Last night I went to what I'm told is a ¨real¨ salsa club. They had this awesome band with so many guys in it, dressed in purple shirts. We were there at this girl's birthday and she must have more friends than anyone in the world. I am learning to dance salsa. I hate learning new things. But I like to know the things after I learn them. We didn't get there until almost 12:30. Some of you will realize this is shockingly late for me to be out at all, let alone to go out at this time. Clubs here don't close until like 6 or 7am. Philly friends, I will never again complain about going out until 2am. Well . . . that's probably not true. But it is also so warm here, it somehow makes up for the later hour.
When I'm out with Jorge's friends or family, usually at least one person knows english and wants to speak to me. Several others usually know english but aren't confident enough to speak much. But most of the conversation around me is obviously in Spanish. Sometimes I'll speak to someone in english and they'll answer me but get a little flustered and have to ask someone for help. Everyone's so nice but sometimes it seems not worth the effort so we just smile at each other instead. I was thinking last night that I can't believe I could have ever felt awkward in situations where I knew people spoke English, where even a lame attempt at conversation would have guaranteed comprehension and response. Which is a good point. But things can be awkward even if people understand each other. Sometimes especially when people understand each other. A smile and knowing someone is making an effort to communicate can feel more comfortable than effortless smalltalk. I've felt more uncomfortable in some English-only situations then I have so far here. But I guess I will learn Spanish anyway- I do like to understand what's going on. Eating meals with Jorge's family is funny because I have no idea what they are talking about. They are really close with each other. They yell at each other and joke around and I can't understand it but it is really adorable and makes me miss my family. I was telling my mom that everybody is involved in everybody else's business here. Personal space, emotional or physical, doesn't really happen here. It makes me question my carefully-guarded personal space. If you have people around you who love you, why not just relax and enjoy them? I take myself too seriously sometimes.