This is a post that only those who know Scott well, will find as much humor in as I do. All who know him are well aware that he is a man of few words. Scott has never been accused of being a “chatty” guy. Nooooo on the contrary, Scott is rather quiet. Am I right? I can hear all the collective nods of agreement. Yes, Scott is not shy or even especially reserved, no , he is simply just more of an observer and will easily contribute to a conversation but is not one to waste a lot of time chatting. It’s not his way…..Until now!
I don’t know this man who has begun to chat with anyone who will listen!! HUH? The other day after class as I was returning to the area where Scott and I usually meet up and as I was walking towards him I saw him just chatting away with a fellow student, deeply involved in a conversation , in spanish mind you! I had to smile. This is beginning to be a common occurrence, this new “chatty” behavior that my quiet husband has recently begun to engage in of late. I know, it’s hard to imagine, but I kid you not…..I’m finding more and more that I have been much more the one lately who is observing rather than participating in these “chat-sessions”. I can hardly get a word in edgewise! But not for want of something to say, noooo I always have something to say! But he is so intent to learn Spanish that he , probably for the first time in his life, has a really good reason to chat!! It’s so funny, and soooo great! He really tries hard to practice speaking every chance he gets. And He’s doing a great job. But I have to tease him because when he’s talking he’s concentrating so hard on recalling what he has so recently learned that he’s using his hands (as though he were an Italian) to describe much of what he’s saying. As he talks he is sort of looking off to the side and searching through his mind for the correct verb or conjugation or what have you, to express correctly , what he wants to say. The Animated conversations that I’m witnessing are inspiring! 🙂
For those of you who have ever learned a language , you know first-hand, the only way to actually learn it and retain what you learn is to use it. Scott is doing just that and he’s really determined. In classic Scott style, he will master Spanish in no time because when he’s determined to learn something it is a sure thing that he will learn it and learn it well. That’s just the way he rolls! This adventure is surely providing many new learning experiences for both of us. And I am also very determined to learn the language , but my process will be much slower and don’t’ you worry, I’m finding my own ways of practicing to speak. I’ve made some new Panamanian girlfriends who I’m getting together with every Monday for a few hours to chat with! They want to practice English and I get to Practice Spanish too, it’s just great! But I just thought you would all enjoy hearing about this new guy who I just can’t shut up!! 🙂 Who ever thought Scott would morph into Mr. Chatty??? Well, he has!! And I just love it!!
Let The Adventure "Continue"! 
Que bueno! You’re right. It is so cool when the Spanish actually works and you can talk to people. It gives you more confidence to keep working on it, and to keep talking more. I’m thrilled every time I am able to understand and make myself understood. I’m excited for you too that you are learning more every day.
So what this about Italians! Of course we use our hands, why else did God give us hands, so we could talk and caress our women. OK, so it does not look like I am Italian, only because my mother took back her maiden name when we came to the U.S. in 47, my Italian last name is Ridelli.
The same thing happened to Michael when he came to Australia went from being a silent chappy to a chatty chappy, maybe it is the change, but remember that same thrill as I came upon him chatting to an elderly lady in the supermarket. Also he loved it as well. What ever the reason keep up the good work.
Very amusing! You go get ’em Scott!
It’s really great the dedication you two are putting into learning the language. It’s too bad more of the people who live up on the hill don’t and clique up only with other gringos and tell each other how hard it is to learn a new language when you’re older. Keep at it. It makes the adventure all that more fun when you can interact with the natives in their language.