After calling Spain home for a few months, I could do little more than order a montadito in Spanish. Ya, that IS sad. Knowing English has made me lazy when it comes to learning other languages. Why? Because no matter where I am, I can find someone that speaks it, if only just a little. That excuse is growing old, so before I return to Spain, I am boning up on my Spanish.
Lucky for me, Dublin is loaded with Spanish folk, so I jumped onto
CouchSurfing and posted a little note titled "Your Spanish for My English - Trade?". A day later I had three shiny new Spanish teachers! That easy, kids. I've had a bunch of lessons already and between the three of them, I should be fluent within the next two weeks. No pressure!
So who are these kick-ass strangers that volunteered their time to help me? One's a psychologist, one is a student and the other is an Engineer. All three are awesome.
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| "UN tomate, por favor" |
Cecilia - Argentina. Her English is nearly better than mine so I feel like she's getting the short end of the stick on this deal! Our lesson today was in a supermarket, so I had to tell her the "
One Tomato, Please" story... and then I asked her to pose for this photo. Ceci wins today's "Good Sport" award.
Where are you from?
I´m from Ushuaia, the capital of Tierra del Fuego, an island on the south of Argentina. Ushuaia is the southernmost city in the world (you must go). Ushuaia is the last port before the Antartic. Yes, it´s cold but not as much as people always imagine. It´s a small place, beautiful, great landscapes, surrounded by mountains. Good place for skiing. ;)
Why did you come to Ireland?
I came to Ireland one year ago, with a working holiday visa. I really love traveling, meet people, know other cultures, live in different places, etc. Life is short and you have to enjoy it, today I have time to travel, and I can do things that I don´t know if I will be able to do in the future…I chose Ireland because I wanted to live a new experience, and it seems to be an incredible island. If I could I would live every year in a different country… but is difficult for me, it’s not easy to get working visas. Argentina only has agreements with Ireland, New Zealand, and probably from this year with Australia.
Why would you help a complete stranger learn your language?
Good question! I would like to hear your answer! You posted first, I just reply to you… I don’t know… I think it’s a great idea. We both need help…I want to improve my English too, and it is a good and funny way to do it. Also it´s free. Amazing!
Say something cool in Spanish
"Hoy puede ser un gran día, plantéatelo así, aprovecharlo o que pase de largo depende en parte de ti."
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| Say it, write it. Say it, write it. Say it, write it. |
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| The Little Mermaid in Copenhagen |
Rebeca - Spain
If I didn't know better, I'd say she was a teacher. Thanks to Rebecca, I can already point at anything on your face, and most of your body, and say it in Spanish. Now, I need to return the favour and help her with her pronunciation of the letter "J".
Where are you from?
I come from Avilés, Asturias, Spain. It is not very known, but it is like a remix of countries... green as Ireland, beaches, mountains, nature, rural life and cities, and some people talk Asturiano, a dialect which is diing out ("La xente llámame pol mio nome de pila").
Why did you come to Ireland?
I came to Ireland in September, to start my last year of Business... I am an Erasmus student (known for being party-lovers and quite lazy, although I hope this is not my case... ). I decided to leave my home because sometimes one feels that you need to experience other things and live by yourshlef. Although I have travelled a lot since I was 9, this is the first time that I spend so many months abroad.. I chose Ireland because i like small cities, and I love Irish music and the warmth of the people here.
Why would you help a complete stranger learn your language? A nice person with such passion for travelling and metting people (ever more than me!) cannot be a complete stranger... But I think that language is one of the main components of a culture, so it is a easy and nice way of know others... (in this case Canada!)
Say something cool in Spanish
"Cada pueblo, cada paisaje y cada persona en España te muestra una cara diferente pero amable de nuestra historia y de nuestra cultura".
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| My first lesson with Rebecca - Parts of the head/ face |
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| He jumps off bridges for fun. No, really. |
David - Spain. He's a man of few words but only because he doesn't know that many in English, YET. The fact that I know even less Spanish makes for interesting lessons.
Where are you from?
Seville, Spain. Seville is a diferent king of life, to live with optimism and enjoining.
Why did you come to Ireland?
I come to Ireland for improving my english and looking for a job . I left my home because I need open my mind and new experience, in other country, other people, and why not...Dublin,
Why would you help a complete stranger learn your language? It´s good for me
Say something cool in Spanish
"Todos los días necesitamos nuevos retos que hagan hagan que evolucionemos y seamos diferentes, sintiéndonos mejor. así el resto de la gente también se sentirá mejor. Disfruta cada momento."
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| Ser - a must have! |
