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So here you are. A stranger in a strange land. Different customs, different food and of course, a different language. One may think it difficult to communicate in such a foreign atmosphere. “Oh however will I get my message across?”
 This question has undoubtedly plagued many a visitor to Mexico and Vallarta. The beauty of it all is that you can get along very well in Ingles. It’s always fun to make the effort to use a little Spanish while here; por favour, gracias, cuánto cuesta? (how much) and of course the ever popular, a dónde esta el baño? (Where’s the washroom?) This is an excellent way to hone your language skills. The people of Vallarta, as in any country, appreciate having visitors make the effort to communicate with them in their own tongue. It shows good will, consideration and respect for the hosts.
Learning a new language remains for most, no easy task. Fortunately, I was born in a small village that afforded me the advantage and blessing of growing up bilingual, French and English. Speaking a second language helps you to learn a third more easily than a second because you can already think in more than one language. They say you don’t really know a language until you can think in it and understand jokes.
The wonderful folks of Vallarta make things very easy for us all however. They are constantly seeking ways to develop their English skills. This makes for interesting encounters as you’re trying to speak Spanish and they’re trying to reply in English. On occasion neither party gets much of his message across but it makes for great fun and good relations.
So don’t be shy! Give your Spanglish a shot and you’ll certainly receive a good dose of Engnol in return. Ay Chihuahua!
Merry Christmas!...
Charlie Rondot - Real Estate Adviser - Coldwell Banker La Costa Realty
E-mail: crondot@cblacosta.com
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