One of my highlights for this week happened a few days ago. It was a beautiful, sunshiny day, so I decided to take a walk down the the Plaza and get some coffee. I also wanted to update my personal travel journal and to attempt to read some of the local Alicante newspaper. [Side note: I'm still trying to figure out how to order a cup of coffee here. Espresso is really popular, but I want more than just one espresso shot. I'm having a great time trying to decipher what the menu has to offer at this one coffee shop on the corner, and I'm really hoping that someday I can get just a black cup of coffee. Keep your fingers crossed for me!] Anyway, after my latest attempt at ordering coffee, I was sitting on a bench with the sun shining right into my face. It was glorious. While I was reading and writing, an old man on his paseo (walk) stopped to talk to me. Many of you know, I always attract older men, and by older I mean like 80 years-old. Ha. So why was I happy about this? He started talking to me in Spanish! That means that I looked like I belonged. When he noticed the blank stare on my face, he started to talk to me in a little bit of English, and he told me that he would "see me tomorrow." I might have to go to that bench again someday just to see if my new friend will help me with my Spanish.
I have also enjoyed exploring the city of Alicante this week with my new friends. We are finding dives that sell cheap drinks and food. We walk a lot and take some gorgeous pictures of the city. Yesterday, our program took us up to the castle that overlooks much of Alicante. Later, we experienced a bit of the night life here, and if there is one thing that has become clear to me in this week, it is the fact that Spaniards really know how to set aside time to enjoy life. This extends beyond just the night life. Older people sit out on La Explanada, which is walkway the picture behind my blog, and they chat and soak in the sun. Couples kiss passionately in public, and meals are valued as a time to get together with others. There is also the siesta, which is a time to rest and recharge.
Here's a great picture that I took standing out on the marina:
Living with my host familia has really helped me in adjusting to a new culture. Our meal times are the most valuable because that is the main time of our interaction, and I always learn something new. Yesterday was the cumpleaños (birthday) of mi madre, so instead of cooking, she got Chinese take-out. A man-- I think he might be her boyfriend, but I'm not quite sure-- joined us for dinner, and we had such a great time! He was making jokes and talking to me about many things: the beauty of the Carson Valley, Clint Eastwood movies, Obama, religion, pickpockets, and how to make insults. Nothing was off-limits, but obviously, my responses were more limited. It was a great night, and I'm finally starting to feel like less of a stranger. Even Abel and Victor (the two teenage boys who live here) are starting to talk to me more. I'm hoping that I can start spending a little bit of time with mi familia outside of meal times, but that might come when I'm more confident in speaking Spanish.
Well, I should probably go outside soon, but I must tell you about my new favorite Spanish phrase: "no pasa nada." This is a common phrase, and I love it because it sums up my time in Alicante so far. "No pasa nada" can be used to mean 'no worries' or 'don't worry about it,' and it is often used when a mistake is made without any harm. I'm comforted by this phrase because I make a lot of little mistakes here, but it's all good. Someday I will fit in more easily, but until then:
No pasa nada.
When locals don't identify you as a tourist it is a good sign that you are fitting in.
ReplyDeleteMaybe older men relate to you because "we" are better at seeing what a genuinely interesting person you are.
Been to a tapas bar yet?
Hasta luego!
Coach