Wednesday

Market, Salsa & Language Exchange

Descubre los mercados de Medellín, baila salsa y participa en un intercambio de idiomas en la azotea para sumergirte en el español y la cultura local en un miércoles lleno de diversión.

Morning Activity

You've started classes with our Medellin Spanish school, now its time to put everything you're learning in to pratice. Today let's wandering through one of Medellin's vibrant local markets, such as the Plaza Minorista or Placita de Flórez.

Engage with the vendors, sample the seasonal fruits and vegetables, and soak in the sights, sounds, and aromas that make these markets such an integral part of Colombian culture. Hunt out tropical delights such as guanabana (soursop), lulo, feijoa, pitahaya (dragon fruit), granadilla or the chontaduro, famous for its aphrodisiac properties, but remember it should be cooked first.

The Plaza Minorista is open from Monday to Saturday, 430am to 6pm and Sundays until 3pm, and is known for its wide selection of fresh produce, meats, and traditional Colombian ingredients.

If you prefer a smaller more local market experience the Placita de Flórez is also recommend.

¿Cuánto cuesta esta fruta?
How much does this fruit cost?
Quiero probar algunas frutas exóticas.
I want to try some exotic fruits.
¿Cuál es la especialidad de su puesto? Me gustan las frutas frescas.
What is the specialty of your stall? I like fresh fruits.
¿Puede decirme cuáles frutas están en temporada y son las más dulces?
Can you tell me which fruits are in season and the sweetest?
El vendedor me explicó que algunas frutas son de agricultores locales y tienen un sabor especial.
The vendor explained to me that some fruits are from local farmers and have a special flavor.

Ask About the Products:

Exercise: Ask a vendor about a specific fruit or product. Use phrases like “¿Qué es esto?” or “¿Esta fruta es dulce o ácida?” Take note of any new words they use.

Goal: Practice asking questions and identifying different types of produce.

Try Bargaining:

Exercise: Politely try bargaining with a vendor. Start by asking, “¿Podemos bajar un poco el precio?” or “¿Me puede hacer una rebaja?” See if they respond with an offer.

Goal: Practice polite bargaining phrases and listening for numbers and prices.

Discuss Flavor and Freshness:

Exercise: Ask the vendor about the flavor or freshness of a product. For example, “¿Cuándo cosecharon estas frutas?” or “¿Cuál es el sabor de esta fruta exótica?”

Goal: Practice vocabulary related to taste and freshness while interacting naturally.

Create a Recipe with Market Ingredients:

Exercise: Tell a friend what you would cook using the ingredients you see at the market. Use sentences like “Con esta fruta haría un jugo” or “Podríamos cocinar algo fresco con estas verduras.”

Goal: Practice expressing ideas for food preparation and build fluency using market-related vocabulary.

Afternoon Activity

In the afternoon, experience the energy and passion of Colombia through a salsa class. Many local dance studios offer group and private classes, typically lasting 1-2 hours, that teach the basic steps and cultural significance of this vibrant dance form.

Close to the school you’ll find Dancefree a large well known dance studio, the best in the area. Prices range from 70-85,000COP for private classes depending on how many hours you book.

Ritmo - rhythm
Movimiento - movement
Pareja - partner
Instructor(a) - instructor
Pasos básicos - basic steps
Giro - turn/spin
Música - music
Pista de baile - dance floor
Cadencia - cadence
Secuencia - sequence
Lado a lado - side to side
Estilo - style
Cadera - hip
Contar - to count (steps)
Coreografía - choreography
Pareja de baile - dance partner
Intensidad - intensity
Práctica - practice
Salsa caleña - Cali-style salsa
Improvisación - improvisation

¿Cómo se llama este paso básico?
What is this basic step called?
Necesito practicar el ritmo, especialmente los giros.
I need to practice the rhythm, especially the turns.
¿Puedo cambiar de pareja para probar diferentes estilos?
Can I switch partners to try different styles?
Este paso requiere mucha práctica con la cadera para que el movimiento sea más natural.
This step requires a lot of practice with the hips to make the movement more natural.
Nuestro instructor nos enseñó una secuencia intensa de salsa caleña, con giros y cadencia rápidos.
Our instructor taught us an intense sequence of Cali-style salsa, with quick turns and cadence.

Introduce Yourself to a Dance Partner:

Exercise: Introduce yourself and ask your partner about their experience with salsa. Use “¿Es tu primera vez bailando salsa?” or “¿Te gusta este tipo de música?”

Goal: Practice simple conversation starters and build comfort in a social dance setting.

Ask for Help with a Dance Move:

Exercise: If you find a step difficult, ask the instructor or partner for help. Use phrases like “¿Cómo hago este giro?” or “¿Puedes mostrarme este paso otra vez?”

Goal: Practice making requests and listening for specific instructions.

Describe the Dance Style:

Exercise: Discuss the dance style with your partner. For example, “Este ritmo es rápido, ¿verdad?” or “La salsa caleña tiene muchos giros.”

Goal: Practice descriptive language and learn to use dance-specific terms in conversation.

Try Teaching a Step:

Exercise: Explain a step you’ve learned to a fellow student. Use “Primero, mueves la cadera” or “Luego, haces un giro rápido.”

Goal: Build confidence by explaining a sequence, improving fluency and comprehension.

Evening Activity

As the sun sets, participate in a language exchange, where locals and travellers come together to exchange languages in a social and casual setting.

Practice and improve your Spanish skills while immersing yourself in the warmth and openness of the Paisas (locals of Medellin). These casual gatherings are often hosted at local bars or cafes, providing a relaxed setting to connect with locals and hone your conversational abilities.

On Wednesday nights at 6pm you can find a rooftop language exchange at Merli Rooftop Lounge (located above the school). Engage in discussions about favorite Colombian foods or travel experiences - don’t hesitate to ask questions like “¿Cuál es tu comida colombiana favorita?” (What is your favorite Colombian food?).

Intercambio de idiomas - language exchange
Participante - participant
Presentación - introduction
Conversación - conversation
Cultura - culture
Amistad - friendship
Frase - phrase
Tema - topic
Pregunta - question
Expresión - expression
Pronunciación - pronunciation
Idioma nativo - native language
Debate - debate
Opinión - opinion
Escuchar - to listen
Aprendizaje - learning
Idioma extranjero - foreign language
Interacción - interaction
Grupo - group
Acento - accent

Hola, me llamo [Name]. ¿Cómo te llamas?
Hello, my name is [Name]. What’s your name?
¿De dónde eres? Cuéntame un poco sobre tu cultura.
Where are you from? Tell me a little about your culture.
¿Cuál es la expresión en español para decir 'to break the ice' en una conversación?
What’s the expression in Spanish to say 'to break the ice' in a conversation?
Tengo curiosidad sobre los acentos. ¿Cómo cambia la pronunciación entre tu país y otros?
I’m curious about accents. How does pronunciation change between your country and others?
El intercambio de idiomas fue una gran oportunidad para aprender expresiones coloquiales y mejorar mi comprensión del idioma extranjero.
The language exchange was a great opportunity to learn colloquial expressions and improve my understanding of the foreign language.

Basic Introductions:

Exercise: Introduce yourself to a new person. Say “Me llamo [Name]” and ask “¿Y tú, cómo te llamas?” Practice discussing where you’re from and why you’re learning Spanish.

Goal: Build confidence with introductions and sharing personal details.

Discuss a Shared Interest:

Exercise: Ask the other person about their hobbies or interests. Use phrases like “¿Qué te gusta hacer en tu tiempo libre?” or “¿Tienes alguna afición?”

Goal: Practice conversational Spanish by connecting on common interests.

Exchange Language Tips:

Exercise: Ask for help with a phrase or pronunciation. Try “¿Cómo se dice…?” or “¿Puedes corregir mi pronunciación?” Offer to help with English if they’re learning.

Goal: Engage in mutual language support, practicing both listening and speaking skills.

Share Cultural Expressions:

Exercise: Teach each other a phrase or expression unique to your culture. Ask “¿Hay una frase popular en tu país?” and share one from your own.

Goal: Build cultural awareness and expand vocabulary with colloquial expressions.

Wednesday

Morning Activity

Afternoon Activity

Evening Activity

MONDAY: Embracing the Urban Canvas

TUESDAY: Art, Nature & Science

WEDNESDAY: Market, Salsa & Language

THURSDAY: Artistic & Culinary Experiences

FRIDAY: Local & International Influences

SATURDAY: Nature’s Wonders & Nightlife

SUNDAY: Recovery & Reflection