Miercoles, Semana 1

We are really not so different in los Estados Unidos. We have a lot of the same problems that they have in Europe; economia, construction, and los adolescentes. I have realized, dear brothers, that you were not so weird growing up after all. The 15 year old that lives in this apartment is concerned with the same things that you were (or in most cases, still are. Broma. But seriously). His pelo, las ropas, sus gafas... all these things translate over into wanting to look cool, no matter what location in the world. Los chicos! Is all Violeta will say.

My profesor, Manolo proves to be a character. We were talking about the relationship between Spain and Portugal, and he tells us this: Portugal no exista. Doesn't exist? I just saw it on the map, we all think in our heads. No, no es como Canada y los Estados Unidos. There are no problems with Canada and the United States... and our borders touch, for a large part. But it is as Manolo put it: a Canadian and un estadounidense are sitting next to one another. One asks, Tu eres Canada? the other replies Si, to eres los estados unidos, and he replies si. Oh! They both comment. They look up and away; no more is said. Es como espana y portugal, Manolo says. My mujer said, let's go to Portugal! Do you like Portugal? And Manolo replied, Si, me gusta Portugal. But, Manolo tells the class, Nos viajabamos nunca. Because Portugal doesn't exist. But in the case of Francia or Mexico, hay problemas! Mexico is.....!&*$%^!!!! Y Francia es... *(&$%#!!!!! Yep... these countries are definitely both on the map.

Oh, and another point about Manolo to mention. He knocks over water bottles without warning, because he says, me gusta mucho. If only one could do Manolo justice through cuentas...