest iPhone into nothing more than a shiny doorstop. Keeping it in a waterproof case will allow you to relax by the pool and Instagram those waterfalls without worrying about damaging your phone.
2. Sunscreen
Protecting yourself from the sun is vital to a successful Costa Rican experience. You don’t want to waste precious days of your trip avoiding all the fun outdoor activities because you sizzled yourself on the beach within the first 24 hours of arriving. Due to all the water-based activities on offer and the high humidity, it’s best to pack a waterproof or ‘sport’ version of your favorite sunscreen in the highest SPF available. While sunscreen is available to buy here in Costa Rica, it is usually double or triple the price you will find it at home.
What Are the Languages Spoken in Costa Rica?
By Rebecca Fox
Although Spanish, or Castellano, is the official language of Costa Rica, you can find other living languages spoken here on a daily basis. Before Spanish conquerors arrived in the early 16th century, a great variety of different languages were spoken by the indigenous population.
Indigenous communities in the Northern province of Guanacaste spoke languages derived from the Nahuatl language family and were strongly influenced by Aztec culture. The Southern inhabitants used languages from the Chibcha language family, and are thought to have developed these languages after they migrated to Central America from the areas that are now Colombia and Venezuela. There are five different pre-Columbian languages that have survived to the modern day.
- Maléku or Guatuso is spoken by around 600 people across three towns in the province of Alajuela.
- Cabécar is the indigenous language with the most native speakers in the country, approximately 10,000. Speakers of Cabécar reside mainly in the indigenous reserves of the Talamanca mountain range.
- Bribri is the only indigenous language currently taught at university level in Costa Rica and boasts around 6,000 native speakers.
- Ngäbe or Guaymi is spoken by more than 100,000 people on both sides of the Costa Rica-Panama border, with most speakers residing in Panama.
- Bokotá is the dialect of Buglere spoken in Costa Rica. Buglere is spoken in the same border regions as Ngäbe and the two languages are closely related.
The Most Popular Attractions in Manuel Antonio and Their Low-Key Alternatives
By Anousha Al-Masud
Manuel Antonio is a popular destination for a reason; the diverse wildlife, incredible beaches, and adrenaline-filled adventures are hard to beat. With so much on offer, during high season the hottest spots can get a little overcrowded. Luckily, there are still plenty of hidden gems left to discover here. We recommend some of our favorite off-the-beaten-track alternatives to the most popular attractions.
Rainmaker suspended bridge
Manuel Antonio National Park vs. Rainmaker
White sandy beaches and the chance to catch sight of a sloth or capuchin monkey amongst the tropical foliage of the national park attract crowds of wildlife lovers every day. A lesser-known option is the Rainmaker Conservation Project located in Parrita. Take your time to enjoy spectacular views of the cloud forest from hanging bridges, and take a dip in the naturally formed pools and waterfalls. Early morning bird watching tours and night tours are available for the die-hard nature enthusiasts. After your hike, you can grab a beer from Perro Vida, the on-site microbrewery.