"Oh the places you'll go! Oh the people you'll meet!...
You have brains in your head.You have feet in your shoes.You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who'll decide where to go.... "-Dr Seuss
As I come to the close of this trip I have begun to realize that my favorite thing has been all the people I have met. People from all walks of life, people from all different countries... learning a new language opens up another part of the world that you would never have met if the language barrier still stood in your way. Most of the people I've met know more than one language and it usually includes English or Spanish. I was talking with one guy who listed off the languages he knew: Spanish, English, French, Italian, German, and Arabic and then looked at me inquiringly, "How many do you speak?" When I admitted to 'only' two he asserted that I was still young. He's right. Heck, why not learn more languages? But anyway, back to the people:
- A Spanish sailor taught me how to cuss in spanish holding to the saying "cussing like a sailor"
-I hung out with a group of French girls a couple nights in a row and had more fun with them than my American girl friends
-I hung out with a couple from Ireland and we discussed the antics of Harry Potter
-I had a conversation with an Italian while I spoke spanish and he spoke italian and I think we actually understood each other
-I laughed with a little guy from Cambodia for no particular reason
-I hung out with guys from Germany who are middle eastern descent and we discussed politics
-I've tagged along with a couple of British stag parties
-I have more Spanish friends than I can keep track of
-I go to "the barrio" with one friend and leave with anywhere between 2-20 more
One of the greatest things I can take away from this trip is that it's okay to talk to people, actually it's great. The more international friends you have the greater your understanding of the world around you. So get out there and meet someone new today.
4 comments:
El Ton -
My only advice to you now is:
1. Be a teacher later so you have your summers free to travel and leave comments on blogs, ad nasuem.
2. If you are going to travel anywhere where they don't speak Spanish (or even where they do)and you don't know anybody, always have some candy or chocolate on you ready to share.. ALWAYS!
Sounds like you're doing fine so far though, but think about the candy thing.
PS: Oh yeah, I forgot another important one.
3. If you ever see your old Spanish teacher again, have chocolate and candy ready to share... ALWAYS!
You begin by quoting Avi and end by quoting Seuss. I'm sure there's some pithy comment that could be made, but it somehow escapes me at the moment. Bravo. Well done and exceptionally well said! This has been a most awesome vicarious adventure for all of us who tuned in! May your camino be just as enriching, too!
Your No. 1 Fan, Ma
People should read this.
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