Today, we had the immense pleasure of hosting students from the Liceo Français de New York for a day of community action and ecological awareness in the vibrant town of San Martín Tilcajete. Restoring the Home of the Alebrijes San Martín Tilcajete is world-renowned for its stunning alebrijes—intricately carved and painted wooden figures. However, the […]
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If there is one city in Mexico that demands you lace up your walking shoes, it is Oaxaca de Juárez. While taxis and buses are available, the true soul of the city is found in its cobblestone streets, hidden courtyards, and the spontaneous joy that erupts on every corner. From the first light of dawn […]
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Oaxaca is a city of textures, colors, and history, but if there is one landmark that captures the soul of this valley, it is the Church of Santo Domingo de Guzmán. While this architectural masterpiece is breathtaking at any hour, witnessing it during a clear, cool Oaxacan evening is an experience that stays with you […]
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If you want to understand the soul of Oaxaca, you have to visit its markets. Today, our journey took us to the vibrant Tlacolula de Matamoros, home to one of the oldest and largest tianguis (open-air markets) in the Central Valleys. While we have plenty of stories to share about our visit, we couldn’t wait […]
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If there is one flavor that captures the spirit, history, and rugged beauty of Oaxaca, it is Mezcal. More than just a drink, it is a cultural emblem that has been crafted in our mountains and valleys for centuries. One of our students’ favorite activities is visiting the local palenques (traditional distilleries). There, the air […]
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To truly understand the language, one must touch, smell, and create within the culture that speaks it. Continuing our series on the regular workshops we host for our students in Oaxaca, today we are diving into one of our favorite artistic retreats: The Artisanal Paper Workshop. While most locals simply call it “La Fábrica de […]
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As the first snowflakes begin to fall across the Northern Hemisphere and the biting winds of the Atlantic or the Sea of Japan start to howl, a familiar question arises for many in Canada, the United States, Europe, and Japan: “Is there a way to trade this frost for something more… eternal?” At Ideal Spanish […]
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This week, our “Photo of the Week” takes us back to the vibrant town of Santa María Atzompa, Oaxaca, to remember a woman whose hands shaped more than just clay—she shaped a legacy. The Artisan of Atzompa The photo captures the late Irma García Blanco in her workshop, the place where magic happened. For years, […]
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This week, we’re sharing a snapshot that captures one of the most heartwarming moments of our cultural immersion trips: learning the ancient art of making corn tortillas. Our “Photo of the Week” features our dear friend María Luisa from Teotitlán del Valle, Oaxaca, patiently guiding a student from the Lycée Français de New York as […]
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If you’re studying Spanish at IDEAL Spanish Mexico in Cuernavaca, you’ll quickly notice something extraordinary: the city is always in bloom. No matter the season, the streets, gardens, and even unexpected corners burst with color. For students arriving from countries with harsh winters or distinct dormant seasons, this abundance is one of the most immediate […]
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