great post! I too wanted to learn to be fluent, but becoming deaf in one ear and losing my ability to discern what people were saying in ENGLISH if they don't pronounce their consonants made me realize my language learning days are probably over.
I went to Mexico twice - the first time with only a Spanish/English dictionary, a phrase book from Lonely Planet, a note pad, and about 200 words - alone. I was terrified! What I learned is that much of communication is non verbal. I met kind helpful people from the plane onward, wherever I went, and I loved the experience so much. Was younger then - 48. At 71 it would be harder, but still possible.
I learned about things that interested me - such as the folk art artesanias, and meeting artists and artisans. I had many wonderful (and a few scary - but no drug gangs; just minor scary) adventures that first time. I stayed for a little over 2 months that first time, and would study in my room at night. I loved just throwing myself into the pulse of things and found i didn't need to learn 17 verb tenses or proper sentence structure. The people were so gracious and helpful. I have so many wonderful memories of that first trip. I had a tooth abscess and had to extend my trip... that is a story in itself, some of it not good but still, wonderful people throughout.
Even the 2nd trip, which was very different - for dental purposes because I am poor and needed work - and why not do it in the country I love - was wonderful and had some magical experiences, even though I stayed primarily in one town. What people respond to is sincerity and curiosity about them and their culture. I adore the people of Mexico. Would live there at least part time if i were not poor and old. I hope to go back some day. Guanajuato speaks to my heart and soul. I think I would love it there - but there are so many wonderful places inland, where, IMO, the culture that interests me most, is. But every place is fascinating, as you know. I love your images!
Like me, you are drawn to the art, color, life of Mexico and the Mexican people - and the murals! Start with what you love. It's easier to learn about what you love. People will be happy with 'street' Spanish and you can learn as you go about what truly speaks to your heart. I'm here to encourage and applaud your sense of wonder, adventure, your artistry visually and with words, and your kind heart. Mexico is home of my heart. I will always love it, and its people. I'll do all I can here to help them here, in the next phase of terrible immigration policy.
I feel that strongly, Joyce - you feel like Kin to me. If you ever get up north this way, maybe we will meet - i'd like that. I don't travel much and haven't since I got my rescue cat 15 years ago.
I actually fantasized about meeting you in Mexico! Guanajuato seems a place I would love. I always loved the colorful houses and buildings in Mx.
Not this year. My poor old sick CKD and hyperthyroid cat, maybe dying soon... he has used up most of his 9 lives with these diseases... seems to be declining pretty rapidly now with fast weight loss. All my energy and heart is with him. But I will cheerlead you and your adventures with great enthusiasm!
What a joy it was to read your post in Wild Beauty today. All the photos, and especially the video, were delightful. Congratulations on your mastery of image.
I was so happy to hear your 'resting' spot in Spanish mastery: to absorb and enjoy, rather than punish yourself with mastery.
You are not a conquistador; you are an appreciative immigrant. Not a tourist, but an artist who captures, conveys and understands through image.
Living in Southern Arizona all my life I have always been within hearing distance of spoken Spanish. I learned a few words here and there, took class and immediately forgot everything I learned.
However, eleven years ago I walked the 800 kilometers of the French Route of the Camino de Santiago de Compestella and got by with a few words and phrases, pointing, hand gestures and the kindness of strangers.
Not knowing Spanish hurts since I cannot read some of the great literature in its original Spanish. However, it is the same for reading literature and philosophy in original Greek, Latin, Russian, Chinese, Japanese, Pali and more. Oh well, I accept my failure and I’m OK with it. Hell, I can’t even understand English when spoken by a person from Scotland.
I have so much to think about and say --- I'm tongue tied. Loved your failure story. Much appreciated. Julie
Thank you, Julie ... if you are tongue tied, it is with a beautiful and eloquent bow.
Terrific, thanks! I'm putting a screenshot in the file.
great post! I too wanted to learn to be fluent, but becoming deaf in one ear and losing my ability to discern what people were saying in ENGLISH if they don't pronounce their consonants made me realize my language learning days are probably over.
I went to Mexico twice - the first time with only a Spanish/English dictionary, a phrase book from Lonely Planet, a note pad, and about 200 words - alone. I was terrified! What I learned is that much of communication is non verbal. I met kind helpful people from the plane onward, wherever I went, and I loved the experience so much. Was younger then - 48. At 71 it would be harder, but still possible.
I learned about things that interested me - such as the folk art artesanias, and meeting artists and artisans. I had many wonderful (and a few scary - but no drug gangs; just minor scary) adventures that first time. I stayed for a little over 2 months that first time, and would study in my room at night. I loved just throwing myself into the pulse of things and found i didn't need to learn 17 verb tenses or proper sentence structure. The people were so gracious and helpful. I have so many wonderful memories of that first trip. I had a tooth abscess and had to extend my trip... that is a story in itself, some of it not good but still, wonderful people throughout.
Even the 2nd trip, which was very different - for dental purposes because I am poor and needed work - and why not do it in the country I love - was wonderful and had some magical experiences, even though I stayed primarily in one town. What people respond to is sincerity and curiosity about them and their culture. I adore the people of Mexico. Would live there at least part time if i were not poor and old. I hope to go back some day. Guanajuato speaks to my heart and soul. I think I would love it there - but there are so many wonderful places inland, where, IMO, the culture that interests me most, is. But every place is fascinating, as you know. I love your images!
Like me, you are drawn to the art, color, life of Mexico and the Mexican people - and the murals! Start with what you love. It's easier to learn about what you love. People will be happy with 'street' Spanish and you can learn as you go about what truly speaks to your heart. I'm here to encourage and applaud your sense of wonder, adventure, your artistry visually and with words, and your kind heart. Mexico is home of my heart. I will always love it, and its people. I'll do all I can here to help them here, in the next phase of terrible immigration policy.
Thank you … we are, indeed, kindred spirits.
I feel that strongly, Joyce - you feel like Kin to me. If you ever get up north this way, maybe we will meet - i'd like that. I don't travel much and haven't since I got my rescue cat 15 years ago.
I actually fantasized about meeting you in Mexico! Guanajuato seems a place I would love. I always loved the colorful houses and buildings in Mx.
Not this year. My poor old sick CKD and hyperthyroid cat, maybe dying soon... he has used up most of his 9 lives with these diseases... seems to be declining pretty rapidly now with fast weight loss. All my energy and heart is with him. But I will cheerlead you and your adventures with great enthusiasm!
Let’s keep working on the idea … in the meantime, hugs to your cat.
thank you, Joyce.
What a joy it was to read your post in Wild Beauty today. All the photos, and especially the video, were delightful. Congratulations on your mastery of image.
I was so happy to hear your 'resting' spot in Spanish mastery: to absorb and enjoy, rather than punish yourself with mastery.
You are not a conquistador; you are an appreciative immigrant. Not a tourist, but an artist who captures, conveys and understands through image.
Beautifully done, friend.
Thanks … it took long enough to get to this resting place. ;-)
So insightful! And so many beautiful places. May we use the mural in San Miguel as a weekly prompt? Is it your photo? xA
Oh, my, yes! It is my photo and thanks!
Living in Southern Arizona all my life I have always been within hearing distance of spoken Spanish. I learned a few words here and there, took class and immediately forgot everything I learned.
However, eleven years ago I walked the 800 kilometers of the French Route of the Camino de Santiago de Compestella and got by with a few words and phrases, pointing, hand gestures and the kindness of strangers.
Not knowing Spanish hurts since I cannot read some of the great literature in its original Spanish. However, it is the same for reading literature and philosophy in original Greek, Latin, Russian, Chinese, Japanese, Pali and more. Oh well, I accept my failure and I’m OK with it. Hell, I can’t even understand English when spoken by a person from Scotland.
Thanks, Jim. We can be friends of Spanish together.
A beautiful wall! Loved seeing the video of it. And the photo of Guanajuato, wonderful!
Thanks, Jeanine ... made me want to be back there.
You will soon!