I'm excited to say that more often than not these days, when I think of something I want to say, and double check it with google translate - I'm right. If only I could be that quick when speaking! Some of these concepts are still kicking my ass - today was pretty tough. But, we're almost done with the first book, and will hopefully start book three by Thursday (since book two is just review of book one). I am no longer sad that I am in the beginner's class, because even though I am quite confident I could hold my own with the other conversation group, being a beginner means I'm still getting my own private 1:1 instruction for the price of group instruction. And I certainly won't say no to that. Although; let's be honest - there is only so much for my teacher and I to talk about every day for two hours. Especially when my grammar class is also filled with at least an hour of chit chat since I was burning through the book too quickly (that's my guess anyway; that and the fact that I really do need the most practice in speaking). Perhaps conversation with more people would actually be beneficial. . . . and to that end, some nice young guy walked up next to me on the street today and started chatting with me. Turns out he went to high school in Michigan of all places, and his English is quite good. Another person for me to practice with! We exchanged email addresses, though perhaps when he finds out how very old I am (since I'm guessing he's quite young) he doesn't head for the hills! He made some comment about wanting people his age to speak English with, versus some of the older people he knows. . .
I am also a bit chest puffed that I get complimented on my accent quite frequently (see aforementioned young man and my teachers), since I'm typically quite shy about speaking because I think I'm pronouncing things wrong. Everyone wants to know why I don't sound norteamericana when I speak. I say it's because my grandfather was from Chihuahua (is that where he's from?! Dad? Mom?!) I thought I remembered that from a family tree thing, but who knows if I'm right, he's from somewhere down here. . . in any case, I'm more comfortable saying that rather than, "Um, I don't know. My parents listened to a lot of Linda Ronstadt when I was growing up?" Maybe it was just growing up in California? Who knows.
I'm learning plenty of Mexican culture as well (see other posts) and today I learned to play the card game Conquian! I'm addicted already, so be prepared for Conquian and tequila nights (per Blanca's suggestion).
And the cooking!!! Oh, the cooking. If you like to cook I'm hoping you're keeping tabs on my other blog because every time I learn something I post it there. (stay tuned for the chiles rellenos recipe from today)
So far milanesas (breaded cutlets of meat), arroz verde (but that is easily translated into arroz blanco, arroz amarillo, y arroz rojo), salsa verde, salsa de aguacates, chiles rellenos, and this Sunday, Dad and I will learn to make enchiladas from a new friend down here that is starting up his own "learn to cook authentic Mexican dishes in your own home" type business. Don't worry girls, I'll try to bring him to SF some day. ;)
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