In order to learn more about Spanish-speaking culture, the Spanish II class traveled to a supermarket chain named Vallarta Supermarkets, March 2.

The classes arrived at the location where they were given a tour by store manager Juan Rico. At the store, students were encouraged to explore different parts of the market, which included areas from a butchery to a bakery. Students were then allowed to eat lunch at the store, which maintains a prepared food section.

Teacher Beatriz Foth, who has been taking students to hispanic supermarkets for four years, says the trip was meant to pique a sense of curiousity within students. Foth says going to unexplored areas of Fresno is a little like getting a taste of Mexico.

“I think going to the supermarket is a good opportunity for students to realize the diversity we have here in Fresno,” Foth said. “Seeing the people and products there, and hearing Spanish being spoken aloud helps students understand the Spanish culture.”

Rico hopes tours will promote the store within the community and help people receive a better education on the Latin American culture.

“Our culture here is so different,” Rico said. “Here you can learn different things from Latin America and different cultures through tours. And by giving tours, we let people know we’re here and we can better promote the store.”

The market carries an assortment of goods, including cow tongue and many vegetables used in Latin American dishes. Aaron Hedrick, ’10, says the diversity of the dishes and foods shown were a noteworthy experience for a foreign language class.

“I learned a lot about the Mexican culture,” Hedrick said. “There’s a lot of certain foods I saw today that you don’t usually see anywhere else. Going there is certainly something you never really do, and I hope to make some of the things I saw today sometime.”

Allison Camden, ’12, enjoyed the trip and, although she says she will probably not be returning anytime soon, she will remember the more unique food products.

“I liked the supermarket but I doubt I’ll go to shop there or anything like that,” Camden said. “I just live too far away and I’m too busy to spend time shopping for food. I will, however, always remember the cow head. It was just so strange and haunting – something you don’t forget easily.”

For more information, call Vallarta Supermarkets at 559-476-3070, read the Jan. 16, 2008 article, Spanish II expands educational setting, or e-mail Foth.

For information about the campus Spanish club, read the Nov. 3, 2009 article, Spanish club extends cultural horizons.