Excursion to El Prado

Yesterday a group of students of La Herradura visited "El Prado", a neighbourhood that is traditionally associated with the aristocracy of the 19^th century in Montevideo who constructed luxurious houses there. Alongside the beautiful old houses there are also big parks that we visited. First we went to the Museo Blanes to see some paintings of this Uruguayan painter on Uruguayan history, and afterwards we had a walk through the calm and beautiful Japanese Garden, a symbol of the friendship between Uruguay and Japan. We also strolled through the botanical garden and completed our excursion at the lovely rose garden with its art nouveau style pergolas and over 12000 rosebushes.

For more pictures of the excursion, click here

Uruguays` gastronomic pride

The Uruguayan "chivito" is a dish that no meat lover should miss when visiting Uruguay.
The recipe is simple. Very simple. A tenderloin. Lettuce, tomato, ham, cheese, bacon and egg.
Served as a sandwich or on a plate, as you prefer.

For decades now, in the most renowned restaurants or on the streets, in any café or small bar, all over the country it`s possible to enjoy this traditional dish that provokes absolute enthusiasm.

Many claim to have invented it and there were even local and regional competitions in "who prepares the most Uruguayan chivito", in which hundreds of people participated.

As a central icon on postcards of the country, the chivito together with other dishes of the Uruguayan cuisine incorporates a philosophy of life.
There are metal cars, some smaller, some bigger, that function as take away restaurants which also offer the possibility of having a break for anyone who wants to know how their team will score or just chat a bit with a colleague.
Uruguay has this time and offers itself the luxury of enjoying its favorite dish. The chivito is part of Uruguays` national culture. You have to try it and it`s pretty sure that you´ll become a fan.

 
Some recommendations where to eat chivito in Montevideo:

El Tinkal: Dr Emilio Frugoni 853 (near the corner with Rambla)
Chivitos Marcos: Luis Alberto de Herrera 1186 (near the corner with 26 de Marzo)
Bulebar: Bvar. España 2231 (near the corner with Edil Hugo Prato)
Casitanno: Maldonado 2051 (near the corner with Pablo de María)

Cuento que escribimos en la clase de conversación de la semana pasada

Erase una vez un príncipe guapo con un anillo. Un día el príncipe caminó por el bosque para encontrar una serpiente verde. La serpiente le dijo al príncipe que tenía que ayudarla. Hay un payaso alto y enfadado con una nariz roja que quiere robar el tesoro de la serpiente. El payaso es muy peligroso porque es un psicopata con un revólver. El príncipe le dijo "voy a ayudarte. ¿Qué puedo hacer por ti?" La serpiente respondió: "Acá estan las llaves. ¿Puedes llevarselas a mi amigo el artista que vive en la montaña?" "Claro, para ir al la montaña puedo usar mi moto mágica que camina sobre el arco iris." La serpiente explicó que la casa del artista estaba ardiendo y por eso el artista necesitaba un bombero. Él es la moneda de cambio para esconder las llaves. El bombero llegará en autobus al mismo tiempo a la casa del artista que el príncipe. Cuando el príncipe caminaba sobre el arco iris, despertó de su sueño y vio entrar por la ventana los rayos rosas del sol.

Tango lessons

Last friday a group of students from La Herradura enjoyed a tango class in the evening. The class took place at a wonderful tango hall in a beautifully restored old house close to the school. After an short introduction to tango and a presentation of the dance by the teachers, we learned some basic steps and moves. Our teachers were very nice, patient and professional and so, even though many of us were complete beginners, we soon managed to dance a bit. And quickly caught the "tango-virus"... It was a lot of fun!

 For more pictures click here

Dos clases de conversación juntas

El pasado viernes, como actividad de final de semana, juntamos nuestros grupos de conversación para ampliar experiencias. Brasileños, estadounidenses y alemanes junto a nuestros profesores intercambiaron opiniones acerca de la ingeniería genética, los desafíos morales que implican los avances tecnológicos y el valioso bagaje que nos van dando los años. Y terminamos escuchando un poco de música para empezar con buen pie el fin de semana.

Aquí hay más fotos de esta actividad.

Old bars with history in Montevideo

Old bars with history in Montevideo

Joined conversation classes

On friday two of our conversation classes joined in order to have an amplified discussion. It was fun...

Conversation classes at the outlook of the intendencia of Montevideo

Today two conversation classes went together to the intendencia (city hall) of Montevideo. Almost on top of the building on the outlook at the 22^th floor, we enjoyed the incredible view over the city. It was a wonderful way to gain an overview over Montevideo and practice our Spanish while talking about its sights – and the weather was just perfect warm and sunny.

Las llamadas / Carnival performance in Montevideo

Follow the link below for a description of the carnical performances in Montevideo

Las llamadas / Carnival performance in Montevideo

Festivals in Uruguay

Following the link below, you`ll find descriptions of the most popular festivals in different departments of Uruguay

Festivals in Uruguay