author headshot

Articles by:
Benny Lewis


Quechua: Quick overview and Benny speaking it with natives

written by Benny Lewis

So here it is! Ending the year on a positive note of another successful language mission completed! 😀 I had only aimed to learn the basics of Quechua in the few weeks I was here, and I think this video shows that I did indeed get something out of my experience with it! Like with […]


Language:

Reading time: 2 minutes

Read More

What does Quechua sound like? Traditional fabric/dyeing presentation in “runasimi”!

written by Benny Lewis

My mission to learn a little Quechua (a.k.a. “Runasimi”, the language of the Incas) has been so fascinating!! I’ve recorded lots of video footage about my experience here in the Andes, including my four day adventure hike towards Machu Picchu that I’ll edit to share some time in January, and even footage of me using […]


Language:

Reading time: 2 minutes

Read More

Benny’s 2011 music video

written by Benny Lewis

And… that’s a wrap for 2011! It’s been a fun and very hectic year! I’ve been in so many places and met so many people, so I wanted to give you an idea of how the whole year went over just 4 minutes! This video collects some fun video clips and photos from each country. […]


Language:

Reading time: 2 minutes

Read More

How much time does it take to learn a language?

written by Benny Lewis

One understandable misconception from people when they first arrive on this site is that I would think it takes exactly three months to learn a language. To me the question and answer “How long does it take to learn a language?” “X months/years/lifetimes” is ludicrous, as it leaves far too much undefined and only caters […]


Language:

Reading time: 6 minutes

Read More

Is long-term solo travel… lonely?

written by Benny Lewis

Whether or not I feel lonely in travelling by myself for such a long time is one of the biggest questions I get asked when people hear about my lifestyle of over eight years of solo travel, and something I’ll tell you all about today. What you read may surprise you!


Language:

Reading time: 9 minutes

Read More
17 cultural clashes this European had in America

17 cultural clashes this European had in America

written by Benny Lewis

I wrote this article many years ago, but I still feel like this country is exceptionally weird, and that’s even long before any of the current political climate came on the scene. I share my thoughts honestly here, so if you are pissed off easily, don’t read this post. Although plenty of (American) commenters agree […]


Language:

Reading time: 31 minutes

Read More

Frequently asked questions for an experienced language learner

written by Benny Lewis

Last week I shared some FAQs for a long-term traveller, and taking a bunch of questions that readers have been sending me on Facebook, twitter and the LHL email list, now I’ll discuss some language learning issues that people have been wondering about. Note that I discuss FAQs about the website and my missions separately […]


Language:

Reading time: 9 minutes

Read More