Primera clase de Escuela Español

Today was my first day of class at the Spanish school. For some reason, they placed me in the beginner class. Brian and I, after awhile, asked the teacher to put us in a more advanced class. They were going over the pure basics. Though I did learn a few things, I needed to know more. I'd consider myself, and Brian, a high beginner in Spanish. We know the basics, can have a decent conversation with someone, and ask for and look for things when given direction. We certainly weren't going to be dealing with "Hola! - Comó estás? - Muy bien, y tú?"

Um, no.

We got moved to the other class albeit it was challenging. We were stretched, but not overwhelmed. The teacher was very nice, thorough, and articulate. Also, I'm glad it's a female teacher. For some reason, I've always been able to understand females speaking Spanish much better than males.

Furthermore, I've been impacted on a personal level now that I'm in a Spanish speaking country where most people don't speak English. There are 5 of us, and we always walk around town speaking English. It's kind of mind-blowing to actually be in that reverse position. Normally, I'm back in the States, and see groups of people speaking French, German, Chinese, etc, etc.

They're in their comfort zone. Now, we're forced to be in our comfort zone, hence alienating ourselves from such a vibrant, happening culture. Now, I know how it feels for these groups of French, German, and Chinese to feel in the American culture - especially since the American people tend to be ethnocentric assholes expecting everyone to know and understand English.

Here, you are expected to know Spanish. The tables are turned. People only speak to you in Spanish. And honestly, it feels a little uncomfortable being the only people around speaking a language no one else can understand.

This is what is driving me to assimilate into this culture. I may look like a typical American gringo, but little will they know, this lanky white boy can hold his own in Spanish before THEY know it.

Hasta entonces, lo verémos (until then, we'll see)