El espíritu de Angangueo – short version

The Spirit of Angangueo

  • Remember, expect this to be challenging.
  • First, read the English version.
  • Next, read the Spanish version.
  • Click the control to hear the audio.
  • Listen several times, following along on the transcript.
  • Finally, listen without looking at the transcript.
  • See how many words and phrases you can pick out.
  • Then try the long version.

Short Version

The Spirit of Angangueo

Sometimes a traveler discovers a place of unexpected, inexplicable charm. The town of Angangueo in Michoacán, Mexico, is one such place. Most people go there only to see the Monarch Butterflies that winter in the forest above the town. But Angangueo has a special feeling. Lively latin music blares from nearly every house. Pots of colorful flowers and plants spill onto nearly every railing, porch, patio and balcony, no matter how humble the abode. Even the stray dogs look fat. People told us that they enjoyed having flowers and listening to music, and that it wasn’t to make the town look nice for the tourists. Perhaps the townsfolk were inspired by the beautiful setting they lived in.

El espíritu de Angangueo

A veces el viajero descubre un lugar de encanto inesperado e inexplicable. Así es el pueblo de Angangueo, en el estado mexicano de Michoacán. Muchas personas van allí sólo para ver las mariposas monarca que pasan el invierno en el bosque cercano al pueblo. Pero Angangueo tiene un ambiente especial. Alegres ritmos latinos resuenan en casi todos los hogares. Barandas, portales, patios y balcones lucen macetas repletas de coloridas flores y plantas hasta en las viviendas más humildes. Hasta los perros callejeros parecen gordos. Los habitantes del pueblo nos dijeron que disfrutan de las flores y de la música, y que no es su intención decorar el pueblo para los turistas. Quizás se sientan inspirados por el hermoso entorno en que viven.