Mexico Archives | Second-Half Travels

Yucatan Itinerary and Trip Report (2018)

Planning a trip to the Yucatan peninsula? In winter 2018 I spent one month taking Spanish classes and exploring Valladolid, Merida, and Campeche. Check out my Yucatan itinerary and trip report.

Learning Spanish with Kate del Castillo Movies, TV Shows, and Podcasts

I’ve been a fan of Mexican actress Kate del Castillo ever since getting hooked on Televisa novela La Mentira in the ’90s. I learned so much Spanish watching that show! I love Kate’s badass characters and her outspoken personality, both on- and off-screen.

She has a pithy, colorful way of expressing herself that has me grabbing my notebook and jotting down fun new vocabulary whenever I listen to her.

12 Wonderful Spanish Schools in Mexico (2020)

Interested in learning Spanish in Mexico? Trying to choose a Spanish immersion program can be overwhelming. Here are 12 of the best Spanish schools in Mexico, broken down by region. These are all programs I’m personally familiar with, or that have outstanding reputations.

May 2020 update: Don’t let current travel restrictions keep you from studying Spanish. Ask the schools you’re interested in about virtual courses. They are all adapting their offerings now so you can learn online.

La Calle Spanish School in Merida, Mexico (2018)

In January and February 2018 I spent two enjoyable weeks studying Spanish at La Calle Spanish school in Merida, Mexico, the charming cultural capital of the Yucatan.

4 Weeks in Mexico City, Puebla, Veracruz (2017)

In October 2017 I flew into Mexico City and then spent two weeks in Puebla taking Spanish classes, followed by eight days exploring the state of Veracruz.

Livit Immersion Center: Spanish School in Puebla, Mexico (2017)

Over the years, I’ve attended five Spanish schools in four countries, but my experience at Livit Immersion Center in Puebla in fall of 2017 has been the best so far.

Visit Tlaxcala City from Puebla

Traditional candied fruits, pumpkins, and sweet potatoes for Day of the Dead, Tlaxcala City — Traditional candied fruits, pumpkins, and sweet potatoes for Day of the Dead, Tlaxcala

Tiny Tlaxcala, the capital of Mexico’s smallest state, is often overlooked by travelers, but its relaxed colonial charms make it well worth a visit.

9 Great Mexican Comedians on Netflix (2021)

Netflix has started adding Mexican comedians to its lineup. Watching stand-up comedy is a great way to learn Mexican Spanish. It’s full of colloquial expressions and pop culture references.

Best Books about Mexico by Expats

Mexico is one of my favorite destinations; between visits, I pacify my wanderlust with books set in Mexico. As an expat lit junkie, I especially enjoy the unique perspective provided by Mexico’s longtime foreign residents. Here are some of the best books about Mexico written by expat authors.

One Wonderful Month in Mexico City, Guanajuato, Zacatecas (2017)

In February and March of 2017 I visited Mexico City and then spent three weeks in Guanajuato taking Spanish classes, followed by three days in Zacatecas, a beautiful northern mining town.