Day 3: Time to get serious

Hmmmm, seems like we jumped into the big leagues today. After two nice lessons with 'how are you' and the numbers from 1-10, we've just moved onto conjugating verbs and using pronouns and suddenly it's a lot more real that I'm actually learning a language and not just watching an amusing cartoon. But I suppose it had to happen sooner or later - and at least makes you feel like you're definitely getting your value for money (in case you were wondering about that, check out the little price comparison chart).

Also, in keeping with the 'serious' theme, I learned some things to say in a business meeting. Was a little disappointed that, given the nature of the lessons, we didn't start with 'picking someone up in a bar' etc. but then realised that the formal vocab they were giving me was going to be useful for talking to people like my Tango teacher, Kung Fu master, Landlord, and potential boss (if I ever feel inclined to get off my ass and find a 'real' job here...!)

Really good aspects of the lesson included the fact that I learned all the different currencies of South America, which would have been really bloody useful when I was traveling around the continent earlier this summer, and an explanation of why shopkeepers look at you with a mixture of horror and disgust when you hand over a 100 peso note here.

It still cracks me up when David imitates Jimena, and there was a wonderfully random moment when he somehow linked verb endings to McDonalds milkshakes. Plus - it was inevitable - when we continued with the numbers, he milked 69 for all it's worth..! Ok, ok, I'm gonna stop giving so much away - you'll all just have to get your own!(Bueno, entonces... Learn Spanish)

As for using what I've learned in real life...well, I'm doing really well with the basics like hi, how are you, spooning, and numbers but will have to watch a few more classes to get the hang of comprehensible sentences. It may be my imagination, but I do think I'm understanding more - oh, and I've started to watch the videos with a notebook and pen, jotting down stuff that I'll probably never read over again, but at least it might trick my brain into absorbing more...