As we plan to spend about 3 months in Santiago, Chile, we thought some Spanish lessons would be helpful.  Since we had some time on our hands, we decided to do 8 hours of classes with Carlos in San Francisco.  He was a wonderful teacher; very patient and passionate about all things of Latin America.  His teaching style was conversational, asking basic questions and having us answer, thereby practicing different conjugations and vocabulary. 

(in Spanish)

Carlos: Jonathan, does Joyce cook?
Jonathan: Yes, she cooks.
Carlos: Does she cook very well?
Jonathan (looking over nervously): uh…. 

Carlos: Joyce, does Jonathan sing?
Joyce: Yes, he sings.
Carlos: Does he sing very well?
Joyce (looking over nervously): uh….

Arriving in Santiago, we decided to put our newfound knowledge into practice.  What better way than by ordering at McDonalds?  Jonathan spent 15 minutes in the local McD’s trying to order 2 cheeseburgers and instead, came out with 2 happy meals.  Close enough.

-joyce