Latin America’s wonders

Our Verano Latino has been so much fun! However,  during this summer season (almost ending) and the weather changing from sunny days to rainy days, some other changes came along and Denet, our favorite latina teacher, had to go back home to Mexico for a while but we’re sure she’ll be back soon!

But at least we had a chance to learn together about two new amazing countries and dances!

Machu Pichu, located in Peru, is a 15th-century Inca citadel situated on a mountain ridge 2,430 metres (7,970 ft) above sea level and in 2007, was voted one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in a worldwide Internet poll. It is a wonder for sure, so we worked very hard to imitate Machu Pichu and its mountains.

 

 

 

 

 

After our big journey into the wonders of Machu Pichu, we went a bit further into the Amazon River in Brazil, to see how it extends across the countries of Peru, Colombia, Brazil, Ecuador in the form of a big snake.

But not all the classes were history, maps and different countries every day…this time, we went back to Venezuela to learn a traditional dance called: “Sebucan” in which dancers perform circle dances around a tall pole with colorful ribbons attached. Ideally, the dances intertwine their ribbons either in a web around the pole or plait it to the pole, itself but it was a big challenge and honestly, it was so much fun that we all danced…and no one took a picture! So here’s a traditional photo and a “Sebucan pole” close for those who don’t know about this beautiful dance.

 

 

 

 

 

We’re all missing Denet already, and our season finale was meant to be all about dancing and being happy (it’s also is Denet’s favorite activity), so we will be honoring her with some Murga, Merengue and Tango dance! Join us Wed Aug 17, 24 & 31.

Support our campaign to help Venezuela

The situation in Venezuela is beyond critical.

Due to its failing economic system, the most basic needs are not being met and everything is falling apart.

The consequence of this means that a large number of Venezuelans are dying because infrastructure is collapsing and are they unable to provide the most basic healthcare that sometimes we take for granted here such as: antibiotics, bandages, or even food.

I can tell you this, because all my family lives there, my friends, everyone tells me how they feel, what they see.

Now, what’s the root of this issue? well, monumental mismanagement by the powers that oppressively govern the entire nation, no love at all.

… this video will give you a better view and I know it hurts to watch, but it’s real:

Venezuelan numbers & facts

Now, if you ask me how it can all be fixed, the asnwer is easy… I don’t know, but at least now, this month, the next one and the next one, let’s address the most critical and urgent needs of those going through this situation at this very moment.

That’s why the Buddings family is using our picnic on August 14th, 2016 @ Jonathan Rogers Park to raise some efforts and energy, to send supplies to Venezuela.

Maybe one picnic won’t be able to raise much, but partnering with Amazon Cargo, a shipping company based in Miami, for a care package program called Cajita Feliz (literally “Happy Box”), $99 can send a shipment of supplies, food, and household products to families in Venezuela. These basic items can save a life. Also, it will mean to turn our attentions to Venezuela, because all the people in the country need help. Not just my family.

Our Canadian dollars go a long way in Venezuela, where inflation has raised the cost of even the most basic supplies by 1000% since December 2015. If you would like to contribute $5 or $10 to support our campaign, you can do so on our Eventbrite page. Please share the event, and the news, and help us create a better situation in Venezuela.

This is big.

Try this arepas recipe!

The word “corn” also known as “maize” -maíz in Spanish- was the most important cultivated plant in ancient times in America. It is still very important since it’s the most widely grown grain crop throughout the Americas. In Latin American countries we still used it a lot!

In Mexico for example we use corn to make tortillas and in Venezuela & Colombia they use it to make a very typical and versatil dish called “arepas”.

Last week we made arepas with Isabel. She talked about Venezuela and showed us some videos. Venezuela is Isa’s first home and she knows how to make different types of arepas.

They were delicious and super easy to make!

 

The following is the recipe that she did. The estimated preparation time is around 10 minutes and the cooking time is 10 minutes.

Ingredients:

• 2 Cups of pre-cooked white corn meal. The brand you are looking for is “P.A.N” (You can get it at Foodness at 927 Seymour street)
• 2 1/2 cups lukewarm water.
• 1 teaspoon salt.
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil, or as needed.

Instructions:

1. Stir water and salt together in a bowl. Gradually stir corn meal into water with your fingers until mixture forms a soft, moist, malleable dough.
2. Divide dough into 8 golf ball-size balls and pat each one into a patty about 3/8-inch thick.
3. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Working in batches, cook corn patties in hot oil until golden brown, 4 to 5 minutes per side. Transfer cooked arepas to a paper towel-lined plate to drain until cool enough to handle.
4. Slice halfway through each cake horizontally with a thin serrated knife to form a pita-like pocket.
5. Fill the pocket with your favourite things, and enjoy! Example, cheese, avocado, tomato, egg, and meat.

 

Buen provecho everyone!  🙂

Latin Summer … pyramids, salsa, surf

People say that Latin Culture is fun and colourful! or that “it’s all about being happy, dancing, enjoying the sun, working hard, staying positive and learning as much as you can”… and we agree! … by we … we mean, Denet & Isabel.

This month, on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, our Big Kids Club classes have been about Latin America, through two puppets, Spanish-speaking Juanita our Canadian friend Mike the Moose… they’re always hungry, but happy.

There is much to say about the assorted countries of Latin America! — Their people… art, history, language, is so wide!

We started this adventure by exploring Mexico and the history behind the Kukulcan Pyramids. Whoa! These Mexican pyramids have 4 sides, one roof and 91 steps on each side…so after doing some calculations the number we got was 365! And it means 365 days, and that’s how they kept the count in their calendar. The Wikipedia link above has a lot of cool information about this Mayan temple, and we made temples of our own.

Piñatas are also very famous in Mexico, so part of our adventure also meant a little bit of work since we constructed our own piñata and celebrated for a little while…our big kids were so happy, they would say: (dúh-le) dale! dale! dale! (that’s what kids say to encourage themselves while having their turns)

Here’re a few images of our days … enjoy 🙂

Last week, we traveled to Central America…People say it’s Latin America’s little treasure since it’s quite a small area but it’s recognized for its large amount of natural resources, green areas, good salsa music and …oh! oh! big waves, so first we had a lesson from our friends in Costa Rica and started to work on a hand made  surfboard to get on the water.

There’s so much to share … and that’s why we would love to show our big kids the valuable contributions that all the latin countries have made and are still making to the world through this summer program  😎

Join us Tuesdays and Wednesdays as we continue to travel and explore Verano Latino! (“Latin Summer”) until Aug. 26.

What do we know about Latin Culture?

Some parts of Latin America see sunny skies all year long, but the mountains of Mexico have lots of snow, and the tip of Argentina is so far south, they have penguins!

This summer, Denet Albores and Isabel Socorro will lead our centre in an exploration of a dynamic culture shared globally by almost a billion people, from 22 different countries:

“Verano Latino” means Latin Summer 🙂

Spanish will be a focus for our classes, but there are dozens of languages spoken across the region. Customs and traditions are also vary widely.

One thing we know, Latin culture is full of passion, and movement, and a fascinating history that goes back hundreds of years.

Guided by our own amazing Latina teachers, we’ll be by-passing the stereotypes, embracing the Spanish love of music and food, and cultivating an in-depth understanding of this beautiful culture! Join us!

Verano Latino runs Tuesdays and Wednesdays from July 4 – Aug. 26, and we can’t wait to share it with you!