what they won't tell you

After just 6 days here in Costa Rica it's cleat that there are certain things that you will never hear about in any Spanish education. So here’s a list of just a few of the many things that they won’t tell you in your high school or college Spanish class:

• You should stop using the “tu” (you) form when you’re talking with people. The reality is your Spanish is probably so horrible that you should always use the “usted” (formal you) form, because you’ll be needed to show respect to everyone.
• They won’t teach you how to not get ripped off by a taxi driver who will (1) round up the cost of your trip or (2) take the long way since you don’t know your way around town.
• Remember all the words you learn for street, avenue, different directions, etc.? You can forget them, because they’re not important. You will only need to be able to recognize and know significant landmarks to get around. Don’t even try asking someone what street you’re on.
• It’s better to try to communicate rather than focusing on having perfect grammar.
• When in doubt just start talking in Spanish about anything…that way, though people will still know and think you’re a gringo, they will know that you know at least a little something making you less likely to be taken advantage of.
• Always say hello to everyone; it’s rude not to.
• When you hear the word “soque” when you’re in the showing it does not mean to spend more time soaking up the water. It means “hurry up!” (I had a friend who had to learn this one her first morning).
• Whenever there is anything good just say “que linda.” It will cover all bases—how cute, lovely, pretty, awesome…everything.
• Always compliment, even if all you can say is “que rico, que bueno.”
• Become a good actor, because hand gestures are always helpful!
• Just keep talking. It’s better to talk and say nothing of importance than not talk at all.
  

There you have it; just a handful of the things that you won’t learn in Spanish class.

Warning—this does not mean you should not take Spanish classes or that they are not useful!