Take it from the boys in Skampida, the best ways to learn a language are 1) to watch a lot of tv (yabla!) and 2) to find yourself a native girlfriend/boyfriend! Skampida is one of the best bands ever from Bogotá, and we caught up with them while they were spending some time hangeando in The Big Manzana.

Si*Sé brings together musical languages such as hip-hop, funk, rock, jazz and even classical violin. Singer Carol C, who grew up in a Spanish language household within an English language city, adds bilingual vocals that pull together the group’s electrifying sound.

A plethora of Colombian bike riders display their courage and chivalry as they embark on a long and challenging cross-country race.

In the opinion of writer and cycling enthusiast, Héctor Abad, cycling is Colombia's true national sport.

Cycling prodigy, Miguel Angel, and his parents speak about how he got into cycling.

Miguel Angel's parents explain how he came to be known as "the Superman."

While young cyclist Miguel Angel Lopez showed promise from the outset, motivation and discipline are required to take his skills to the next level.

For some Colombian cyclists from humble backgrounds, cycling has been a manner for them to travel the world and better themselves.

Manuel Quispe, owner of the indigenous clothing shop, Colors, in Saraguro, Ecuador, explains to us about some of the items they sell, particularly their handcrafted traditional necklaces.

Rosa talks about her adoption of Mika, a charming and happy dog who was once aggressive due to her extreme fear of people.

Marta and her friend Marisa are going to teach us the secrets of a timeless classic of Spanish cuisine: the tortilla española or Spanish omelette. What do we need? How do we make it? Let’s listen to them carefully. It sounds yummy!

Marriage and children bring with them needs and responsiblities that a soltero doesn’t have. Rafael hopes to grow his small pharmacy into a cadena of drug stores that he can use to benefit his wife and kids. To raise the necessary capital, Rafael is working abroad for a few years.

Wicoy: como una calabaza pequeña, tal vez 15 cm de diametro, verde y blanco y es mucho mas fino que la calabaza. Para comer es parecido a un zucchetthi/zucchini. Bastante rico. (Thank you to Guatesol for info!) Rafael relates facts and myths of the natural environment in his native land.

Our friend, Rafael, returns this week to talk to us about his homeland and its culture. As he explains, the Mayan culture continues to thrive in Guatemala via its language, clothing, and customs.

In Guatemala, people of Mayan descent not only retain various native forms of dress, but they also speak dialects of the Mayan language, a language many people wrongly presume to be long lost to history. Rafael treats us to some examples of words and phrases in this language, and also explains some of the particulars of traditional dress.