I have been living in Tequisquiapan Mexico for one week. “Tequis” as the locals call it is literally in the centre of Mexico and our casa is a few blocks away. So when I told my friends that Ken and I were moving to the centre of Mexico I had no idea how true it was.
This past week has flown by, unpacking, buying a few necessary household items, meeting the neighbours, celebrating Independence Day and most of all TRYING to communicate. Tequis is a town of 24,000 Spanish speaking people, not a tourist spot. My neighbours speak a little, thank goodness and my housekeeper speaks non. Needless to say there is a lot of hand gestures, apologizing and laughing (at myself). I had a wonderful instructor in Calgary who taught me some basics but the fact is I NEED to learn Spanish!!!!
Today I ventured into the Central Plaza to walk around and see the shops. Being daring I went to a local cafe and ordered a cafe frappe and a cookie. While waiting, I tried and I mean tried to speak to a local lady. Buenos tardes, como esta usted? Wow, I thought I was doing great, then she started rattling off Spanish so quickly I panicked. I explained in broken Spanish that I could only speak a little, my name, I have lived in Tequis. one week, my husband is working here and that we really like it. Her name was Maria, she spoke no english, her husband a little, she was glad to meet me and gave me her telephone number so perhaps we could have coffee and teach each other. Now that was a wonderful experience. Bit by bit, day by day, a few words a day.
My second interesting experience was going to the local “Farmacia” because the outside of my ear is sore. no idea why, a bite or ingrown zit???? I asked “Tu hablas englais? No was the response I received pero hay no problema. i explained once again that my Spanish was poor but my outer ear is sore and could I get something? Si, antibiotico. Hope it works!?!?
Stay tuned for my next adventure in Mexico, adios.Mi dos perros en mi casa
Michelle Wilman said:
You are so brave! What an experience!