Novalima mixes Peruvian folk music with electronic beats. Touring has become an important source of inspiration. That’s how they translate their musical roots onto the dance floor. Universal tunes with local sounds!

Novalima is very aware of the importance of Peruvian folk music, not just in their sound but in another musical genres as well. Paco de Lucía, a Spanish flamenco musician, might have made the sound of the “cajón” (a box-like musical instrument) famous, but that sound is Peruvian as it gets.

Mmm. What's in that and how do you make it? We get the scoop on "nopales" (prickly pear, from a cactus plant) with tomato, onion, cilantro and hot chili peppers from a street vendor in Mexico. Buen provecho...

Mmmm… “roasted milk.” Somehow that translation doesn’t sound quite as tasty as the Peruvian (and Chilean) dessert “leche asada,” does it? In any case, our host Natalia (from Colombia) shows us how to whip up this sweet delicacy. In Part 1, Natalia starts by heating sugar to make caramel.

In Part 2 of our dessert-making lesson, Natalia shows and tells us the importance of beating the “huevos” into a smooth consistency. After the eggs are whipped into shape, we’re heating up the “leche” until it bubbles but doesn’t quite boil. Seguimos con capítulo 3.

In the final chapter of our trio of dessert clips, Natalia puts the milk, the eggs and the caramelized sugar together. After some time in the oven and then some more time in the refrigerator, you’re ready to enjoy some “leche asada” with a cup of café or plain old milk.

Catalina Garcia, lead singer of the Colombian music group, "Monsieur Periné," talks a bit about the group's origins and influences.

This politically charged tune, rife with language that will get you sent to the principal’s office on at least three continents, won the Latin Grammy award for best video in 2003. Note that native speakers instantly recognize that much of the Spanish is sung in an exaggerated “gringo” accent, so you may not want to imitate it!!

Molotov brings us another inspired video that doubles as a lesson in modern Mexico: PAN, PRI, PRD, and el bono sexenal! By the way, do you know why Rudy Giuliani’s image appears so often in Molotov videos?

Melany is an actress from Guatemala. In this video, she talks about her country, its beautiful landscapes, food and its great weather, which has gained Guatemala the title of “the country of the eternal spring.”

Now Melany shows us some crafts and other items made in Guatemala. She explains how the artisans usually incorporate colorful patterns in their handmade creations and she promises to prepare some Guatemalan coffee for us... next time.

What’s for lunch today? That’s one of our favorite questions and since we’re in Mexico, Marina give us some great answers. In Latin America people look for a calm, fresh place where they can enjoy el almuerzo del día, the special lunch of the day, or pedir de la carta, to order from the menu. It’s a perfect time for sitting back and taking a break from your work day.

Lifelong mariachi artists explain their passion for the mariachi music and way of life.

María Marí, a Spanish painter living in London, talks to us a bit about her education and inspirations.

Spanish artist Maria Mari continues to share with us her views on art and artists in general as well as about herself, her influences and her home country of Spain.