Discover the imperfect tense and the marvels of Tenochtitlán, city of the Mexicas (Aztecs) (A2-B2)
Tenochtitlán - a city of water and temples - lies buried under the immensity of modern day Mexico City. What was this incredible city like when the Spanish first set eyes on it in the 16th Century?
This article offers a glimpse of the wonders of this metropolis and is an excellent opportunity to brush up on your past tenses - particularly the imperfect (el imperfecto). So get your grammar-hat on and delve into a lost world!
Staff Picks - Cantautores & canciones protesta
María Rúa has compiled a gorgeous playlist uncovering some beautiful relics from the past, a movement which defined generations of songs to come. This list evokes a spirit of protest, a momentous tradition where art was often used to rival oppressive rulers and unsinkable regimes.
One of Our Teachers Wrote a Travelogue!
Meet Andrés Treviño (if you haven't already met him in class)! Andrés is one of El Patio's teachers - but also, a traveller and a writer.
In his book 'Fragmentos del paisaje', Andrés invites us to share his experiences throughout a year of travelling through Latin America; past the beautiful postcards and brochures and into the lives of the locals. Through his eyes and ears be a witness to the amazing moments, and raw truths of Latin America.
Read the inspiration behind and enter the competition to win one of four copies of 'Fragmentos del paisaje'!
Typing Tildes & Spanish Punctuation - é ñ ü ¿ ¡
Ever wondered how to master typing those little squiggles, dots and quirky punctuation marks? You may have thought it involved some sort of program, toolbar or application - you'd be wrong!
It's super easy to write Spanish punctuation on an English keyboard. Find out how in this article.
El maremoto (The Seaquake) Using Pretérito Perfecto! (A2)
Have you ever had a doomsday scenario play out in your head? Perhaps you've been daydreaming about what to do in a zombie apocalypse, or a nuclear fallout? How prepared would you be? Where would you go?
It's something that has fascinated many people over the years, inspiring countless films, books ... and nightmares.
Here Ana paints her version of Armageddon - a wall of water created by un maremoto (a seaquake). This story is not only designed to get your heart racing, it will also help you learn the uses and conjugations of the Present Perfect past tense (Haber + Past Participle).
Staff Picks - Matt's Spanish Alt Rock Playlist
In our second, hand-selected Spotify playlist Matt gives us a taste of the alternative rock scene in Spain - inspired by the months he spent living there as an exchange student.
Matt is part of El Patio's student support and reception team - but also plays in an alternative rock band himself! He's got good taste - check it out.
Staff Picks - Ben's Summer Playlist!
Suggestions for your summer listening - in Spanish!
Our first Spotify playlist of songs has been created by Ben Wright-Smith, not only one of our Melbourne admin assistants, but a singer-songwriter in his own right. Listen, follow or share!
The El Patio guide to dreams, visions and goals
Whether you're just starting your studies or have been studying for a while, the dream of speaking Spanish can sometimes feel a little distant.
Here we look at dreams, visions and goals, and how breaking things down into smaller parts can help you get where you want to go, little by little.
Spanish through Song - La cumbia del mole (all levels)
Music is a great way to approach language learning, as it can be a back door to your brain. As well as being a good way to learn new vocabulary, music carries culture, and in this case, more than one.
Mexican-American singer, Lila Downs, sings about MOLE, the thick, brown, spicy Mexican sauce. Mole is concocted by grinding together lots of ingredients - so it's apt that this song about a very Mexican sauce is deliciously mixed with a Colombian musical style, cumbia.
The Surprising Benefits of Being a Beginner
What is it to be a beginner? Is it something we get to leave behind? And if not, then how might the attitude of being a beginner help us as we learn?
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Gift Voucher $500
Easy! Surprise your Spanish-learning friends, family or colleagues with a Gift Voucher. This voucher could be used toward a course fee and even texts. Once you have purchased your voucher, please El Patio of the…
