My Spanish Immersion Journey in Puebla, Mexico
On Saturday, October 1, I returned home to Alameda, CA, after an exhilarating three-week Spanish immersion program at the Spanish Institute of Puebla, in Puebla, Mexico. This journey marked not just my first solo travel experience but also my inaugural visit to Mexico. The adventure began with a long travel day, highlighted by a bus ride from Mexico City that took over four hours instead of the usual two and a half hours due to road complications. After a lengthy journey, I finally arrived at my host mother Rosa María Peral’s apartment late on Sunday, September 11th. Exhausted but excited, I completed a placement test and settled in just before hitting the pillow at 1 AM.
My Host Family
Rosa, a warm and welcoming individual, lives alone with her cherished chihuahua, following the loss of her husband. All her six children have grown and started families of their own, but they often visit. Over my three weeks, I spent delightful moments with Rosa’s daughters-in-law and granddaughters, enriching my understanding of family life in Mexico. Rosa proved to be a gracious host, generous with her time and her culinary skills. Her apartment was conveniently located just a half-mile from the institute.
The only hiccup during my stay occurred the first week when the entire building lost running water. Showering with a bucket for a few days was quite an adjustment, especially considering that tap water in Mexico is unpurified. Thankfully, both Rosa and the institute provided ample purified water, sparing me from any digestive issues.
A Culinary Adventure
The culinary scene was another highlight of my immersion experience. I dove headfirst into the world of Mexican cuisine, sampling an array of dishes such as chicharron, nopales, and mole poblano. Meals often included traditional ingredients like rice and corn, shifting my usual dietary habits. Breakfast and dinner were frequently shared with Rosa, often while enjoying Mexican telenovelas, while lunch, typically the biggest meal of the day in Mexico, was gathered with fellow students at a buffet restaurant nearby.
Weekends were filled with shared meals, allowing me to bond with Rosa and savor her cooking, which I particularly enjoyed—especially her tacos and chicharron. A standout experience was the lunch banquet that marked the end of our program at Corazon de Brazil, a Brazilian steakhouse where I indulged in a variety of grilled meats.
The Institute Program
The Spanish Institute of Puebla operates out of a beautifully converted convent situated in the heart of the city. Each weekday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM was dedicated to enhancing my Spanish skills. Mornings were spent in an intensive intermediate class with two other classmates under the guidance of Lili, a clear, patient teacher from Puebla. We tackled various subjects, including complex verb tenses that I had learned in high school but needed a refresher on.
While the morning classes were instrumental in my learning, the afternoon sessions stood out more. Here, I engaged in conversational practice with native speakers who guided me through local museums, markets, and other places in Puebla. Each week brought a new guide, and I cherished these interactions, particularly with my first guide, who offered valuable corrections and insights.
Exploring Puebla and Beyond
Puebla is a treasure trove of history and culture, and I was fortunate to explore numerous attractions near the Zocalo (the main square). Among these were Museo Amparo, which features both modern and ancient art, Mercado el Parian, and the awe-inspiring Puebla Cathedral. The Cathedral astonished me with its imposing size and exquisite beauty the moment I stepped inside. The Mercado el Parian provided a delightful shopping experience, where I picked up a beautiful Talavera bowl, a traditional pottery emblematic of Puebla.
In addition to local sights, I took organized trips to Cholula and Teotihuacan during my second week. Cholula is renowned for hosting the world’s largest pyramid and boasts an impressive count of 365 churches. Climbing to the top of the church that sits atop the pyramid provided breathtaking views, alongside the stunning architecture inside.
My journey continued with a trip to Teotihuacan, the ancient Aztec city renowned for its monumental pyramids of the Sun and Moon. Although the climb up the pyramids was restricted due to COVID-19, I thoroughly enjoyed exploring the archaeological site and learning about the sophisticated cultures that inhabited Mexico long ago.
A Journey Worth Taking
Throughout the program, I discovered that three weeks could swiftly turn into an enriching experience filled with cultural immersion, language learning, and personal growth. The opportunity to learn Spanish, coupled with the warmth of the Mexican people, opened my eyes to the beauty of this vibrant culture. Though my trip has come to an end, the memories forged during these weeks will linger, evoking a yearning to return to either Puebla or explore other fascinating cities in Mexico, such as Mexico City or Oaxaca.