Going by bus this afternoon to Valparaiso, I realized it's a bit nuts how much better buses function in the Americas other than in the US. I remember using the greyhound in college to go to Atlanta or NC. It was relatively expensive, dirty, and mildly scary or at least sketchy.
Buses in South America are, by comparison, cheap, clean, efficient, and go everywhere. I'm going to Valparaíso for about $7 to travel 75 or so miles. In almost every way the US is an easier place to live with better infrustructure, but not buses or trains.
Took a farewell photo with Helen and Maud. I probably won't see Helen and Maud together again as Maud is leaving by bus and Helen will be in the South on vacation with her dad, when Maud gets back.
I met Mario, a friend of a friend at the bus station in Valparaiso. It turns out he's an English professor, which explains his perfect English and his desire to speak to me in English. Mario took me to his sister-in-law's, Alby. Alby is incredibly nice and teaches philosophy. We walked around the plain of Valparaíso saw the port, old buildings, a free concert, and lots of people. Alby cooked us an amazing dinner of pork baked with mustard. After dinner we talked for a long time in Spanish, and one on one we talked very easily. I think the accent is easier away from Santago. We watched TV a little bit before bed and I could understand almost all of the news but only 30% of reality shows.
I absolutely have to find a way to speak Spanish regularly when I get home. I'm going to be good enough that if I keep practicing I'll be functional.
Buses in South America are, by comparison, cheap, clean, efficient, and go everywhere. I'm going to Valparaíso for about $7 to travel 75 or so miles. In almost every way the US is an easier place to live with better infrustructure, but not buses or trains.
Took a farewell photo with Helen and Maud. I probably won't see Helen and Maud together again as Maud is leaving by bus and Helen will be in the South on vacation with her dad, when Maud gets back.
I met Mario, a friend of a friend at the bus station in Valparaiso. It turns out he's an English professor, which explains his perfect English and his desire to speak to me in English. Mario took me to his sister-in-law's, Alby. Alby is incredibly nice and teaches philosophy. We walked around the plain of Valparaíso saw the port, old buildings, a free concert, and lots of people. Alby cooked us an amazing dinner of pork baked with mustard. After dinner we talked for a long time in Spanish, and one on one we talked very easily. I think the accent is easier away from Santago. We watched TV a little bit before bed and I could understand almost all of the news but only 30% of reality shows.
I absolutely have to find a way to speak Spanish regularly when I get home. I'm going to be good enough that if I keep practicing I'll be functional.
1 comment:
Hi there- maybe you could join a local Spanish club in Cleveland or help out as a tutor at the local high school- i'm sure they would take the free assistance- Miss you-Love- JoAnn, Gary & Jenn
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