You have created a special school there in Veracruz with very special people. We all learned a lot, laughed a lot and made some wonderful friends. We thank you and your team for everything. I had my first chance to try out my Spanish here in the States this morning and the guys could really tell a difference. I have a long way to go but our week and a half with you gave me the leap forward I needed to advance my Spanish skills. We hope to return again, with both boys next time. by Michael V., July/16/2010 ---return to blog page--- |
On the ride to the airport I was able to chat with the taxi driver the entire time. I understood about 90% of what he was saying (had to ask him to slow down!) and he understood me. I was so elated that I was able to do that in only 5 days! Imagine what I could do with an additional week! Please say hello to everyone for me .....I miss them...they are absolutely wonderful people!! by Carmel P., June/01/2010 ---return to blog page--- |
I wanted to let you all know how my {CLEP} test went. I took it this morning and while it was tough… I pass{ed} the requirements for OSU. Which means I get to graduate this spring. Yeah!!! I also wanted to say thank you for the wonderful and educational experience in Veracruz, I've never felt so at home in a foreign country before. I've been recommending {the school} to other people. by Breezy T., May/31/2010 ---return to blog page--- |
Anyone is welcome to take marimba lessons. It’s a super fun extracurricular activity.  Standing around listening, we were dazzled with Rick’s first time at the sticks. As for how my own playing is coming along (mentioning this because I know you are curious)—it’s absolutely no exaggeration and fully fair to say that my hour a day of practice is surely helping out and I’ll let you know when I’m ready to give my first concert. by Eric, May/29/2010 ---return to blog page--- |
Twice for only a fleeting moment I found them, but that simply leaves one with a festering desire.
Yesterday we found this. It’s almost right. The icing is perfect. The dough is close. The overall flavor works fine in a pinch. When, oh when, I ask, is Dunkin’ Donuts coming to town? by Eric, May/28/2010 ---return to blog page--- |
When you have a job with benefits in Mexico you’re on you’re way to home ownership. Angelica had some home-ownership benefits accrued from a prior job, and now being with us for a little over two years, she had the purchase credits she needed.  And Saturday Angelica got the keys. There’s no way we could be as happy and excited as the new homeowner herself, of course, but still we’re very, very, very happy.
Not a work in progress, but instead a project in progress—Claudia should have a house in four to six months, and Paula and Mari will have enough credits late next year. Four families snuggly tucked away in brand new, fully modern homes—thinking about it makes our wonderful life feel even more wonderful. We thank everyone who’s come down. Just by being here, you’re part of making this miracle come true. by Eric, May/24/2010 ---return to blog page--- |
He’s with Big Shoulders Digital Video Productions, in Chicago. We thank Big Shoulders very much for letting Don bring down over ten thousand dollars worth of first rate movie-making equipment. We’re posting it here first. It’s the week in the life of a student. (But actually it features two students because nothing in Mexico comes out exactly as planned). It’s a little too big on the screen to fit here, and so CLICK and it will open up. It might take a few moments to buffer. We’re posting it in a variety of places. My cell number’s on it just in case, you know, Hollywood wants to call. by Eric, May/22/2010 ---return to blog page--- |
Yesterday we started walking home from the tourism office. And right there, in the shade, with a cool ocean breeze, on the wide covered walkway that surrounds City Hall, we stumbled upon a new city service, clipping the citizens. 
Usually when you get clipped by City Hall, you’re talking about taxes or fees or fines. Getting clipped by City Hall in Veracruz costs you nothing. by Eric, May/19/2010 ---return to blog page--- |
 They let him out at night, and last night he had our locks in pieces.
He speaks a little when he’s incarcerated. And although I’m not exactly sure what all is going on it doesn’t matter because you’ll be able to see everything for yourself. I don’t know the name he goes by, but by remembering this picture you’ll surely spot him. Mel Gibson’s next movie, it’s being filmed in our local hoosegow, and stars (in our eyes) our locksmith. by Eric, May/11/2010 ---return to blog page--- |
We are deeply saddened that Arizona’s legislature passed and Arizona’s governor signed the pernicious, narrow-minded, short-sighted, and absolutely foolish immigration law now so widely (and rightly so) under attack all around America. But good for Tucson (our town) and Flagstaff (where our kids live)! They are filing legal action against the bill. And good for the Phoenix Suns (our NBA basketball team). Today their jerseys say “Los Suns.” And good for decent folks all over America who are telling Arizona that foolish, flawed legislation isn’t the American Way! We know many people in Arizona. They don’t want this law. They know it’s wrong. They didn’t want the state legislature to pass it. They want it repealed or struck down immediately. Arizona is a house divided. The side that has forgotten about human decency, and treating neighbors well, and fairness, and actually solving problems—the side that has forgotten those things that make us a good people—had the votes one sad day last month. We, The Language Immersion School, Veracruz, Mexico, tiny though we may be, stand side-by-side with Tucson and Flagstaff and with the Phoenix Suns. Side-by-side, we stand with the America we love. by Eric, May/05/2010 ---return to blog page--- |
And for a few years he returned midmorning and looked inside our refrigerator to see what else we might need—butter, half and half, cottage cheese, sour cream, ice cream sandwiches (my contribution to the list). Here in Mexico, we still have home delivery.  Fresh milk is delivered every day. It’s not too cold, and on hot days it’s not cold at all. Pasteurized—I don’t know. Homogenized—depends on the roads between his place and the city.
Based on the wisdom of crowds, we’re probably missing out on something really good. But just in case the crowds might happen to be a little wrong… by Eric, May/03/2010 ---return to blog page--- |
The doctor’s office is in a just completed new building. A construction crew was touching something up using an industrial solvent to which Linda has a strong allergic reaction. So, for safety’s sake, we waited on the porch.  And the doctor, a great guy, armed with tape and instruments and sterile gauze and disinfectants and sterile gloves and some stuff I didn’t recognize, came walking out the door.
Right there, right where the whole world could see (although we have to admit nobody really cared enough to look) he checked the incision and changed the bandage. Veracruz is so special—even going to the doc’s office is a surprising and happy adventure! by Eric, May/01/2010 ---return to blog page--- |
Lately something’s been going a little wrong with the price. And in fact the entire conversation in the cabs has begun to change. The taxi drivers are asking us how we’re liking our vacation. I have only one clue 
to follow up on. Lately, finally listening to the good advice of our good doctors, we’ve begun wearing hats. You be the judge. Have I lost my “I’m-a-local-cool-guy” look? by Eric, April/30/2010 ---return to blog page--- |
 Off to one side of our open ocean at the end of the street the city is building a marina. The government thinks it can improve tourism by bringing ocean-going sailboats and especially regattas to town.
I’m skeptical. But I have to be open-minded; maybe having it will pay off. More important to the politicians (I’m still trying to be open-mined) is that the ribbon cutting will look pretty cool on the front page of the newspaper. We’re only a few months from elections. Long-term it’ll keep our open-ocean open. There won’t be a hotel or shopping center. Our view of the ocean will be preserved. We’re so relieved and so happy. by Eric, April/14/2010 ---return to blog page--- |
Tuesday at lunch he said, “I don’t even want to go on the fieldtrip. Class is too much fun. I’d rather have class!” We and all the staff work hard to make class fun and happy and full of learning and excitement and be very focused on getting students speaking Spanish and feeling comfortable doing so and be a very positive experience. When an eighth grader is so happy with class that class seems better than the fieldtrip, we’ll take that as being our report card. We’re pleased and proud. It sounds like our classes are exactly what we want them to be. And we’re proud of Joey. He’s a fine young man, great to be around, and he’s serious about school. by Eric, April/10/2010 ---return to blog page--- |
Luckily I’ve never heard anything near the worst live music, and so I can't attest to this. But I do know that sitting in the office and listening to Jorge give guitar lessons is a treat. Beethoven, The Righteous Brothers, Jorge’s Guitar Lessons—the winner  every time is Jorge.
We’re waiting for things at school to ease off enough that we can slip over to Paracho (in Michoacan) for a few days and buy a couple of handmade guitars. The guitar maker we like the very best is Salvador Placencia. He makes four guitars at a time in his little shop. They’re beautifully crafted and have a wonderfully sweet sound. I’ll get you some pictures. by Eric, April/03/2010 ---return to blog page--- |
Look at the driver’s seat. | ||
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Now you see him.  | ||
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Now you don't.  | ||
 That’s because he hopped out and ran in there (you can see him) to buy a lottery ticket.by Eric, April/01/2010 ---return to blog page--- |
You and your staff really made us feel at home. Your facility is great, your staff is wonderful and your teaching methods are very effective. As a graduate with a degree in linguistics from the University of California, San Diego, I have experienced a multitude of language teaching methods, including Berlitz. Your methods are the most effective I have ever experienced, and I had a lot of fun learning. I speak Spanish with several of my staff members here in San Diego, and they were amazed at how much I progressed in just one week. We are already looking at next year’s calendar and plan to come to the school for 2-3 weeks next time. by Jerry and Mary Jo, Mar/30/2010 ---return to blog page--- |
I found sausage—Veracruz Link Sausage. I know that to make links you grind a lot of stuff and stick it into intestinal membrane. I try not to think about what the stuff is or think about the membrane.  Sometimes you see things and just have to pay attention. I saw
two guys pouring liquidy bloody goop into a funnel that opened into a clear tube. I looked closer.
There was a big pile of the liquidy bloody goop on a stainless steel tray on their counter. Link sausage housing were being stuffed with link sausage inners. We’ve got to buy some and get everyone together for a sampling. I’ll let you know. by Eric, Mar/29/2010 ---return to blog page--- |
 As happy as we are with our local ice cream cones, we have to accept we’ve been one-upped.
When you live in Veracruz, it’s hard to decide where to go on vacation. We just came back from three weeks in Taiwan. And in Taiwan you can get the mother of all ice cream cones. I wasn’t even brave enough to try one. Linda made it a little more than half way through. A little kid sitting close by put us to shame. She ate the whole thing. by Eric, Mar/28/2010 ---return to blog page--- |
 It’s an aerial photo of the historic fort San Juan de Ulua, and the background passes over the harbor to the waterfront beyond. So here’s the song—“Some Where Beyond the Sea, Are We.” It’s a short song. I circled the school in red. by Eric, Mar/07/2010 ---return to blog page--- |
Carlos studied English with us and then worked for us while he was a student at the merchant marine academy. Tuesday, I attended his professional exam. Visitors were allowed only to attend his presentation. The presentation portion is followed by a closed-door, cordial but intense (viciously intense are the rumors) grilling by academy staff.  Here’s a snapshot I took during his presentation. The room was dark but his presentation was highly illuminating (even I learned a lot).
And of course he did excellently both with his presentation (I’m an eyewitness) and with the questioning (this I learned from a secondhand source). He’s not capitán de altura yet, but since Tuesday’s success he’s credentialed to be as high up as second officer. Being a third or, even better, a second officer is a super job. He’s with a very good company and, by all indications, on a career path to the top. We enjoy helping the merchant marine cadets with their English. Those who study with us end up with great jobs. English is the language of the high seas, and being good at it makes job candidates especially competitive. To Captain (almost) Carlos go our thanks for having been a super employee and our congratulations for success already achieved and for success that without a doubt is headed his way. by Eric, Feb/27/2010 ---return to blog page--- |
 I’m learning other things too, as I wait for a teacher.
For example if you want to take your marimba to a friend’s house to jam a little you don’t need to buy a pickup or rent a moving van. Just, catch a taxi. A couple of pillows attached for protection, and then it’s alley-oop, and your marimba is riding high. by Eric, Feb/22/2010 ---return to blog page--- |
It is a wonderful program which blends many styles of teaching. We felt that we learned a great deal, enjoyed all the activities and found the teachers/staff just wonderful. Staying at the school was perfect as it allowed us to interact with the other students, gave us plenty of additional opportunity to practice our Spanish in the evenings and even allowed us to play a game or two of Scrabble in Spanish! And let's not forget the food - it was delicious. We certainly would highly recommend your program. Thanks for all the work you put into making the school so special. by Jan and Douglas, Feb/18/2010 ---return to blog page--- |
I would recommend your program to anyone. I thought being able to live at the school and interact with the other students was a definite advantage. Great instructors (Nayeli was perfect for a beginner like me), helpful school staff and a well-designed program. The school met all my expectations and delivered exactly what was promised. by Jim A, Feb/17/2010 ---return to blog page--- |
There was always a Spanish speaker at every table during meals. After class until 9pm and on weekends there was always someone in the lounge to chat with, answer our questions and correct our mistakes. The mid-day outings in town and the longer Thursday excursions were also excellent opportunities to speak with someone who could give us lots of feedback and help. We appreciated the way you kept an eye on our progress, making sure that we were getting what we wanted out of our class time. Our teachers were all excellent and we especially enjoyed the week we spent with Eric and Paula on the subjunctive. by Roger and Allison, Feb/16/2010 ---return to blog page--- |
These guys are highly skilled. No need to slip back from the table.  Although the first time or two you might feel your legs tightening and your heels digging in.
But trust comes quickly—a couple of super delicious lecheros and your legs will be as relaxed as a rubber bands at rest, and your taste buds will be readying for extra hot, extra frothy, extra tasty, extra special, totally gourmet pleasure duty. Buen provecho! by Eric, Feb/07/2010 ---return to blog page--- |
And to top it all off we had a five (pointed) star piñata. Sister Jude Ellen, Susan, and Channa were our crew’s honored guests. 
And part of our crew was the chorus. 
A party in Mexico is much more than just the party. The happiness and laughter begins before the party starts. Setting up for the party is a party. Running down to el centro to buy tres leches cakes is a party; hanging the piñata is a party. And still no guests. Then the guests arrive (actually everybody gets back from the daily outing and comes in to eat). Even though the party has already been running for a couple of hours, it’s still a surprise party. The birthday girls’ (or boys’) faces light up when they walk into the dining area and that turns another great day in Veracruz into a very special day. Before we came to Mexico, I thought piñatas were for kids.  by Eric, Jan/29/2010 ---return to blog page--- |
Click, not a computer click but a real camera click. Take a look. 
We’ve got some background on him. Rafael is his name. His wife is Berenice. They live somewhere up on the north end of town, next to a dance hall. And he has a heart of gold, and is as kind and gentle a guy as you’ll ever meet. The dance hall, which is theirs, is a salon de fiestas—a party hall—for kids’ birthdays, and quinceañeras, weddings, graduations, and any other excuse happy Mexico can come up with to get together and have fun. He’s a smooth operator, highly skilled at his trade. But his technique is a little noisy. Regardless he had the door open in less than five minutes. And that was good, because we had a student showing up within the hour to use the room. Maybe lightning will strike twice—if your room’s lock fails just let me know. Within minutes you’ll hear Rafael’s motorcycle. Watch him in action. He’s a locksmith extraordinaire. You’ve got a standard to hold him to. He’s a pro; it’s okay to hold his feet to the fire. He’s got five minutes, that’s it—that’s the time limit, to get you in! by Eric, Jan/26/2010 ---return to blog page--- |
America is coming back. We’re living proof. I don’t know how you failed to ask-- to send us a survey or call us on the phone or drop by. We’re as mainstreet as you can get. We’re a small but highly significant indicator. We’ve got good numbers for you.  Here’s proof, a shot I took of today’s La Comida. There are no empty seats (except mine, of course).
Although it’s a different economy, we’re all one world, and here’s some good news for Mexico. We’re hiring. And we’re full-up for the next few weeks, and things are looking very, very promising for spring and summer. Like so many, we weathered the storm. We were especially lucky. We came through unscathed. On behalf of all the crew we thank everyone who came down during these tough times. And our thanks to all who are here now and are coming. It looks like we’ll be back to normal from now on. But still many back home and down here aren’t back to normal. It’s not okay until everybody’s okay! Our hearts go out to those who weren’t as lucky as we were. We hope they’ll feel the recovery very, very soon. by Eric, Jan/13/2010 ---return to blog page--- |
The owner, who also was the seller, was very proud. It was hand crafted and perfectly matched to the slightly modified baby stroller he used as his mobile showroom.  “Four months,” he told me. “It took me four months to build.” It must have been built from a thousand small pieces of wood. It was easy to believe it could take four months. (But it was just as easy to believe that it’s a mass-produced replica imported from China.)
Regardless, my camera and I, we got this shot and then managed to escape before he began talking price. Escaping before the pricing starts is a valuable and time-saving self-defense Mexico skill that takes years to hone. by Eric, Jan/11/2010 ---return to blog page--- |
There’s also a present for the whole family and friends who might be visiting, and neighbors who might be around. It’s the King’s Day Rosca. The rosca is an open-centered oval pastry (or circular or a squared-off oval). Three colors of candied fruit lay on top. The colors represent gold, incense and myrrh. Inside the rosca are little plastic dolls representing el Niño Dios. The old story is that Baby Jesus is hidden in the rosca to protect him from danger.  The fiesta gathers around the rosca, and excitement and anticipation run high. Whoever gets a baby doll must help throw a “reunion” party, all the same folks are invited, on the holy day of the Virgin of Candelaria, February 2nd. All pretend not to want to find a doll in their piece, but I know better.
Lucky for us, our students are fully exempted from the party-giving requirement. We’re going to be full the week of the second. The party-givers, wonderful and understanding people though they are, might be just a tiny little bit upset sleeping on the living room floor. by Eric, Jan/07/2010 ---return to blog page--- |
I don’t know how kids navigate it. It’s got more ins and outs and this’s and that’s and here’s and there’s than I’d ever be able to keep straight. We (both Linda and I) have had Facebook accounts for a while. We got them some months ago so we could see what this new phenomena was all about. Well, this afternoon, to celebrate the first day of the new year and the new decade and the blue moon, we started up a Facebook Page. A page (for those of you who know as little as I did a week ago) is a formal structure for a business or brand name or movie star (ah, we are making a movie about the school) or band or organization—I guess it’s for anything that’s not an individual or a group. We’re off to a busy start, and already we have a lot of tuning up to do. But we’ve got our feet soaking wet, and we’ll be able to make improvements every few days. People on Facebook have friends. Pages have fans. Coca-Cola has millions of fans. We might never catch up. If you’ve got a Facebook account and you’d be so kind as to become a fan of the school’s Page, we’d be very appreciative. You can find it by searching “Spanish Immersion in Mexico at The Language Immersion School” in Facebook’s search box. The Page is only a few hours old, and already it has two fans. Watch out, Coke! Thanks to Anna Little for finding us so fast. We’re complimented. And thanks to Linda (my wonderful Linda) for being my first fan. by Eric, Jan/01/2010 ---return to blog page--- |
We walked in through the open front door, passed the living room furniture (all pushed together), walked past the empty area bordered by a breakfront and came to a stop next to the kitchen table. The house was one big room. The front half sported a sleeping loft. Sitting at the kitchen table we waited our turn while the owner, chef, waitress, dishwasher, attended to orders written on scraps of paper sitting in the window above the sink. “Just a moment and I’ll take your order,” she told us. We had no idea we were an hour down the food chain (really the chain of food).  The woman pressed homemade tortillas in wooden press and then “palmed” them to exactly the right size, set them on a stove-side table to wait their turn, laid them out on the “comal,” the flat skillet, spread oil and salsa, added cheese and sometimes chicken or chorizo. At the same time she’d have “empanadas” frying in the grease pot or bananas frying on their own pan.
She’s a production machine. Probably 30 styro plates of breakfast headed out the door as we sat starving. Then came our turn. Perfect “picadas,” and terrific “empanadas.” Hot coffee strong exactly to our liking (that means we added crystals to the cup of hot water). Absolutely delicious food, but even better was enjoying the parade of locals coming for their carry-out breakfasts. Fun conversation, happy people—Mexico all around at its best. Tlacotalpan is one of our fieldtrips. The case particular, this unmarked private residence with the open front door, a hotspot none of us ever knew about, likely will become the perfect first stop when students bus down to this perfectly beautiful town. by Eric, Dec/28/2009 ---return to blog page--- |
We’re extra especially responsible fiscally. Even though we’re smaller than we were a year ago (because of the economy and the swine flu scare) we still have eleven families depending on the school for their livelihood. We’ve very careful. But self-control suspended itself (el autocontrol se suspendió, the wonderful Spanish reflexive that absolves one of all culpability). We travelled deep south in Chiapas and 
bought a marimba. But rest assured that this isn’t just any marimba. It’s a Nandayapa. It’s full-size, excellently tuned, extra well built, and a feast for the eyes. And if it’s a feast for the eyes, for the ears it’s Thanksgiving dinner, and Christmas dinner, and a Fourth of July picnic all rolled up into one. Sometimes we’re a little slow on the uptake. Somehow, finally here in our sixth year, it occurred to us that we should be offering marimba lessons to those studying with us. It’s an instrument that is fun from the start. So maybe it wasn’t irresponsible at all. Maybe it wasn’t a loss of control. Maybe it’s an act of friendship, sharing this wonderful part of Mexican cultural. Maybe, in fact, it would be irresponsible, now that we thought of doing it, not to do it. I hope my being first in line to take lessons doesn’t cast doubt on anything. by Eric, Dec/26/2009 ---return to blog page--- |
Tourists (after the economy fell and the swine flu scare hit) are finally beginning to come back, but only beginning. We ordered hamburgers (we’d eaten only Mexican food, which we love, for over a week), and (you’ll all approve of this) as part of a healthy diet, we ordered a fruit plate to share. All they had, the restaurant owner told us, was cantaloupe, pineapple, papaya, and bananas. We told him that was great. Preparing dinner had lots of stuff going in and out of the microwave—frozen French fries, frozen hamburger patties, it made sense.  Frozen everything is what it was. I exaggerate; the banana wasn’t frozen.
Microwave defrosted pineapple really isn’t too bad. You might want to take two nice bite size pieces of cantaloupe, and two of papaya and put them in a deep freeze overnight. Then, when you’re really ready, microwave them so that they are partially frozen and partially warm. Probe them a little with a fork. Particularly notice the texture. Chew slowly for full effect! Why two pieces of each? Because, misery loves, and in this case deserves, company. by Eric, Dec/24/2009 ---return to blog page--- |
Veracruz has The Scrap-Metal-Man Cometh. I don’t know when it first hit the streets, but it’s been on a roll for at least the six years we’ve been here. It plays 365 times a year and some days there’s an early matinee and a late matinee (when they muscle in on each other’s territory).  Old refrigerators, stoves, air conditioners—these
are the favorites.
Partially intact wood cabinets are okay, and used mattresses are almost gold. The cart has a sound system that calls out the production’s arrival. I like how especially bright the sound is. On yesterday's run, the sound was bright orange. by Eric, Nov/30/2009 ---return to blog page--- |
But yesterday, coming back from the ruins at Zempoala, it was good vibrations and harmonica in motion.  We were all the way in the back of the bus. Coming from up front we heard the melody of Mariachi Loco, and then this old guy--I’m old enough that I get to say this now—this old guy stood up and began walking back toward us.
He played us three songs. by Eric, Nov/27/2009 ---return to blog page--- |
And then I read , he went on to say, deep in your student blog someone commented that your bathrooms were the best in Mexico. I embarrass easily, and writing about plumbing can turn me red. But our drain pipes do work great. (I feel a little burn starting in my cheeks—a little red coming on.) In all of our 16 bathrooms, we flush paper. There’s no unattractive trash can sitting next to (as they say down here) the W.C. Our staff does a terrific job, and we have a wonderfully high level of student success. That’s more reason than one needs to come down. Making it even better is Veracruz itself. The people are wonderful and everywhere you go you participate actively in local life. What more? What more could we offer than excellent schooling in a great place with wonderful people all around, and lots and lots of interesting and fascinating places to visit, and tons of history and culture, and the Gulf, and the pyramids? Well yes, that’s right, as a student said los mejores baños en todo México. by Eric, Nov/23/2009 ---return to blog page--- |
They needed rough water and wind and killer waves. They came on a stormy weekend and nature obliged with rough water and wind. But this is Veracruz, gentle Veracruz, and killer waves we would never have.
Well, we did have one. And it took a lot of work. On the dock at the Aquarium, scaffolding was assembled, a plywood ramp was built, a huge hinged water tank was mounted high in the air at the upper end of the ramp, it was pumped full. 
The Galleon was edged up to the dock. Lights! Cameras! Action! and then came the call for the Killer Wave. The water tank tipped, water surged, the ramp filled and flowed, and the killer wave flooded over the decks. Such drama. by Eric, Nov/11/2009 ---return to blog page--- |
 But our world is full of fun and happiness and gentleness and warmth. And so you can see how we’d have an impossible time successfully holding our own against Nixon and against the troopers.
Anyhow, here’s our entry. Here’s our very best effort. And yes it does fall short, but regardless, from our world in Veracruz, in fact from a front yard just down the street from school here is CHICKEN GATE Veracruz won’t get on the FBI’s most wanted, but without question we’re up there. We’re first rate, blue ribbon stuff. by Eric, Nov/7/2009 ---return to blog page--- |
She said that we should build a website so that those who can’t come join us in Veracruz can still benefit from her lessons. What else could I do; I got right to work. I’m pretty good with HTML, the standard website writing code. But the kind of site she was recommending requires PHP and MySQL. I felt like I was back in college working on a semester project that was over my head. Linda prepared wonderful material—material that captures the calm, very successful style she brings to teaching. She prepared the right amount of material. It’s a month by month site, and for each month there’s enough to keep one from forgetting one’s Spanish and there are new things to learn. It’s not so much material each month that one would fall behind and become frustrated. Now it’s time for “consumer testing” and a “beta release” and other marketing things I don’t really want to even be aware of. I know Linda’s part is super. I hope my part, the layout, the appearance, the functionality lives up to what she has done. I have to test it. I have to do a survey—yep, I need a focus group. 
Here’s the most aggressively I’m willing to do focus groups—if you have time and don’t mind looking at the demo and letting me know your suggestions (especially suggestions for improvements) I’d be very appreciative. The site isn’t designed for you (this is my way of saying I’m 100% not trying to sell it to you, please understand I’m not); it’s designed for those who can’t come to Veracruz. BUT, your feedback will help me greatly. If you have the time, the site is at www.spanishwithlinda.com. On the homepage click on Demo. This is our 200th blog. Good friends and bringing Linda’s new website to life make it an especially meaning milestone for me. by Eric, Nov/2/2009 ---return to blog page--- |
Would we ever do this? The restaurant is a secret clue to the answer. Yes, you got it--When in Rome, do as the Romans. by Eric, Oct/30/2009 ---return to blog page--- |
When I found The Language Institute website and read through it, I was impressed by several of the things which were highlighted. The small class size, the emphasis on speaking and listening rather than on grammar and the idea of having native Spanish speakers available throughout the day and into the evening with whom to practice. I contacted the school many times over the next little while and Linda or Eric were very quick to respond with complete answers and we changed our plans and decided to spend our three weeks at the Language Institute of Veracruz rather than in Oaxaca or somewhere else. And in this case, it turned out to be one of those decisions that we feel very fortunate to have made. The school delivered exactly what it had promised: small class size, 2 students per teacher max and for most of our stay, it was one on one; lots of conversation, all in Spanish, from early in the morning until as late in the evening as you wanted; great accommodation right at the school, close to the sea, close to the center of Veracruz; two excellent meals a day at the school with the opportunity to help with the meal preparation if you wanted to learn a little about Mexican cooking; and friendly, patient, understanding, fun teachers who wanted you to learn and improve your Spanish all the while making it a really enjoyable experience. One of the many things that the school does to make you feel more comfortable right from the start is to provide a staff member on your arrival, in our case on a Saturday evening, who takes you out and about in the city so you very quickly feel at ease with the bus system, the location of the school, the vibrant zocalo and so on. And we did improve. We grew much more confident in our ability to speak and our comprehension was greatly improved. So our thanks to Eric and Linda for putting together such a great program and also to Paula, Rebecka, Mari, Angelica, Ana, Margo and Jorge for helping us in our desire to continue to improve our Spanish. We hope to see you all in the not too distant future. Con mucho carino, by Garnet and Muffy, Oct/29/2009 ---return to blog page--- |
Veracruz--sitting right on the ocean's sandy beaches and just 80 miles, as the crow flies, from North America's third highest mountain peak..
Veracruz is one of the world's safest cities.
Contact us:
info@veracruzspanish.com
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Phone:
Veracruz, Mexico 011.52.1.229.134.9030 (This is to call our school directly from the U.S. Calling us this way has international phone charges.)
Albuquerque, NM, USA (505) 908-9119 (This number is permanently call-forwarded to our school. It may take eight or ten rings to get all the way through to us. If you're calling from within the US you won't have international phone charges.)
The School's Mexico Address
The Language Immersion School
Calle Alacio Pérez #61
Col. R. Flores Magón
Veracruz, Ver. Mexico
C.P. 91900
(229) 931-4716,
Within Mexico Cellular (229) 134-9030