Photo of the Week: View of Toledo
If you’ve ever studied Spain, you’ve probably seen this view before. This is one of the nicest views in all of Spain, overlooking the city of Toledo and the Tagus river (called el Tajo in Spanish). I took this picture … Continue reading Photo of the Week: View of Toledo
Experiencing Spanish History at the Convento de San Esteban in Salamanca
More than just an architectural gem, the Dominican monastery welcomed a multitude of historical figures, including Saint Teresa of Ávila and even Christopher Columbus Continue reading Experiencing Spanish History at the Convento de San Esteban in Salamanca
Exploring Miguel de Unamuno and His Works at His House-Museum in Salamanca
The Spanish writer’s former home offers a fascinating glimpse into an important period of Spanish literature and history Continue reading Exploring Miguel de Unamuno and His Works at His House-Museum in Salamanca
Photo of the Week: Palacio de Cristal del Retiro
This week’s featured photo is from my favorite park in the world, Madrid’s Parque del Buen Retiro, where I spent many hours as a college study abroad student in the late 1990s. A famous structure in the park is this … Continue reading Photo of the Week: Palacio de Cristal del Retiro
A Visit to Salamanca’s Museo Taurino
A gentle introduction to Spain’s “fiesta nacional” Continue reading A Visit to Salamanca’s Museo Taurino
Touring the Museo de Historia de la Automoción de Salamanca
A must-see attraction, regardless of one’s interest in automobiles Continue reading Touring the Museo de Historia de la Automoción de Salamanca
Major League Baseball’s International Signing Day Brings Hope to Hundreds of Hispanic Players (and the Fans)
Only three of the top 50 prospects are from countries where Spanish is not the official language Continue reading Major League Baseball’s International Signing Day Brings Hope to Hundreds of Hispanic Players (and the Fans)
Memorial Union at University of Wisconsin, Madison Displays Murals from Chicano Artist Leo Tanguma
As a native of Wisconsin, I’ve been to its capital, Madison, many times. It’s a lovely place to visit, especially in the summertime, and it has … Continue reading Memorial Union at University of Wisconsin, Madison Displays Murals from Chicano Artist Leo Tanguma
Kelly Latimore’s Icons Show Marginalized People As Saints
In yesterday’s post, I reflected on an image by Everett Patterson called “José y María,” in which the earthly parents of Jesus Christ are shown as modern day Hispanic immigrants. In today’s post, I want to highlight the art of … Continue reading Kelly Latimore’s Icons Show Marginalized People As Saints
Rethinking the Meaning of Christmas through Everett Patterson’s “José y María”
For a few years now, I’ve been admiring a profound image created by illustrator Everett Patterson, whose “José y María” you may have seen before. In the unlikely case that you haven’t seen it, here it is. As you can … Continue reading Rethinking the Meaning of Christmas through Everett Patterson’s “José y María”
A Tribute to Señorita Tess: My Spanish Teacher Who Wouldn’t Let Me Quit
Que en paz descanse, querida maestra. Continue reading A Tribute to Señorita Tess: My Spanish Teacher Who Wouldn’t Let Me Quit
Tour Review: Xenotes Enigmatic Waters by Xcaret
Quite possibly the best way to experience cenotes in the Cancún area Continue reading Tour Review: Xenotes Enigmatic Waters by Xcaret
I Just Traveled to Cancún Over Christmas, in the Middle of A Pandemic
While Mexico’s busiest city might get a few things “wrong,” there are many things it gets right, too Continue reading I Just Traveled to Cancún Over Christmas, in the Middle of A Pandemic
Photo of the Week: Tulum
These spectacular Mayan ruins are a few hours drive south of Cancún Continue reading Photo of the Week: Tulum
Photo of the Week: Holy Hill National Shrine of Mary, Help of Christians
Basilica in Wisconsin commemorates Día de la Virgen de Guadalupe Continue reading Photo of the Week: Holy Hill National Shrine of Mary, Help of Christians
¡Feliz cumpleaños, Carolina Coronado!
The Spanish romantic poet was born on this day in 1820 Continue reading ¡Feliz cumpleaños, Carolina Coronado!
Is It Possible to Dream in Spanish?
A few thoughts on using a language subconsciously Continue reading Is It Possible to Dream in Spanish?
¡Feliz cumpleaños, Diego Rivera!
The well-known Mexican muralist was born on this day in 1886 Continue reading ¡Feliz cumpleaños, Diego Rivera!
On This Day in Hispanic History: The Death of José Donoso
The Chilean writer died 25 years ago today: December 7, 1996 Continue reading On This Day in Hispanic History: The Death of José Donoso
Photo of the Week: Teotihuacán
These pre-Columbian ruins are a photographer’s dream Continue reading Photo of the Week: Teotihuacán
Short film: “Águilas”
Award-winning documentary from Kristy Guevara-Flanagan and Maite Zubiaurre is chilling look at the tireless volunteers who search for human remains of Latino immigrants in the desert Continue reading Short film: “Águilas”
Photo of the Week: Chichén Itzá
Today, I begin a new feature on Hispanophilia: The Photo of the Week. As the name suggests, at the beginning of each week, I’ll upload a single photo from one of my travels, with minimal description. All photos are my … Continue reading Photo of the Week: Chichén Itzá
Checking Out the Milwaukee Public Museum’s Representations of Pre-Columbian and Hispanic Cultures
While some presentations seem dated, fascinating art and artifacts remain Continue reading Checking Out the Milwaukee Public Museum’s Representations of Pre-Columbian and Hispanic Cultures
Movie Review: “McFarland, USA”
The emotional story of Mexican immigrants who start a successful cross country program is based on a true story Continue reading Movie Review: “McFarland, USA”
Event Review: Día de los Muertos Celebration at Western Illinois University
With some thoughts on the most Mexican of traditions Continue reading Event Review: Día de los Muertos Celebration at Western Illinois University
Movie Review: “The Way”
“You don’t choose a life. You live one.” Continue reading Movie Review: “The Way”
Art Exhibition Review: “Toward Common Cause: Art, Social Change, and the MacArthur Fellows Program at 40”
Art from Wendy Ewald and Amalia Mesa-Bains in Weinberg/Newton Gallery Gives Poignant Glimpse of Chicago’s Vibrant Mexican Community Continue reading Art Exhibition Review: “Toward Common Cause: Art, Social Change, and the MacArthur Fellows Program at 40”
In Praise of the Guayabera
When you love something, it’s easy to write poetry in its honor Continue reading In Praise of the Guayabera
Art Exhibition Review: “Americans in Spain: Painting and Travel, 1820-1920”
The Milwaukee Art Museum’s exhibition is a feast for any Hispanophile and art lover Continue reading Art Exhibition Review: “Americans in Spain: Painting and Travel, 1820-1920”
Art Exhibition Review: “Frida Kahlo: Timeless”
A chance to view the Mexican surrealist’s works first hand should not be missed Continue reading Art Exhibition Review: “Frida Kahlo: Timeless”
Book Review: “Imagined Truths: Realism in Modern Spanish Literature and Culture”
In general, I try to keep my academic career separate from this website, but my stance on that may be changing a bit, since there’s quite a bit of overlap. This brief post is just to share a book review … Continue reading Book Review: “Imagined Truths: Realism in Modern Spanish Literature and Culture”
Contemplating Snobbery and Stereotypes Over Calimochos
Embracing what’s good about another culture without following blindly Continue reading Contemplating Snobbery and Stereotypes Over Calimochos
The Clásico That Changed My Life
Reminiscing About the US vs. Mexico Soccer Rivalry and What It Means to Me Continue reading The Clásico That Changed My Life
Ignacio de Loyola Was Shot in the Leg with a Cannonball
500 years later, millions of us still feel its impact Continue reading Ignacio de Loyola Was Shot in the Leg with a Cannonball
The Night I Met Benito Pérez Galdós in an Irish Pub in Madrid
A visit to “La Fontana de Oro” played a pivotal role in my love of Spanish literature Continue reading The Night I Met Benito Pérez Galdós in an Irish Pub in Madrid
Fiestas, Bullfighting, and Wine
The Portrayal of Spain in Hemingway’s “The Sun Also Rises” Continue reading Fiestas, Bullfighting, and Wine
The Milwaukee Art Museum: Santiago Calatrava’s Masterpiece
Designed by famed Spanish architect, the museum alone is worth a visit to Milwaukee Continue reading The Milwaukee Art Museum: Santiago Calatrava’s Masterpiece
“Instrucciones para no respirar”
An original work of flash fiction in Spanish Continue reading “Instrucciones para no respirar”
Don Quijote’s Emulation vs. Captain America’s Imitation of Heroes
A comparison of attempts to turn oneself into a legend Continue reading Don Quijote’s Emulation vs. Captain America’s Imitation of Heroes
Searching for God in the Darkness
A meditation on “La noche oscura” (“Dark Night of the Soul”), by San Juan de la Cruz Continue reading Searching for God in the Darkness
Gracias, Diego.
Thoughts on the passing of a soccer legend Continue reading Gracias, Diego.
Reconsidering Don Quijote
How a pandemic or mid-life crisis makes us return to the classics Continue reading Reconsidering Don Quijote
Have you tried a “café asiático”?
Surprisingly delicious combinations of flavors in a unique coffee drink from Cartagena, Spain Continue reading Have you tried a “café asiático”?
Could My Life Be a Game or a Dream?
A study of free will in “Abre los ojos,” “Niebla,” and “La vida es sueño” Continue reading Could My Life Be a Game or a Dream?
Walking Around Madrid
Virtual visits in the era of Covid Continue reading Walking Around Madrid
“Inhala, exhala”
An original work of flash fiction (microrrelato) Continue reading “Inhala, exhala”
Learning Spanish Is Like… Playing Chess?
Finding an appropriate analogy for language learning, and why it matters Continue reading Learning Spanish Is Like… Playing Chess?
Side Gigs for Language Teachers
Finding Creative Outlets and Economic Opportunities Outside of Teaching (Without Quitting Your Job) Continue reading Side Gigs for Language Teachers
Should I Apply to a Doctorate Program to Study Spanish?
Here are the pros and cons from my experiences, but ultimately the answer isn’t so easy for most Continue reading Should I Apply to a Doctorate Program to Study Spanish?
Exploring the Multiple Personalities of Jorge Luis Borges, Julia de Burgos, and Frida Kahlo
How societal prejudices and professional expectations create divided beings Continue reading Exploring the Multiple Personalities of Jorge Luis Borges, Julia de Burgos, and Frida Kahlo
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