As you study Spanish you'll find your learning is made all the more fun by your surroundings. It's much easier to learn Spanish in the midst of vibrant Mexican culture.
Every class day you'll be out and about the city. Simply walking down a street in old Xalapa is a memorable moment.
The locals enjoy talking to the many visitors to their hometown. They are gracious and friendly folks.
Out with a charlante or out on your own after the school day ends, You'll be immersed in the happy sounds of Spanish. Regardless of your level, the locals will want to talk with you.
You'll be surprised at how patient they are with your Spanish (if you're new to the language) If you wish, they'll help correct your mistakes, but most often they'll just, inside their own thinking, fix your structure or conjugations or etc. in order to understand what you mean. And they'll answer slowly and clearly.
Out on your own you might get lost. Those are especially fun times. Everyone will want to help you find your way. Once in awhile, if the route is a little complicated a local will have you follow along until he or she leaves the pathway you need. And then, instead of leaving you to fare on your own, a new guide, another local going your way, will be recruited.
Throughout the State of Veracruz, the people might be the nicest and most helpful of any you've met anywhere in your travels.
And Xalapa might be the most exciting and enriching arts community you've every visited.
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The beautiful cathedral rises high above the center of the city, El Centro, and serves the people in many ways. Merchants spread their wares and sell to locals and foreigners alike.
Huge stone heads carved by the ancient Olmecs, Cabezas Olmecas, speak of the group's influence over southern and central Mexico. The carvings dwarf us mortals.
Xalapa lies on the lower slopes of the Sierra Madre Oriental. The beauty of the architecture is heightened by the hilly land on which the city sits. One is reminded of San Francisco. The arts community that is pervasive in Xalapa reminds one of Santa Fe, New Mexico
Xalapa is a comfortable and happy home for its residents. In the central plaza town folks gather to visit and their children come to play.
The Orquesta Sinfonica de Xalapa is the county's oldest. This world class orchestra resides within the domain of the University of Veracruz. During much of the year, performances are weekly.
The far ridgline in the cloud-forested mountains leads to Orizaba Peak. The peak is the third highest in all of North America.
Xalapa's world famous Museum of Anthropology is a traveler's must-visit. The spacious buildings and grounds house many of the great treasures of Mexico's rich pre-history.
Overlapping regions of greatness are depicted in this map. The presence of the native empires that once controlled the land is still felt today.
In the north of the State of Veracruz is the large ruins of El Tajin. More human in scale than Mexico's largest ruins, Teotihuacan, Palenque, Chichen Itza, El Tajin embraces visitors in an almost mystical way.
This narrow street, now a pedestrian walkway, serves as a perfect location for an outdoor market.