Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Spanish slap in the Face!!!, ssuuuuuhhhhhLAP!!!

Wild to think that I´ve been here now for over two weeks but I must say that all is well. The house that I´m staying in is located in one of the nicest neighborhoods, URCA, in Córdoba. God´s hand was really on getting me in this living arrangement. It´s only me and an older gentleman who´s close to sixty and a couple times throughout the week his son Sanitago, who is 19, comes by and stays, but trust me, I have no complaints about the living situation. This guy, or older man, is named Osvaldo Seppi and I´m here to tell you what he is a trip! I´ll get a picture up soon. He reminds me of a Argentine Walter Mattheau. I guarantee you if he spoke English or I spoke first class Spanish if would be a riot! We have so much fun together already and pass a good bit of time together when we can doing unorthodox things in a nice neighborhood like sharing Mate, a drink specific to Argentina, on the sidewalks in the evenings. He is very energetic and ¨character¨ doesn´t even begin to describe this guy. He´s the perfect image of an older man who´s done well for himself, lives amongst wealthy people but don´t give a dang about what they think. I don´t recall if I had told ya´ll before but he´s a civil engineer and does well for himself. We had asado, very traditional beef here and prepared over open fir or in an "asador", last sunday with Santiago, his older daughter and her boyfriend. Such great people they are, I am sooooo blessed to be staying with them. My tutor, Tomás Garson, who´s 28, is a first class guy as well. He lived in the States for 5 months therefore he completely understands the frustrations with the language and has been such a great supporter. Although I still speak very basically he is very encouraging and that is so crucial in the beginning. I´ve been amazed at how my comprehension ability has grown just in 2 weeks, crazy. Tomás has been great and brought me out with his friends every weekend so far and a couple times throughout the week for a REAL Argentine recreational experience, MAN that´s been great. He´s a music head like myself so the first weekend was to a reggae concert with DJs, interesting mix, and this last weekend was to a place called Cosquin that´s right smack dab in the middle of the mountains with a lake beside the stage, frickin´ridiculous. Thanks to Tomás my interaction with Americans has been very limited and I´m sooooooooo grateful for that. Its been a big change for me though. I went from being the guy in the group who cracks jokes and always has something to say to being the guy who does a lot of listening and interjects randomly, but that´s all good. I´m willing to lose a part of me for six months in order to get a better grasp on this language. Classes this month for the Intensive language Portion, have been just that. We took a pretest and I´m in the most advanced class. Sounds cool right, but I´m here to tell you. The exepectation level is up there. Alot of bloody writing, IN SPANISH!!!! Nonetheless, we´re gonna keep on chuggin. I´m been quite antisocial with the other Americans and only speak to them in Spanish, unless its something really difficult to communicate, but that´s rare. I just take my complex thoughts in English and simplify them. I take the bus every morning and evening, about 15 minutes from the house, but its very easy, only .30 cents one way HAH! Blessed there as well, that´s not always the case for folks on easy use of the bus system. I do have to admit though, the other day I fowled up BAAAADDDD! Long story short, after two bus rides, heavy rain on the completely other side of the city, a taxi, and 3 hours of my life gone, I got home. What an experience. Second language use is very interesting. You have good days and you have bad ones, you just never know. I had my first dream in Spanish last night, not a long one but still a very cool experience. I´m not taking time to correct any typing errors or double checkin´ stuff, I´m just rollin the thoughts out, so pardon any funny sounding sentences or grammar issues. Time to go cook some lunch and do some homework. I love you all and continue to get SSSSOOOOOO much joy from all your comments. I apologize for not being able to respond to everyone individually but you know you´re all in my heart and thoughts. Take it easy English speakers!!!

7 comments:

Unknown said...

King Corleone The stories just continue Gulliver, it excites me to know how well things are going. Blessed are the obedient! Not a day goes by I dont think of some wild memory, we are definitely gonna have some catchin up to do. Love ya buddy
BOB Luga Luga Luga

The Regan's said...

Jonah, It's great to hear that everything is going well for you. I had no doubt that you would get to know just about everyone Argentina. Take care and be safe. Can't wait to hear ALL of the stories when you return. Ted

Britt said...

Geez, Jonah! Sounds like a major culture shock that has turned out to be pretty incredible. I'm jealous of all the saweet stuff your experiencing. And your first dream in Spanish, eh? Thats a pretty big deal even if it was short. Keep the posts coming, I know everyone loves hearing your stories. Hasta luego mi amigo (hows that for some Spanish, huh?).
Sincerely,
Brittany Louise Regan :)

Unknown said...

Jonas,
Que bueno escuchar(bueno, leer)que todo va bien. I know you are having the time of your life,and for you I am so happy and excited. I do have some recommendations/request to make of you. 1. Portate muy bien 2. Aprende mas espanol que nunca 3. Cuando tengas una oportunidad..open your cuenta de "caralibro" 4. make sure que me consigas un buen esposo argentino
eso es todo...
aqui se te extraña muchisimo.....
p.s. do you know a girl from slovakia named mata/martina?
if you do, that's really weird...

syd said...

haha! jonah this is awesome. sounds like you're having a great time! as to the title though, i hope you didn't personally experience that suuuulllapp! hahahaha
type atcha later,
syd

Anonymous said...

Jonah!! Cuanto te echo de menos!!Pense en ti el otro dia y hoy vi el newsletter de CCCS y hablo de tu blog!! Que precioso que te estas having sooo much fuN!! I hope that you keep it up and you have a blast down there that I know you will!! You make me smile even just seeing a picture of you!! Come back quickly so I can love you even more than I already do :) Bless!!---Genny Castillo

Shawn and Rachel said...

holla holla you ole hefer. Good to hear you are alive and well down there on the other side of the equator. I want to see some pictures soon! Blessings.