Toucan Spanish
Spanish Classes in Medellin & Cali, Colombia
Sunday
Market Flavors, Arts & ParksSumérgete en los sabores del mercado, descubre el arte moderno de Cali y disfruta de una cena con amigos mientras practicas y refuerzas tu español.
Morning Activity
You've spent a week stuyding Spanish in Cali Colombia, now it's time to treat yourself! Begin your day with a visit to Galería Alameda, one of Cali's most bustling markets, providing an immersive culinary and cultural experience. Dive into a “fruit experience,” sampling exotic local fruits and dishes at the market stalls. Try a lulada, a local drink made from lulo fruit, water, sugar, and ice, offering a tangy and sweet flavor that's quintessentially Caleño.
As you explore the market, practice your Spanish by interacting with vendors - engage in conversations about the origins of various fruits and vegetables, and perhaps learn a few traditional recipes. This immersive experience will not only enhance your language skills but also deepen your understanding of Cali's culinary heritage.
Save some space because, inside the market, you’ll find Restaurante Basilia - the perfect spot to try Cali’s famous encocados (seafood simmered in a rich and creamy coconut sauce). We recommend ordering the Triple, combining shrimp, piangua (black clam), and tollo (dogfish), served with sancocho de pescado (fish soup), coconut rice, and salad. Try a fresh juice, borojó, guanábana or limonada de coco.
Afternoon Activity
Post-lunch, immerse yourself in the art scene at Museo La Tertulia, a modern art museum that houses an impressive collection of Colombian and Latin American art. The museum is well-known for its vibrant exhibitions of sculptures, paintings, and multimedia installations, offering a deep dive into the artistic culture of the region.
As you explore, you'll gain an appreciation for both historical and contemporary works, many of which reflect Colombia's diverse cultural heritage. This visit is a perfect way to enrich your vocabulary as you learn to describe different forms of art in Spanish. Focus on specific vocabulary related to colors eg. 'colores cálidos' (warm colors), techniques eg. 'óleo sobre lienzo' (oil on canvas) and emotions eg. 'esta obra me transmite tranquilidad' (this piece conveys tranquility), making your museum experience both educational and culturally enriching.
Take the opportunity to ask museum staff questions about the artwork, such as
¿Quién es el artista de esta obra?
Who is the artist of this piece?
¿Cuál es el significado de esta escultura?
What is the meaning of this sculpture?
As the day winds down, take a leisurely stroll along the river, making your way to El Gato del Río, a unique sculpture park situated along the Cali River. The centerpiece of the park is the iconic "El Gato" sculpture, created by renowned artist Hernando Tejada. This larger-than-life cat sculpture is surrounded by a series of smaller feline-inspired artworks, each with its own distinct style, contributed by different artists.
As you stroll along the riverbank, take your time to admire the various art installations, each of which adds character and charm to the riverside atmosphere. Reflect on the art, and discuss your impressions with friends or family to practice descriptive Spanish - talk about the colors, shapes, textures, and emotions evoked by the sculptures. Use vocabulary such as 'vibrante' (vibrant), 'suave' (soft), 'contorno' (outline), and 'expresivo' (expressive). This is an excellent opportunity to expand your art-related vocabulary and appreciate the vibrant artistic spirit of Cali.
Evening Activity
Enjoy a memorable dinner at Storia D'Amore - Granada, an outstanding Italian restaurant known for its romantic ambiance and exquisite dishes. Located in the vibrant Granada neighborhood, it's an ideal spot to unwind and savor a memorable meal.
Indulge in dishes like Risotto ai Funghi Porcini or Tagliatelle al Ragù di Cinghiale, and don't miss their signature desserts such as Tiramisù.
Although this is not strictly a Caleño cultural experience, it provides a wonderful opportunity to invite a local friend and spend a lovely evening getting to know them while practicing Spanish. You could say:
¿Cuánto tiempo llevas viviendo en Cali?
How long have you been living in Cali?
¿Qué lugares recomendarías para conocer mejor la ciudad?
What places would you recommend to get to know the city better?
¿Cuál es tu plato favorito de la comida caleña?
What is your favorite dish from Caleño cuisine?
¿Qué te gusta hacer en tu tiempo libre aquí?
What do you like to do in your free time here?
Engaging in these relaxed conversations will help you solidify your newly learned vocabulary and build comfort in casual conversational Spanish.
Toucan Spanish
Independent Immersion Activities
Cali Experiences
