Learning Spanish (private)

In our last episode of this series, the Baxter family is pulled over by a police car in Mexico. Concerned that Michael may try to bribe his way out of a ticket, Julie attempts to take matters into her own hands. Enjoy our fun exploration of the myths and truths behind what some people call the most corrupt police force in North America, la policía de México

The Baxters hire a driver for a tour through trendy neighborhoods within the sprawling metropolis of Mexico City. During the round table discussion, Paulina addresses the myths and realities about tourist safety in Mexico and talks about her experiences of living in both American and Mexican cities.

Michael suffers a mild injury while on vacation and Julie insists that he see a local doctor in Mexico City. In the consultation, the doctor does his best to provide a remedy. During the platica with Michael and Julie, Paulina discusses some of the options tourists have if they get injured while traveling in Mexico.

The Baxters venture underground to ride on the Mexico City Metro, one of the largest and busiest subway transit systems in the world. Afterward, Paulina shares some of her experiences of riding on the Metro and we discuss the challenge of pickpockets, the crushing crowd, rush hour and much more.

The Baxter family wants to see more of the Mexican Riviera so they head to a car rental agency and choose a Jeep for the road trip. In the round table discussion, we talk about some of the common driving challenges for tourists in Mexico, and the differences between Mexican and American drivers.

On their way to the beach in Cancun, the Baxter family stops into a local shop for beach supplies and ask the shopkeeper for items on their list. Afterward, Paulina addresses the phenomenon of “Spring Breakers” at Mexican beaches, plus we dive into more vocabulary from the dialogue.

Julie strikes up a conversation with a friendly patron at a local bar in Cancun. We'll get to hear details about her relationships with men and about the dating scene where she lives. Afterward, we have a lot of fun discussing how to use the Spanish language to talk about our relationships.

The Baxters hire a local cleaning lady to clean their condo in Cancun. Today’s dialogue is filled with useful vocabulary related to the home and general house cleaning. Afterward, we’ll examine some of the more interesting expressions and grammar from the conversation, such as the different ways you can say “mess” in Spanish and other challenging phrases.

Michael has a lively discussion with a couple of loose-lipped party goers who drop a wide range of Spanish swear words at each other. In our round table discussion, we have a fun time translating some of the more colorful expressions from the dialogue, and Paulina helps us distinguish the mild curses from the vulgar ones. Join us on this unique exploration of the Spanish language

For their stay in Cancun, the Baxters opt for a short-term vacation rental in a high-rise condo complex rather than a hotel. Michael and Julie tour the flat with a local agente de bienes raíces (real estate agent). Afterward, we talk about some of the vocabulary that is typical in Mexican households and how they differ from words typically heard in Spain.