7 Biggest Surprises in Mexico City

Stephanie Kempker | June 17, 2016

Spanish fluency isn’t a prerequisite for visiting

But Mexico City is a great place to brush up on your skills and improve your Spanish speaking!

After encountering not-so-friendly and less-than-helpful locals in Brazil while working on my Portuguese, Mexico City has been a breath of fresh air. My Spanish is still in its beginning stages, but every local person I’ve met has been more than patient with my butchering of their beautiful language. Taxi drivers have encouraged me and complimented me for learning, while street food sellers have smiled and coaxed me along in spite of poor pronunciation. I feel very excited about practicing Spanish, rather than anxious or nervous.

For anyone who doesn’t speak Spanish, it is actually pretty easy to find someone who can assist in English, whether a tourist or a local. Learning a few words before visiting is always appreciated, but if all else fails: carry a Spanish-English dictionary.

Stephanie Kempker / Own Work

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