My country El Salvador

El Salvador República de El Salvador, (Republic of The Savior) is the smallest and the most populated country in Central America.
El Salvador borders the Pacific Ocean on the south, and the countries of Guatemala to the west and Honduras to the north and east. As of 2009, El Salvador had a population of approximately 5,744,113 people, composed predominantly of Mestizos.

Mestizo is a person of mixed racial ancestry, especially of mixed European and Native American ancestry.                                                                                                   

The Colon was the official currency of El Salvador from 1892 to 2001, when it adopted the U.S. Dollar.

The climate in El Salvador is very nice year round! We have dry season (November to April) and wet season (May to October).

Now let's talk about awesome touristic places in El Salvador:

El Boqueron: is the San Salvador volcano, aslo known as Quetzaltepec which is situated northwest to the city of San Salvador.

Joya de ceren: is an archaeological place located in La Libertad.

Cerro Verde: is a volcano who last erupted approximately 2500 years ago.

Lake "Coatepeque": this is a lake formed by the collapse of land by a volcanic eruption.

Beach El Tunco: this is one of the favorite destination spots for those looking for fun, sun, sea, nightlife and some of the best waves for surfing.

This are only a few of the many places you can visit in El Salvador. The best thing about El Salvador is that you can get places very fast and visit more than one place in a day. You can go to the volcano, stop by the city mall and end your day at the beach watching a beautiful sunset. Yes! All in one day! Salvadorans are very friendly and love tourists too!

Learn more about my beautiful country of El Salvador-Watch this video:

All images from Google Images

Sweet 15!

In the latin american culture, turning 15 years old is a big deal for a girl! Yes! People say that The Aztecs began celebrating Quinceanera all the way back in 500 B.C. At that time, the ceremony indicated to the community that the 15-year old girl was now suitable for motherhood.

The meaning of Quinceanera today is very different. Now celebrating when you turn 15 commemorates a girl becoming a lady. These big parties and celebrations are more popular in Latin America than the U.S.

I'm sure you have heard of it, but didn't know why it is such a big deal! I'm going to explain how this parties are planned!
There is three types of celebrations that I can think of when I think of a girl turning 15 years old.
A big traditional quinceañera party with the puffy dress and the "chambelanes", a modern party, still formal and big but with no "chambelanes" and lastly, a girl that doesn't want a big party, she wants to travel instead or get a large amount of money and spend it in clothe or something like that.

What would a traditonal quinceañera party have? These are a must:

Traditional Quinceañera party

1. Puffy dress. Usually girls wear a pink dress, but now, you also see girls wear baby blue, white, light green or lilac. 

2.Chambelanes. This are the best guy friends of the birthday girl. The guys dress up in a suite and do a special dance in the party with the best girl friends of the birthday girl. (kinda like bridesmaids and groomsmen). 

3.Father-daughter dance. This has become a tradition in the quinceañeras. They will usually dance a slow song in celebration of her becoming a lady. 

4.Big cake. A big cake is essential for the party!

5.Big meal. The traditional quinceañera party will have a big meal for the guest. The main plate usually will have chicken or beef, salad, rice, bread.

6.A toast. The toast is usually maid by the father or the mother of the birthday girl.

7.Music to dance. The quinceañera party that doesn't have a dance party, is not a real quinceañera!

Those are the main things that a traditional quinceañera has!

Wondering how what type of celebration mine was? Mine was a modern party with a not puffy dress, dance party, and great food!

Here is an interesting video I found about "How to plan a quinceañera" Enjoy! 

All images from Google Images

Weather forecast

This past monday on my way to work I realized how much I miss the weather of my country (El Salvador). It was about 50 degrees and foggy in Point Lookout, Missouri! My car wind child was covered with ice and it took me a while to get warm. Cold, ice and fog is something me and the citizens from El Salvador aren’t use to, because our weather is great year round! However, there is other countries in Latin America that do have cold winters and super-hot summers.

Let's talk about weather!

Central America
Central America has a tropical humid climate. It has no real winter; even the coldest month averages above 64 °F, with summers of 80 to 82 °. The average annual temperature range is lower than the usual daily range, a characteristic that is different from most of North America. Rainfall at 1,100 to 2,000 mm is high and regular.

Due to the nice weather conditions year round, people wear mostly the same type of clothe as well. Jeans, nice shirts, sandals, or tennis shoes are very common. 

Visit this website to find out how the weather is for each country in Central America:
http://gocentralamerica.about.com/od/tripplanning/tp/Central-America-Weather.htm


South America
South America's climate mainly wet and hot. However the large size of the continent makes the climate of South America varied with each region having its own characteristic weather conditions, geographical location, ocean currents and winds. 
Most of South America receives a lot of rain. Quibdo, Colombia, is the rainiest place in South America, receives more than 890 centimeters of rain a year. All the regions of the continent generally have a dry season.
The highest temperatures of South America have been recorded in Gran Chaco in Argentina, with temperatures going up to 110 degrees F.

 

 

Here's a website that will tell you more about the climate in each country of Central and South America:

http://www.adventure-life.com/travel_details/weather_links.php

 

 

All images from Google Images

 

Full Belly = Happy Heart!

Food is one of the best pleasures in life. Do you agree? I love food and more than food, the experience that comes with a special dish. In the Latin-American culture, food is one important factor when it comes to gatherings, parties and entertainment.

Families and friends will usually cook for each other when they gather or celebrate a special occasion. It is typical that grandmothers teach their granddaughters their best recipes so they can keep the traditional custom of cooking for their families in the future.

The famous saying of “there is no better cooking than my grandmother’s” applies very well to the Latin culture. Grandmothers and their cooking is what bring a lot of families together on a Sunday afternoon, or a birthday celebration.

Today I’m going to share with you some of my favorite dishes recipes and a little bit of food history.

Here are three amazing recipes:

"Baleadas" from Honduras

This are a quick and satisfying breakfast or evening meal. "Baleadas" are thick flour tortillas folded over a variety of fillings. The most common filling is a simple mix of beans, cheese and the Honduran-style sour cream known as "mantequilla."

Ingredients

• Flour tortillas (recipe below)  (8 tortillas)
• Refried beans (2 cups)
• Crumbled queso duro, cotija or feta cheese (1/2 cup)
• Mexican-style sour cream (cream agria)  (1/4 cup)

1.Heat an ungreased griddle, comal or skillet over medium flame. Meanwhile, heat up the refried beans in a saucepan, stirring in a little water.

2.Place a tortilla into the skillet and heat it on both sides to soften it up. Place the tortilla on a serving plate. 

3.Smear some refried beans on one half of the tortilla, sprinkle it with some crumbled cheese and drizzle it with a little sour cream. 

4.Fold the tortilla in half over the filling.Repeat with the remaining tortillas and serve hot.

"Atol de elote" from El Salvador

Atoles are very popular beverages in El Salvador with roots in Mayan cuisine. They are a sort of thick drink often eaten with a spoon. Atol de elote is based on fresh corn (elote) and has a fresh flavor. Sometimes served in a bowl made out of a dried calabash gourd.

Ingredients:

• Yellow corn on the cob (6 to 7 ears)
• Water  (4 cups)
• Sugar (1/3 cup)
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon)
• Cornstarch (optional)  (3 to 4 teaspoons)
• Ground cinnamon (for garnishing)

Method:

1.Using a sharp knife, carefully cut enough kernels off the corn cobs to make 3 to 3 1/2 cups. Then scrape the cobs with a knife to remove all their milk. Place 2 1/2 cups of the corn in a blender along with 2 cups of the water and puree well.     

2.Strain the pureed corn through a sieve into a medium saucepan and discard the solids. Stir in the remaining corn kernels, 1/3 cup sugar and salt.                     

3.Bring the liquid to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, or until lightly thickened. If the atol doesn't thicken to a creamy consistency, mix the cornstarch with a little cold water and whisk into the simmering liquid until it is just thick enough to coat a spoon.                       

4.Pour the hot atol into mugs or small bowls, sprinkle with a little cinnamon and serve hot with a spoon to scoop up the corn kernels.

"Bandeja Paisa" from Colombia

This is probably the most popular Colombian dish, originally from the Andean region of the country where the people are called “Paisas” and the area where I was born and raised. Traditionally this dish includes beans, white rice, chicharron (pork), carne en polvo (powder beef),chorizo (summer sausage), fried egg, avocado, and arepa (Colombian tortilla).

Ingredients:

• 1 Spoon of refried beans
• 1 cup of white rice
• 1 cup of powdered beef 
• 4 chuncks of fried pork belly
• 4 Cooked summer sausages
• 4 Fried sunny side up eggs 
• 4 baked plantainsor
• 1 cup of hogao (tomato and onion sauce) 
• 1 Lime and Avocado per Serving

Method:

1.Prepare the beans, hogao and powdered beef one day ahead and keep in the refrigerator.

2.When you are going to serve the bandeja paisa, heat the beans and powdered beef and hogao.

3.Fry the chicharrones.    

                                                                                                                              

4.Cook the white rice and plantains

5.Fry the eggs and chorizos.

6.To serve, place the rice in a tray or platter and place the rest of the ingredients as you like (see picture).

Those are three easy to do recipes and delicious meals!!! Want to know a little bit about the Latin American food history?

Watch this video:

All images from Google Images

I have an accent!

 I have an accent when I speak English, but also when I speak Spanish! Yes! Each country en Latin America has its own accents and has some unique vocabulary.

Today I'm going to tell you more about the three most common Spanish dialects that are spoken in Latin America.  Latin American Spanish, Castilian and Trade winds Spanish. 

Latin American Spanish is the most common Spanish dialect taught in the U.S. is standard Latin American. This dialect is noted for its pronunciation of each letter and its strong "r" sounds.

Sometimes is called "Highland" Spanish since it is generally spoken in the mountainous areas of Latin America. Countries like Mexico, Peru, Colombia and Bolivia generally speak this dialect.

Castilian is the Spanish of Madrid and of northern Spain. This dialect has the characteristic of the pronunciation of "ci" and "ce" as "th." In Madrid (Spain), "gracias" (thank you) becomes "gratheas" (as opposed to "gras-see-as" in Latin America.) Also they use the word "vosotros" (you all, or you guys) as the informal form of "ustedes."  

Castilian sounds to Latin Americans like British English sounds to Americans.

Trade Winds Spanish is the third major type of Spanish is spoken in the Caribbean,coastal areas of Latin America, and in sometimes in southern Spain. The accent in Seville, Cadiz and other cities in Andalusia, in Southern Spain, began to change. Speakers began to drop the final "s" on words. 

The settlers and traders of southern Spain took this dialect with them to the Caribbean and other coastal areas. Today Caribbean or "Lowland" Spanish is characterized by its relative informality, its rapid pace, and the dropping of "s" sounds, allowing people to talk more quickly.


Those are the three most common Spanish dialects spoke in Latin America. As I mentioned before, each country has its distinct accent and unique vocabulary.
Usually people that Speak Spanish can communicate very well and understand most of what another Spanish speaking person is saying even if they are not from the same country.

Here is a video that will show you how 10 different accents sound like in Latin America! Enjoy!

All images from Google images

Latin@s Celebrities

Latinos are definitively influencing the American culture and becoming part of the big U.S. society in many aspects. One of them: Hollywood! Have you noticed that in many movies or TV shows a latino character is always included in the story?

Movie and shows producers know how important it is to represent every ethnicity group living in the United States to make their productions successful. 

I bet you didn't know that a lot of Celebrities are full blooded Latinos or have Latin roots! 

Here's 10 Celebrities you probably didn't know are Latinos!

Jordana Brewster, 30

This beautiful brunette first role was as all-American teen queen, Delilah Profitt in Robert Rodriguez’s cult film, The Faculty (1998). Jordana was born in Panama City, Panama and her mother, Maria João, is a former Sports Illustrated swimsuit model from Brazil. Jordana lived in Brazil for several years and speaks fluent Portuguese.
 

 

Andrew Keegan, 32
Andrew Keegan usually plays all-American pretty boy in films. He has participates in movies like Camp Nowhere (1994), 10 Things I Hate About You (1999), O (2001), and the TV shows 7th Heaven and Party of Five. Keegan—born Andrew Keegan Ocampo— is the son of a Colombian woman named Lana! Holaaaa Keegan!  

Frankie Muniz, 24 Yep! "Malcom" is half Latino! He is the son of a Puerto Rican father and an Italian mother.Who would have thought of that! Right?

Nicole Richie,28                                                                                                                    When you think of Nicole Richie, Latina is the last thing that comes to you? isn't it? Well, this Socialite, reality star and sometimes actress, is known as Lionel Richie’s adopted daughter. Richie was actually born Nicole Camille Escovedo to a Mexican mother.

Joanna Garcia, 30

You might remember her as Cheyenne Hart-Montgomery, a white cheerleader on Reba, and as Megan Smith, a white journalist on the CW’sPrivileged, but did you know that she is Cuban? Born in Tampa, Florida to a Spanish-American mother and a Cuban father.

Alexis Bledel, 28

Alexis played Rory Gilmore for seven seasons on the show Gilmore Girls. Few people knew she is Latina. Bledel was born in Houston, Texas to a Mexican mother named Nanette Dozier and an Argentinean dad named Martin. Her first language is Spanish!

Michael Trevino, 25

He is known as Ozzy, the bad boy on the show 90210, and in his current role as Tyler Lockwood on the hit series, The Vampire Diaries, but did you know that Trevino is Mexican? He is full-blooded Mexican. His mother was born in Zacatecas, Mexico, and his father (son of Mexican immigrants) was born near Fresno, California.

 

Harry Shum Jr., 28

You know as that kid on Glee who is always dancing around in the background which is referred to as “the other Asian” on the show. His name is Harry Shum Jr. and he’s actually a Tico! Born in Costa Rica to Chinese parents. He speaks Chinese and Spanish!

 

Alex Meraz,26                                                                                                                         

Best known for his role as Paul who is best friends with Jacob (Taylor Lautner) in Twilight: New Moon (2009) and Twilight: Eclipse (2010), Alex Meraz is half-Mexican.

 

Joan Smalls, 22 I know she is not an actress, but she is a big deal!
Joan Smalls is a model for Estée Lauder who is from the Puerto Rican town of Hatillo. She became famous when she was chosen to walk exclusively for Givenchy’s Fall 2010 couture show in Paris.  

If you want to find out what other celebrities are Latin@, visit the Latina magazine website: http://www.latina.com/entertainment/buzz/100-stars-you-never-knew-were-latino?slide=38

All images from Google Images

Trip to South America (Part II)

Do you like to travel? Do you want to experience a new culture and visit an amazing place? Well, for those who love to travel, visit new places and experience nature first hand. You will love to know about the other five destinations I'm going to tell you about!

Here they are:

6. San Pedro de Atacama-Chile

This destination once was a destination where they transported cattle and today has flourished into a major tourist destination.
The best area is the "Valle de Luna" (Moon valley), travelers think is a great setting for star gazing. This place not only is amazing for star gazing but also offers beautiful craters, canyons, caves, valleys and salt mines.

7. The Galapagos Islands - Ecuador

This is the ultimate animal lover's paradise. The Galapagos are perhaps the last unspoiled place on earth where man  continues to respect the boundaries of mother nature and wild creatures prosper without fear of man.

No where else can you find animals frolicking, unafraid of their onlookers. Here you can play amongst sea lions,penguins and swim alongside turtles.

8. Lake Titicaca - Bolivia

This is South America's largest lake and the home to several indigenous communities make the area both agriculturally strong and full of cultural significance.Copacabana is the heart and largest town on the shore.  Due to its rich history, Copacabana's religious festivities, often celebrating Pachamama (Mother Earth), are frequent and well known. 

9. Easter Island - Chile

The Easter Island, also known as Isla de Pascua or Rapa Nui by the Spanish and Polynesian, is known to be one of the most sacred sites on Earth. Famous for its enigmatic giant stone figures, the "Moai" were built centuries ago, but continue to remain a mystery.            Easter Island also hosts two white sand beaches making it the idyllic location to take in a bit of ancient culture while basking in the tropical sun. Visitors can enjoy bodysurfing, surfing, scuba diving and snorkeling.


10. The Pantanal - Brazil

Perhaps the wildest region in the world, the Pantanal has the greatest density of animal life in South America. Created by seasonal flooding of the river Paraguai, these wetlands are considered one of the world's largest and most diverse freshwater wetland ecosystems. A lot of colorful birds, hummingbirds, macaws and parrots inhabit this area.

I hope you enjoyed knowing about this great destinations in South America.If you decide to travel to Latin America you know which are some of the most popular places to go!

Yes! Latin America is beautiful! 

All images from Google Images