With regards to the first, I decided to do a test run in Chicago last weekend. I know how I work. I knew that upon arriving, I would look at the delicious beans and decide that I probably wasn't really allergic anymore and go to town on them. So, I went to Xoco last saturday night and ordered a sandwich slathered with black beans. In my defense I did not know it would come with black bean slather, but confronted with the option, I decided to risk it. I enjoyed half the sandwich immensely, and took off the bean covered bread for the second half. As I left the restaurant, I began to feel itchy. As I waited for the bus, I started to cough. As I rode back to my friend's apartment, my eyes were burning. Two benadryl later, I was done for the night. So... I guess I am still allergic. Thus, I have been practicing how to say "soy allergica al frijoles negros" over and over again in my head. I don't even think that is the right way to say it. But, here I am at a cafe, and I was able to order the Oaxacan specialty sin frijoles negros with ease. So, I am going to be just fine.
The Spanish one is a bit harder. I have traveled in plenty of places where I don't speak the language, but it has been a while and it is rare that I am mostly alone while doing so. In the last 24 hours I have had to accept the reality that I seem like a total idiot to most people I meet. Today, I purchased a Mexican cell phone and I had about 4 employees trying to explain the phone to me. Luckily, we all laughed at how little I was understanding and made it through. I am researching Spanish schools and plan to start a school on Monday. Also, I am staying with my friend Nikki. She is fluent and fully connected to Oaxaca. So, I am not totally alone. I really could not be happier to be here with all the travelers discomfort in tow. Thankfully, I have two months to explore and digest the food, the language, the culture, and the beauty.
1 comment:
The language will come back. I'm so happy you're off on a new adventure!
Fi sanatoasa!
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