I regret not making more of an effort to learn Spanish before coming here. I'm able to get by with what little I do know. It's amazing how far you can get with just gestures and a few key phrases. I can buy food, get around by bus or taxi, and (obviously) use Internet cafes. I can survive. I learn a little bit more every day.But the lack of true human interaction is frustrating. I want to get to know people! I want to hear their stories. I want to tell them mine. I want to laugh at their jokes. I want to flirt! I want to just sit around and shoot the shit, like real people do.
There are people around me all the time. I'm hardly ever by myself. And still, I've never been more alone. I'm isolated by my ignorance.
Labels: costa rica
I forgot that you had this site! You can bet that I have marked it as a favorite and I'll be checking it often.
I'm glad to hear that you are having a good time but saddened to hear that you seem so alone. I'm sure things will pick up in that area. Start chasing pony tails!
I'm very envious of the day you had at the beach. I've said many times that I want to go to the farthest tip of Key West and sit in a Tiki bar for hours and watch the sun go down over the water. Then get up the next day and see it come up over the water on the other side of the earth. Very refreshing picture you painted for us.
Glad to report that your weights and rack are getting lots of use. I use them religiously twice a week. I've never done any back work so I'm loving the pulley system. The book you gave me has been very helpful also. I'm following one of the programs to the "T".
Training for a Half Marathon on April 14th. I'm then going to try to do another one the first week of May in Cincinnati. Not sure if thats too much for me...but then again Philly did 2 in 2 days...Haven't found a running partner for this one so if you're in the neighborhood that weekend!
Keep us updated, buddy! Hope you get everything you want out of your time down there.
-Brian (bmac)
If nothing else, this barrier is the perfect motivator for learning Spanish :)
MrO, the desire to be able to speak to the numerous beautiful women here is very good motivation, indeed!
Mika, I use the few phrases I know. I learn a little more every day. True, most are patient. Although some think it's just hilarious to play "Let's laugh and talk about the gringo who can't understand us." That game gets a little old. But otherwise, the people here are incredibly helpful and appreciate any effort I make to speak spanish. If I manage to get a full sentence out, they erupt in applause and cheers of "Good Spanish!"