All along I knew that I would have to learn some Spanish. After some inquiring, I was told about some Language Schools and some suggested a private tutor (too expensive and I wanted the interaction of a class). There are a lot of schools here (mostly teaching English) but none are near me and I was afraid that the classes would be in the evening and thus interfere with my "cocktail hour".
Then my martini swilling drinking buddies told me that they were taking a class at a small social club just two blocks from my apartment. I stopped by, for I pass it on my way to the gym to inquire about the classes. I was told that the ongoing classes were advanced and that I should wait for a beginner's class to begin. When would this occur? They were not sure, maybe 4 to 6 weeks depending on how many people signed up. I gave them my name, number and address and asked them to let me know. I tried talking to my friend who has lived here for two years. In spite of the fact that he knows almost no Spanish, and can't even pronounce the name of the streets, he had no interest.
I noticed that the club had posted some signs advertising the new Spanish class and assumed they were still trying to get more people interested. I intended to stop by periodically, then a little more than a week after my first visit, I noticed one of the posters had fallen on the sidewalk. I took it inside only to discover that indeed classes were starting the following day. Why didn't someone call me? You get the Mexican shrug.
I did make it a little before ten the following morning, barely conscious. The previous night had been the night of the exploding church with all the fire works. After the nine bells finally stopped I had a glass of wine (or maybe two) to calm my nerves so I could get back to sleep. So, I was not too disappointed when we were told that the instructor could not make it and classes would start the following day at 9:30. Why didn't someone call me? Mexican shrug. There was only one other woman there and she was quite upset for she had Pilate's class the following morning.
I was there early and eager and found there was only one other guy there (the Pilate's woman never showed up again). We started with pronunciation. It seems that Spanish has a lot of double vowels and each are to be pronounced. Unlike French, every letter is to be pronounced, which makes it a little easier. We progressed to vocabulary, adjectives, and one verb. I was happy there were only two of us for we got the maximum of attention, but I did mention the class to another friend. He started the next day. At first I thought I had made a mistake for the two of them had lived here for years and knew a lot of Spanish, I knew none. So, I had to study twice as hard to keep and and in the long run it helped me.
A local bar has started a "conversation class" for its clients. It seemed like a good idea, but I did not get much out of the first meeting (maybe because I consumed four beers). To be honest, I have as much trouble understanding the instructors English, let alone his Spanish. But people do converse and if I sit there long enough (and cut down on the alcohol) I hope to pick up something.
I am proud to say that I have graduated from beginning class and will begin the advanced. That does frighten me a little for that group has been studying together since January. I have had to learn hundreds of words and although I can only speak in the present tense, I do get by. In fact I have finally (after almost 6 months) managed to get bottled water delivered on my own. For some reason I never had any problem getting alcohol (ODD).
A NOTE TO MY READERS:
I will be taking the rest of the summer off. Frankly I am running out of topics and I am not as funny as I used to be (as evidnced by the drop off in my readership) I will be attending my aunt's 100th birthday in July and will be back in California in October to prepare for my trip to Turkey. So I not sure when I resume my blogs. Of course, I might come back sooner by "popular demand" if more or you wrote to tell me you miss me. Until then, "Hasta Luego"
