Hablando y Viviendo en Espanol

We have started taking classes at the Centro de Lenguas Modernas in Granada and it is very exciting. ( I have included a picture of our school) I have only been in Granada for a week and I find myself speaking English horribly! I am in classes four hours a day and eating, drinking, thinking Espanol.

Learning a language in a different country is so entirely different than learning in the States. There is a new motivation that inspires you to do well in class and to learn as much as possible. Each day I pick up new colloquial sayings that you learn only by living and experiencing a certain culture. I do my best to try and speak Spanish as much as possible, but it is exhausting. Never, in all my life, have I had to concentrate so hard and so much in my classes. It is hard work, but very rewarding.

The social customs are so entirely different that I am thrown a curve ball each day. In some ways people are much more affectionate, but in others very rude. For such an affectionate culture (kissing cheeks, hugging often), everyday individuals are rather rude. I have yet to decipher if this is because I am an American, or simply the way they interact. There are very few "please" and "thank yous" on the street. SImilarly, tipping is non-existent here and service reflects this clearly. Servers very rarely smile and treat you with hospitality and respect, but with hostility and annoyance. I like to think that waitresses would be polite irregardless of tips in the United States, but who knows.

Similarly, smiling at people on the street does not exist and staring takes its place. Smiling is considered flirting and can cause you trouble, but staring is completely normal and not considered rude or impolite whatsoever. It is so different to get used to.

The individuals I have met that are connected to our studies have been very helpful and polite. Our teachers are very nice and seem to negate the standard social norms, but most of them have spent time in the United States studying or teaching. I wonder if the response I receive from people will change over time during my stay here. If I'll become more accustomed to it, or I will appear more Spanish. It shall be interesting. Ellen and I are off to take a guided tour through the neighborhood our school is in. Hopefully less staring and more smiling :0)