Manuel Montenegro

Spreading a Little Latin Sunshine

Name: Manuel Montenegro
Age: Er, I was born in the 1960s. Let’s leave it at that!
Born: Colombia, South America
Lived in Scotland: 10 years

Manuel Montenegro would like to set the record straight.

“People always say that Mediterranean and Latin cultures have the reputation for being sociable but, you know, I have found that the Scots really know how to go out.

“They say 'let’s go out, let’s go for a drink'. They make things happen more.”

Manuel is in a good position to judge. An earlier career in tourism and a 6-year stint with the Colombian National Ballet means he has travelled all over the world.

Teaching

“Working in tourism you often have to be a guide, and being a guide is a bit like teaching. So, when I got tired of the travelling, I decided to retrain and become a teacher.”

Manuel did a degree in Tourism and an MSc in Languages in Latin America before coming to Scotland to do a Master in Applied Linguistics.

“Since I arrived here, I’ve worked at the University of Edinburgh and at Queen Margaret College and taught Spanish, French, Latin American literature, tourism and dance. Now I teach Spanish at St Thomas of Aquin’s High School.”

Dancing

But it was through his extra curricular activities that Manuel really started to feel at home.

“Through the dancing I have met a lot of people. I teach Latin American dance, like Salsa, to all age groups, from primary school children to adults. Teaching dancing and teaching foreign languages makes a good combination.”

He laughs at the suggestion that the Scots may not be temperamentally suited to Latin rhythms. “No, no, they are fine. They are very good. They learn easy and got super rhythm”

Windy

“Wherever I go, I go on my bike. Edinburgh has a lot of hills and it can be windy, but it’s a good city for cycling. I like to take my bike out of the city centre, to places like Balerno, Portobello and Leith.

“You know, I’ve lived in a lot of different places and met a lot of different people but I feel comfortable here.

“My travelling days are definitely over. I’m settled here, my children are settled here. When we go and visit my relatives, they can’t wait to get home again.”

He laughs: “People say the weather isn’t so good but you know, it really doesn’t bother me. Even when I’m on my bike!”

Insider Info:

Manuel says: “Visit Carbisdale Castle, north of Inverness. It’s stunningly beautiful and yet, incredibly, it’s a youth hostel. It’s where they put the press during Madonna’s wedding!”