A photographer takes amazing pictures of Mexico's famous beetles – Level 1

A photographer named Paul O'Connell loves taking pictures of special cars called VW Beetles, or "Vochos" as Mexican people call them. He spent five years in a beautiful city called San Cristóbal de las Casas, photographing these round, colorful cars as they drove through old streets. The Vochos look really cool with their bright paint against the city's historic buildings. O'Connell took hundreds of photos and created an art show to share his pictures with everyone. The show opened in January 2026 and many people came to see the photos, including people who own Vochos themselves.

The show is called "The Last of the Vochos" because Mexico stopped making these cars in 2003, which means all the Vochos driving around today are more than 20 years old. O'Connell wanted to take these pictures before the old cars disappear from the streets forever. In Mexico, people still drive Vochos every day to go to work or school, but in other countries like those in Europe, these cars are very rare. The photo exhibition is free to visit during February in San Cristóbal, and O'Connell hopes to make an even bigger show in Mexico City next year.

Bridging words

These words sound similar in English and Spanish: Why not practice them now?

Time to discuss

• Why do you think some old things, like the Vocho cars, are special and worth remembering?
• If you could take pictures of something in your neighborhood to show people in the future, what would it be?
• What is your favorite kind of car and why?

Let's write

Answer the following questions in one paragraph:

• Imagine you have a magical Vocho that can take you anywhere. Write a story about where you would go and what adventures you would have.
• Draw and describe an old object from your home or family that is special to you. Explain why it's important and what makes it unique.