Spanish 101
While no one expects our visitors to be fluent in Spanish, we thought it would be helpful for you to know a few of the basics to help your stay to be more enjoyable and be a little more comfortable in moving about. Let us know what you think of our lessons.
Unlike in English where vowels have 2 sounds, Spanish vowels only make one sound, which makes it easy.
A sounds like a short A as in hat or apple
E sounds like a long A. think of the A as it sounds in Day or for you Canadians EH?
I sounds like a long E think of the first sound in the word Egret
O sounds like O (thank goodness or something we know)
U sounds like coo or few
Some Common Phrases
Excuse me = Disculpe (dis-school-peh)
Please = Por Favor (poor-fa-vor)
Thank you = Gracias (Gra-see-yas or Gra-see-ya)
Your Welcome = De Nada (de-nad-a)
I am sorry = Lo Siento (lo-see-en-toe)
The Check for a meal = La cuenta (la-qu-wenta)
In Mexico, a meal is a traditional, shared celebration and is simply not to be rushed. Puerto Vallarta can honestly boast world class restaurants in the area. From our small family eateries, to our five star dining adventures, you will not be disappointed in the least. Therefore, as is the custom, your waiters will not bring your bill until you ask for it. It considered an insult to rush you through your meal by presenting the bill prematurely. It is up to you, as to when you receive it. So while pretending to write in the air is effective and you will get your message across, but why not try it in Spanish.
“When in Rome…” and all that goes for Mexico too!
When you have completed your meal and conversation, simply say to your waiter-
“Disculpe? (Insert name if known-ie “Juan”) La cuenta por favor?”
“Excuse me Juan, may I have the check please?
Next Month we will explore some cultural nuances important to understand, while you enjoy your time here in paradise on the Mexican Riviera!