Natalia reflects on her first real experiences with acting and modeling. As a young girl she was drawn to the stage, performing in many of her high school’s chorus and theatrical productions. Her mature stage presence and passion for the art soon landed her a number of roles in paid advertisements. She was well on her way to becoming a star.

Natalia was quickly growing up. Like most teens, she was anxious to explore the world. At thirteen she began to go out dancing with her best friend, Rosa. Ivan, the high school hunk, was to become her first love.

Winning the Xuxa Paquita contest convinced her to move to Buenos Aires. Unfortunately for Natalia, it wasn’t easy to be sixteen and out on her own. She was lonely, and she struggled, but pride and her fierce ambition kept her from quitting.

The showbiz life can be cruel, even when you’re young, talented and beautiful. Though she came from nearby Uruguay, Natalia’s Argentine peers in their native Buenos Aires weren’t afraid to let her know she was a stranger infringing on their turf.

Pablo Echarri, Argentine heartthrob and television star, describes his earliest years in Buenos Aires. Also we hear from Pablo’s father about his experiences as a new parent for the very first time.

Echarri and his sister grew up without excess wealth, and even a hint of poverty, but they were happy. Circumstances only served to pull the family together and make them stronger.

Pablo’s sister, Roxa, came on the scene when he was seven. Like millions of little children before him, faced with the arrival of a rival, he was none too pleased. Today they are inseparable.

Carolina talks about different accents and styles of speaking Spanish, particularly those found within Spain itself. Carolina is from Andalusia, in the South, and she contrasts her accent and common expressions with those of people from Barcelona and other regions.

For nearly 50 years the Pérez Terradillo family has served vinos and pinchos, wines and snacks. Jose takes us on a tour to see the kitchen and the folks and gear behind the scenes of this celebrated restaurant in Burgos, Casa Pancho.

The verb pinchar means “to prick” or “to poke” and pincho is a spike or a skewer, so it’s not surprising that in the world of tapas (small portions that can be shared) pinchos (also spelled pintxos) either have toothpicks through them or can be eaten off the plate with one.

That mujeriego Mariano has really messed with poor Elena’s head. If we were her, we’d dump the scoundrel for Durand, the suave French lawyer, tout suite.

Sometimes if you’re sitting at home, depressed, stewing in a pot of emotional turmoil and angst, really the best thing to do is just go out and shake it! (P.S. If your boss looks like she’s taken the bullet train to Splitsville, we strongly suggest you don’t mention it… especially if you are looking for her to sign off on your French classes!)

This episode guest stars the legendary Nacha Guevara, who plays Melina, a fiery blonde who seems to have something of a history with Flavio, though he still pines for the lovely madame, Amelia.

Goods and services that show up on our urban doorsteps are the ultimate in convenience. Latin Americans love el delivery as much as anyone, maybe even moreso.

The meaning of fascista is self-evident, but Southern Cone countries also use facho. Balas, of course, are “bullets” but in some countries also have the alternately slang meaning of “homosexuals” or “gays.” Balas and Fachos are, evidently, also the names of tv shows in which Majo and Gloria’s young client stars.