Mañana, mañana...

So, Spain is known for living the easy life, taking it slow, doing things "mañana," or "tomorrow." However, in this case, "mañana" means "freaking sweet and I can't wait to pick you up Caitlin and Kade!" We also got word that our great friend Chris will be joining us so "freaking sweet and we'll see you in many mañanas, Chris!" as well as Rob who will be making it here shortly (so... you know, insert the 'freaking sweet' phrase of your choice in this one... it's kinda like Mad Libs).

Yesterday was a fantastic day. I spoke in Spanish nearly all day and my head didn't even explode. I learned something like 8 or so new words like "sacar punta" which means "to sharpen a pencil" and "misogino" which means "sexist." I also got a quick email from some of you guys back home! It was great. In fact, I have a quick story to tell you where it all began...

::cue hazy dream-like state::

Last week I left school Monday afternoon and a woman came up to me. She asked me if I was "Gregory... the English assistant." My head was slightly aching and my eyes were really tired from thinking in Spanish for 4 hours but I humored her with my assurance that I am Gregory and, yes, I'm the English assistant. But that's about when I lost her. She didn't run away or anything but, rather, her mouth took off in a foreign language I haven't entirely, completely grasped just yet. But I was tired and my eyes hurt so I defaulted into what I like to call "sí, sí" mode. It's my Spanish rendition of conveying paid attention when there is actually a lack of said attention.

What I didn't realize is that I agreed to tutor her three children.

It isn't that bad, though. I mean, I looked pretty bad yesterday when I ran into her at school again and she asked me why I never showed up last Monday. However, after a quick, "umm.... I don't.. err.. really speak Spanish... that well." we were totally on the same page. Turns out her family lived in Costa Rica up until about five years ago and she speaks fluent English.

Really, though, my Spanish is trucking along. I get really excited and relieved when I have these epiphanious moments. I look back at where I started and where I am now and it's just really exhilarating. Plus, being an English speaker here pays the bills without too much time or work involved: pick a good topic, some questions, a couple activities and you are set!

So, if any of my friends would like some English lessons when we get back to the States, I'm pretty much available. :P