"I have often speculated on why you don't return to America. Did you abscond with the church funds? Did you run off with a senator's wife? I like to think you killed a man. It's the romantic in me."
It is one of the classic cinematic exchanges. Captain Renault's witty joust with Rick at Rick's Cafe. Anyone of a certain age can probably quote the entire exchange.
Tonight was my turn at Rick's place -- or, more accurately, Ricky's.
Ricky Campbell is a singer whose career spans from the 60s through the present day. He has done many fascinating things during those years. But, just like Richard Blaine, he would most likely say that his current business is "running a saloon" -- or bar-restaurant.
He also happens to be my Spanish teacher here in Melaque.
Friday night he invited us to the eponymous Ricky's for a special session. In addition to teaching Spanish, he also teaches English. He thought it would be a good idea to get the two classes together for a bit of symbiotic learning -- and not the type that Patty "Tania" Hearst received.
There were four of us: two learning Spanish, two learning English. Ricky would hand a card (or two) to a student and request a sentence in the language being learned. We did that for about one hour.
When the hour was over, I was sorry to stop our little game. I found it both educational and fun.
However, of the four, I was the least prepared -- or least informed. For some reason, basic words are simply not sticking in my head -- even the words I try using daily.
My Mexican neighbors are extremely patient with me. As I stumble through a sentence, they either offer assistance or just plain guess at what I am trying to say.
I was at Bodega Aurrera on Friday afternoon talking with the bagger, who must have been in his late teens. He asked me if I wanted the purchase in bags -- or I thought that is what he asked. When I tried repeating the question, he stopped me, and with perfect pronunciation said: "Maybe it would be easier for us both if we spoke English." He had lived in America for seven years.
Speaking Spanish (as little as I do) is a joy for me. It is also a necessity. Even though Jiggs's veterinarian can speak some English, we need to use Spanish quite often to make certain I understand directions.
Everybody has their own method of learning languages. I think of it as a mathematical problem. I have learned the basic arithmetical forms. I now need to move on to calculus by building my vocabulary and getting a better grasp of the verb charts.
Like anything else, I will improve only with practice, practice, practice.
I really wish it was as easy as filling out one of those letters of transit in Casablanca -- perhaps one of the flimsiest plot devices ever invented on film.
But, it is not that easy. This is going to be a lifetime investment.
Just like the film's closing line --
"I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship."
It is one of the classic cinematic exchanges. Captain Renault's witty joust with Rick at Rick's Cafe. Anyone of a certain age can probably quote the entire exchange.
Tonight was my turn at Rick's place -- or, more accurately, Ricky's.
Ricky Campbell is a singer whose career spans from the 60s through the present day. He has done many fascinating things during those years. But, just like Richard Blaine, he would most likely say that his current business is "running a saloon" -- or bar-restaurant.
He also happens to be my Spanish teacher here in Melaque.
Friday night he invited us to the eponymous Ricky's for a special session. In addition to teaching Spanish, he also teaches English. He thought it would be a good idea to get the two classes together for a bit of symbiotic learning -- and not the type that Patty "Tania" Hearst received.
There were four of us: two learning Spanish, two learning English. Ricky would hand a card (or two) to a student and request a sentence in the language being learned. We did that for about one hour.
When the hour was over, I was sorry to stop our little game. I found it both educational and fun.
However, of the four, I was the least prepared -- or least informed. For some reason, basic words are simply not sticking in my head -- even the words I try using daily.
My Mexican neighbors are extremely patient with me. As I stumble through a sentence, they either offer assistance or just plain guess at what I am trying to say.
I was at Bodega Aurrera on Friday afternoon talking with the bagger, who must have been in his late teens. He asked me if I wanted the purchase in bags -- or I thought that is what he asked. When I tried repeating the question, he stopped me, and with perfect pronunciation said: "Maybe it would be easier for us both if we spoke English." He had lived in America for seven years.
Speaking Spanish (as little as I do) is a joy for me. It is also a necessity. Even though Jiggs's veterinarian can speak some English, we need to use Spanish quite often to make certain I understand directions.
Everybody has their own method of learning languages. I think of it as a mathematical problem. I have learned the basic arithmetical forms. I now need to move on to calculus by building my vocabulary and getting a better grasp of the verb charts.
Like anything else, I will improve only with practice, practice, practice.
I really wish it was as easy as filling out one of those letters of transit in Casablanca -- perhaps one of the flimsiest plot devices ever invented on film.
But, it is not that easy. This is going to be a lifetime investment.
Just like the film's closing line --
"I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship."
