Even at age 28, the first day of school still raises the same questions. Will I get along with my classmates? With my teachers? Will I be able to keep up with the material? But first things first: I have to take a placement test as soon as I arrive. There are written and orals test, which are both straight-forward except for one question in the written section: it shows a few pictures, and you have to make up a story to interpret them. It’s not that I’m concerned about writing a story in Spanish… it’s that I’m a stereotypical engineer… I don’t have that type of creative ability.
Anyway, I get placed in a class with three other people (2 Aussies and a Pole). We have an hour and a half of grammar, then an hour and a half of conversation. I keep my head above water for the most part, but struggle when they ask me what Thanksgiving is all about. Telling the Pilgrims’ story in Spanish was not something I anticipated, but I manage to get the idea across… eventually.
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i had a good laugh at your pilgrim story. who knew you would have to learn spanish for "maze" "squanto" and "settlers?"
ReplyDeletewhen do you get to start telling them about the redskins' offseason training camps?
ReplyDeleteLOL... You'll do just fine buddy. Just get them to talk about sports and you'll nail it!
ReplyDeleteHow do you say "The Arizona Cardinals are going to win the superbowl" in Spanish? haha! Glad you're having a good time, and don't worry, the language will come back in no time!
ReplyDeleteKatherine
this is so awesome Christian. I have been to Madrid before as you probably remember so I am seeing it a little in my head as you so artfully describe... so jealous...not really but really excited. Keep it coming!
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