Learn Spanish Travel Spanish Blog

 Bill here:

We’re getting into the routine, now. And today we stayed closer to home base and didn’t go into El Centro to explore. For one thing, we’re pretty busy. Class runs until 1:30, and by then we’re starting to get hungry. Today that led us to Cafe de la Presa Bristro. It was a lovely place, directly across the street from where we had that wonderful flan. And really, it was a class act. Very artistic – a really nice blend of sophistication and simplicity. And the food was good. When I think of all the Mexican restaurants at home, and there are a lot of them, that only serve one variation or another of rice, beans, cheese and meat….. well, this place would be a big hit. And the prices were in line with what we’ve been paying, which is not much.

Well, it’s official. Sherry can speak Spanish. If I could tell her what she’s allowed to say, which of course I can’t, I would say, “When someone asks you if you speak Spanish, you can’t say ‘a little’ or ‘un poco’ — you can only say ‘Yes’”. Because she does. Here’s the proof: for those of you who are learning a language, what is the one transaction that causes you the most dread. Sure, getting on a bus, making change, etc. But the MOST dread. It’s talking on the phone, isn’t it? Because on the phone, you get no help. No hands, no body language. And hesitation is dead air on the phone. Pressure. Well, today we needed to speak to our new in-laws in Aguascalientes to let them know our plans for Saturday. One of them speaks English, but I don’t think the others do. I know the Papa doesn’t. So we called. Or rather Sherry called (I sure couldn’t do it). We used Skype. Sherry kept saying “I hope I get the daughter”. Who did she get? Papa. They talked for 10 minutes. 10 minutes, people. On the phone. Sherry can now say, “Yes, I speak Spanish”. I’m so proud.

Once upon a time, Guanajuato had terrible flooding. The river would rage and go right through the center of town. That’s not hard to understand if you’ve been here. It’s a mountainous area and the population settled near the water (river). Eventually, they decided to do something about it so they buried the river. It now runs under the town. The picture I’ve attached (or will attach when I get enough wifi time. Our apt has wifi but it’s very weak and drops a lot, so I’m not using it) of a little lake is where the river turns underground. There is also a large car tunnel here, too. I guess that they figured that as long as they were digging…..

So, eating lunch, buying groceries, talking to the in-laws, and exploring our neighborhood a little, then doing our homework, pretty much filled what was left of the day. Time passes pretty quickly. I understand why Sherry had trouble getting to the blog in Oaxaca, since she was taking six hours of instruction instead of four, and made time for 20 minutes on Skype with me every night as well.

The classes at Academia Falcon are going okayl. This is the first time I’ve had a conversation class and I really enjoy one of the classes (and the conversation class concept). We talk about all sorts of things (today was about how Obama isn’t percieved as being black in Mexico) and the time passes quickly. The teacher will supply words, if needed, and corrects tenses, etc. Fun.

Like most schools, this one says that if you need anything, just ask. This one means it. We asked about taking a taxi to the bus station on Saturday, and the person who helped us wound up calling the bus company and getting times etc for us. Really helpful. And if you’re staying more than one week, at the end of the week you can tell them which classes you would “like” to take. Of course, it still depends on your level, availability, and so on, but that’s good that you can request certain classes. And they have history, art, philosophy, and others for the more advanced students (all in Spanish, of course). There are 8 levels here. Levels I through V are devided into 4 sections. VI through VIII are only listed as one level because there aren’t many students in those advanced levels. I am in Level I. Sherry is in the 4th section of Level V. Meaning: Sherry can speak Spanish. Yea!!! In 18 months.  We’re holding  judgement on how well we like the school.

Tags:   El Centro · Guanajuato · immersion · Immersion school · Immersion Schools · Learning Spanish · Mexico · Spanish · Travel SpanishNo Comments