We break down what la sobremesa really is, why almost everyone in Mexico practices it (even if they don’t name it), and how it contrasts with the fast-paced dining culture many of us grew up with. We also explore its historical roots in Spain, how it blended with Latin American and Indigenous traditions, and why meals often last hours without anyone feeling rushed. Finally, we explain how la sobremesa becomes a powerful, low-pressure space for practicing Spanish, building confidence, and truly connecting with people beyond the classroom.Key Takeaways:<ul><li>Why meals in Mexico don’t end when the plate is empty</li><li>How la sobremesa reflects deeper cultural values around time and connection</li><li>How you can use la sobremesa to practice Spanish naturally and confidently</li></ul>Relevant Links And Additional Resources:<ul><li><a href='https://spanishandgo.com/membership'>Level up your Spanish with our Podcast Membership</a><ul><li>Get the full transcript of each episode so you don’t miss a word</li><li>Listen to an extended breakdown section in English going over the most important words and phrases</li><li>Test your comprehension with a multiple choice quiz</li></ul></li></ul><a rel="payment" href="https://spanishandgo.com/support-us">Support the show</a>

<description>&lt;p&gt;We break down what la sobremesa really is, why almost everyone in Mexico practices it (even if they don’t name it), and how it contrasts with the fast-paced dining culture many of us grew up with. We also explore its historical roots in Spain, how it blended with Latin American and Indigenous traditions, and why meals often last hours without anyone feeling rushed. Finally, we explain how la sobremesa becomes a powerful, low-pressure space for practicing Spanish, building confidence, and truly connecting with people beyond the classroom.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Key Takeaways:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Why meals in Mexico don’t end when the plate is empty&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;How la sobremesa reflects deeper cultural values around time and connection&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;How you can use la sobremesa to practice Spanish naturally and confidently&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;Relevant Links And Additional Resources:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href='https://spanishandgo.com/membership'&gt;Level up your Spanish with our Podcast Membership&lt;/a&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Get the full transcript of each episode so you don’t miss a word&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Listen to an extended breakdown section in English going over the most important words and phrases&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Test your comprehension with a multiple choice quiz&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a rel="payment" href="https://spanishandgo.com/support-us"&gt;Support the show&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>

We break down what la sobremesa really is, why almost everyone in Mexico practices it (even if they don’t name it), and how it contrasts with the fast-paced dining culture many of us grew up with. We also explore its historical roots in Spain, how it blended with Latin American and Indigenous traditions, and why meals often last hours without anyone feeling rushed. Finally, we explain how la sobremesa becomes a powerful, low-pressure space for practicing Spanish, building confidence, and trul...

La Sobremesa - La Sobremesa

We dive into the surprising reach of Oxxo, from its 22,000+ stores across Mexico to its rapid growth in countries like Colombia, Chile, Peru, and Brazil. We discuss the 2,500 products you can find in a single location, the ready-to-eat foods, and the essential services it offers—like paying bills, withdrawing cash, buying bus tickets, and even handling government payments. We also explore Spin by Oxxo, its growing financial service that’s helping millions of people access convenient banking tools. By the end of the episode, you’ll understand why Oxxo is more than a convenience store—it’s a powerhouse woven into the daily rhythm of Mexican life.Key Takeaways:<ul><li>Why Oxxo is considered one of the most important convenience stores in Mexico.</li><li>How its everyday services—from bill payments to cash deposits—make life easier for millions.</li><li>The surprising products, expansion, and financial tools behind Oxxo’s massive success.</li></ul>Relevant Links And Additional Resources:<ul><li><a href='https://spanishandgo.com/podcast/extremely-affordable-medicine-in-mexico'>264 – Medicina Extremadamente Barata en México | Extremely Affordable Medicine in Mexico</a></li><li><a href='https://spanishandgo.com/membership'>Level up your Spanish with our Podcast Membership</a><ul><li>Get the full transcript of each episode so you don’t miss a word</li><li>Listen to an extended breakdown section in English going over the most important words and phrases</li><li>Test your comprehension with a multiple choice quiz</li></ul></li></ul><a rel="payment" href="https://spanishandgo.com/support-us">Support the show</a>

<description>&lt;p&gt;We dive into the surprising reach of Oxxo, from its 22,000+ stores across Mexico to its rapid growth in countries like Colombia, Chile, Peru, and Brazil. We discuss the 2,500 products you can find in a single location, the ready-to-eat foods, and the essential services it offers—like paying bills, withdrawing cash, buying bus tickets, and even handling government payments. We also explore Spin by Oxxo, its growing financial service that’s helping millions of people access convenient banking tools. By the end of the episode, you’ll understand why Oxxo is more than a convenience store—it’s a powerhouse woven into the daily rhythm of Mexican life.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Key Takeaways:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Why Oxxo is considered one of the most important convenience stores in Mexico.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;How its everyday services—from bill payments to cash deposits—make life easier for millions.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;The surprising products, expansion, and financial tools behind Oxxo’s massive success.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;Relevant Links And Additional Resources:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href='https://spanishandgo.com/podcast/extremely-affordable-medicine-in-mexico'&gt;264 – Medicina Extremadamente Barata en México | Extremely Affordable Medicine in Mexico&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href='https://spanishandgo.com/membership'&gt;Level up your Spanish with our Podcast Membership&lt;/a&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Get the full transcript of each episode so you don’t miss a word&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Listen to an extended breakdown section in English going over the most important words and phrases&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Test your comprehension with a multiple choice quiz&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a rel="payment" href="https://spanishandgo.com/support-us"&gt;Support the show&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>

We dive into the surprising reach of Oxxo, from its 22,000+ stores across Mexico to its rapid growth in countries like Colombia, Chile, Peru, and Brazil. We discuss the 2,500 products you can find in a single location, the ready-to-eat foods, and the essential services it offers—like paying bills, withdrawing cash, buying bus tickets, and even handling government payments. We also explore Spin by Oxxo, its growing financial service that’s helping millions of people access convenient banking t...

La Tienda en Cada Esquina de México - The Store on Every Corner of Mexico

May talks with Evangelina about the origins of Cocina Nana Vira and how a challenging moment in her family’s life transformed into a project that now welcomes visitors from around the world. She shares the cultural meaning and emotional depth behind Oaxaca’s ceremonial moles—coloradito, mole negro, and mole chichilo—and explains why traditional tools like the metate and fire-based cooking are essential to preserving authentic Zapotec flavors. We also bring listeners into the heart of our Oaxaca immersion experience, where students explore local markets, learn regional traditions, and cook alongside Evangelina in her wood-fired kitchen.Key Takeaways:<ul><li>The powerful story behind Cocina Nana Vira and how Evangelina’s family revived ancestral cooking traditions.</li><li>The cultural significance of Oaxaca’s ceremonial moles and what makes each one unique.</li><li>Why traditional tools, native ingredients, and fire-based techniques are essential to preserving Zapotec culinary heritage.</li></ul>Relevant Links And Additional Resources:<ul><li><a href='https://spanishandgo.com/podcast/ancient-techniques-in-mexican-cuisine-part-2'>158 – Técnicas Ancestrales En La Cocina Mexicana Parte 2 | Ancient Techniques In Mexican Cuisine Part 2</a></li><li><a href='https://spanishandgo.com/podcast/ancient-techniques-in-mexican-cuisine-part-1'>157 – Técnicas Ancestrales En La Cocina Mexicana Parte 1 | Ancient Techniques In Mexican Cuisine Part 1</a></li><li><a href='https://spanishandgo.com/immersion-retreats'>Boost your confidence in real-life Spanish conversations with our Spanish Immersion Retreats</a></li><li><a href='https://spanishandgo.com/membership'>Level up your Spanish with our Podcast Membership</a><ul><li>Get the full transcript of each episode so you don’t miss a word</li><li>Listen to an extended breakdown section in English going over the most important words and phrases</li><li>Test your comprehension with a multiple choice quiz</li></ul></li></ul><a rel="payment" href="https://spanishandgo.com/support-us">Support the show</a>

<description>&lt;p&gt;May talks with Evangelina about the origins of &lt;em&gt;Cocina Nana Vira&lt;/em&gt; and how a challenging moment in her family’s life transformed into a project that now welcomes visitors from around the world. She shares the cultural meaning and emotional depth behind Oaxaca’s ceremonial moles—&lt;em&gt;coloradito&lt;/em&gt;, &lt;em&gt;mole negro&lt;/em&gt;, and &lt;em&gt;mole chichilo&lt;/em&gt;—and explains why traditional tools like the metate and fire-based cooking are essential to preserving authentic Zapotec flavors. We also bring listeners into the heart of our Oaxaca immersion experience, where students explore local markets, learn regional traditions, and cook alongside Evangelina in her wood-fired kitchen.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Key Takeaways:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;The powerful story behind &lt;em&gt;Cocina Nana Vira&lt;/em&gt; and how Evangelina’s family revived ancestral cooking traditions.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;The cultural significance of Oaxaca’s ceremonial moles and what makes each one unique.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Why traditional tools, native ingredients, and fire-based techniques are essential to preserving Zapotec culinary heritage.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;Relevant Links And Additional Resources:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href='https://spanishandgo.com/podcast/ancient-techniques-in-mexican-cuisine-part-2'&gt;158 – Técnicas Ancestrales En La Cocina Mexicana Parte 2 | Ancient Techniques In Mexican Cuisine Part 2&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href='https://spanishandgo.com/podcast/ancient-techniques-in-mexican-cuisine-part-1'&gt;157 – Técnicas Ancestrales En La Cocina Mexicana Parte 1 | Ancient Techniques In Mexican Cuisine Part 1&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href='https://spanishandgo.com/immersion-retreats'&gt;Boost your confidence in real-life Spanish conversations with our Spanish Immersion Retreats&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href='https://spanishandgo.com/membership'&gt;Level up your Spanish with our Podcast Membership&lt;/a&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Get the full transcript of each episode so you don’t miss a word&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Listen to an extended breakdown section in English going over the most important words and phrases&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Test your comprehension with a multiple choice quiz&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a rel="payment" href="https://spanishandgo.com/support-us"&gt;Support the show&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>

May talks with Evangelina about the origins of Cocina Nana Vira and how a challenging moment in her family’s life transformed into a project that now welcomes visitors from around the world. She shares the cultural meaning and emotional depth behind Oaxaca’s ceremonial moles—coloradito, mole negro, and mole chichilo—and explains why traditional tools like the metate and fire-based cooking are essential to preserving authentic Zapotec flavors. We also bring listeners into the heart of our Oaxa...

La Cocina Ancestral Oaxaqueña con Evangelina - The Ancient Oaxacan Kitchen with Evangelina

We walk you through why letters like ch, ll, and even rr used to appear in the Spanish alphabet—and why they were eventually removed. We explain the role of the Real Academia Española and the network of language academies that oversee updates to Spanish, including the move to classify these as dígrafos rather than independent letters. You’ll also hear how pronunciation, regional differences, and even the renaming of the letter y impact learners today. Whether you’ve been speaking Spanish for decades or you’re just getting started, this episode will help you understand the modern 27-letter alphabet and avoid common pronunciation mistakes.Key Takeaways:<ul><li>Why ch, ll, and rr are no longer part of the Spanish alphabet</li><li>How the RAE and the Association of Academies make decisions about the language</li><li>The importance of correct alphabet pronunciation for clearer, more confident Spanish speaking</li></ul>Relevant Links And Additional Resources:<ul><li><a href='https://spanishandgo.com/learn/how-to-say-the-alphabet-in-spanish'>How To Say The Alphabet In Spanish [Blog Post]</a></li><li><a href='https://spanishandgo.com/membership'>Level up your Spanish with our Podcast Membership</a><ul><li>Get the full transcript of each episode so you don’t miss a word</li><li>Listen to an extended breakdown section in English going over the most important words and phrases</li><li>Test your comprehension with a multiple choice quiz</li></ul></li></ul><a rel="payment" href="https://spanishandgo.com/support-us">Support the show</a>

<description>&lt;p&gt;We walk you through why letters like ch, ll, and even rr used to appear in the Spanish alphabet—and why they were eventually removed. We explain the role of the Real Academia Española and the network of language academies that oversee updates to Spanish, including the move to classify these as &lt;em&gt;dígrafos&lt;/em&gt; rather than independent letters. You’ll also hear how pronunciation, regional differences, and even the renaming of the letter y impact learners today. Whether you’ve been speaking Spanish for decades or you’re just getting started, this episode will help you understand the modern 27-letter alphabet and avoid common pronunciation mistakes.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Key Takeaways:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Why &lt;em&gt;ch&lt;/em&gt;, &lt;em&gt;ll&lt;/em&gt;, and &lt;em&gt;rr&lt;/em&gt; are no longer part of the Spanish alphabet&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;How the RAE and the Association of Academies make decisions about the language&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;The importance of correct alphabet pronunciation for clearer, more confident Spanish speaking&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;Relevant Links And Additional Resources:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href='https://spanishandgo.com/learn/how-to-say-the-alphabet-in-spanish'&gt;How To Say The Alphabet In Spanish [Blog Post]&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href='https://spanishandgo.com/membership'&gt;Level up your Spanish with our Podcast Membership&lt;/a&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Get the full transcript of each episode so you don’t miss a word&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Listen to an extended breakdown section in English going over the most important words and phrases&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Test your comprehension with a multiple choice quiz&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a rel="payment" href="https://spanishandgo.com/support-us"&gt;Support the show&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>

We walk you through why letters like ch, ll, and even rr used to appear in the Spanish alphabet—and why they were eventually removed. We explain the role of the Real Academia Española and the network of language academies that oversee updates to Spanish, including the move to classify these as dígrafos rather than independent letters. You’ll also hear how pronunciation, regional differences, and even the renaming of the letter y impact learners today. Whether you’ve been speaking Spanish for ...

¿Qué Pasó con la ch, ll, y rr? - What happened to “ch,” “ll”, and “rr”?

We’re sharing the essential everyday phrases you’ll hear constantly in Mexico — and how to use them confidently and politely. You’ll learn when to say provecho, por favor, gracias, con permiso, disculpa, perdón, and salud, plus the cultural meaning behind each expression, so you know exactly what feels natural to locals. We also talk about the importance of asking permission before taking photos and how these small habits can help you navigate markets, restaurants, and crowded streets with ease. Whether you’re preparing for a trip or trying to sound more natural in Spanish, these phrases will make every interaction smoother and more respectful.Key Takeaways:<ul><li>How to use provecho, por favor, gracias, and salud naturally in daily situations</li><li>The difference between con permiso, disculpa, and perdón</li><li>Why asking “¿Te puedo tomar una foto?” is a sign of respect and cultural awareness</li></ul>Relevant Links And Additional Resources:<ul><li><a href='https://spanishandgo.com/membership'>Level up your Spanish with our Podcast Membership</a><ul><li>Get the full transcript of each episode so you don’t miss a word</li><li>Listen to an extended breakdown section in English going over the most important words and phrases</li><li>Test your comprehension with a multiple choice quiz</li></ul></li></ul><a rel="payment" href="https://spanishandgo.com/support-us">Support the show</a>

<description>&lt;p&gt;We’re sharing the essential everyday phrases you’ll hear constantly in Mexico — and how to use them confidently and politely. You’ll learn when to say &lt;em&gt;provecho, por favor, gracias, con permiso, disculpa, perdón,&lt;/em&gt; and &lt;em&gt;salud&lt;/em&gt;, plus the cultural meaning behind each expression, so you know exactly what feels natural to locals. We also talk about the importance of asking permission before taking photos and how these small habits can help you navigate markets, restaurants, and crowded streets with ease. Whether you’re preparing for a trip or trying to sound more natural in Spanish, these phrases will make every interaction smoother and more respectful.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Key Takeaways:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;How to use &lt;em&gt;provecho, por favor, gracias,&lt;/em&gt; and &lt;em&gt;salud&lt;/em&gt; naturally in daily situations&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;The difference between &lt;em&gt;con permiso, disculpa,&lt;/em&gt; and &lt;em&gt;perdón&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Why asking “¿Te puedo tomar una foto?” is a sign of respect and cultural awareness&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;Relevant Links And Additional Resources:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href='https://spanishandgo.com/membership'&gt;Level up your Spanish with our Podcast Membership&lt;/a&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Get the full transcript of each episode so you don’t miss a word&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Listen to an extended breakdown section in English going over the most important words and phrases&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Test your comprehension with a multiple choice quiz&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a rel="payment" href="https://spanishandgo.com/support-us"&gt;Support the show&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>

We’re sharing the essential everyday phrases you’ll hear constantly in Mexico — and how to use them confidently and politely. You’ll learn when to say provecho, por favor, gracias, con permiso, disculpa, perdón, and salud, plus the cultural meaning behind each expression, so you know exactly what feels natural to locals. We also talk about the importance of asking permission before taking photos and how these small habits can help you navigate markets, restaurants, and crowded streets with ea...

Español Útil para un Viaje a México - Useful Spanish for a Trip to Mexico 

Do you want to learn Spanish and travel? Learn Spanish and travel the world with Jim and May from Spanish and Go.Advance your listening comprehension through incredible travel stories, cultural conversations, Spanish tips, and interviews with Spanish speakers from around the world.You’ll hear natural conversational Spanish perfect for the intermediate or advanced Spanish learner. With Spanish and Go, not only will you supercharge your Spanish, but you’ll gain the tools to travel abroad with confidence.May is a Spanish teacher from Mexico, and Jim is a gringo with a passion for adventure. Together they’ll help you take your Spanish to the next level.Get the most out of each episode by signing up at <a href="https://spanishandgo.com">https://spanishandgo.com</a>.

Learn Spanish and Go

Details

Recent Episodes