Step It Up, Gringo Boys!

I think the title of this post practically says it all. I mean, I had been told that Latin boys are much more affectionate and warm, but I had no idea how cold and terrible gringo boys could seem in comparison. I don't think I will ever be able to go back to them, in all honesty. I feel like the Spanish language in itself is much more soothing, and I don't think it is only because I love the language. There is so much depth to it, so much warmth, and it seems to be constantly moving. While I feel that sometimes English is more direct and aggressive (which I like), it can also feel stagnant and metallic. Anyway, Latin Lovers take the cake.

Among three classes, I have one class with Ticos: Latin American Culture. We have only had one class so far (it only meets one day a week), so I am not sure yet if it will be difficult. It was a bit boring (really boring), so the guy next to me and I started passing notes. He said he was going to give me a bunch of Latin music for my bus ride to Arenal, so we exchanged phone numbers and decided to meet the following day after my morning class. He texted me later to see if I wanted to go out with him that night, and although it didn't end up working out for that day, we got together on Sunday. I was sort of expecting it to be more of a hangout time, but I was pleasantly surprised. It was most definitely a date.

He met my Papi (and Papi approves), and he took me to the movies (Los Pequeños Fockers), but before the movie started we just walked around the mall and talked. Now, let me just say here that I was extremely proud of myself for going on a date all in Spanish. I had been afraid that it was going to be awkward, that I wouldn't be able to understand what he was saying, and that I would just be silent and not say anything. That didn't happen at all! I was able to understand him really easily, and my conversation flowed really well. He told me that my accent is great and that I don't sound like most gringos when I talk (which made me feel better after that dude in the park told me I sucked). Roberto is actually from El Salvador, so his accent is different. I like it, though. He studies digital animation here at Veritas, and he already has a degree in communications. He is a buena nota.

I believe we are going to go out again on Thursday, and he wants to take me to Castro's (a club in San Pedro) and teach me to salsa dance. I am really excited for that, but I know I will most likely be no good at the dancing. I have a yoga class tonight. I feel like I'm gaining weight and being lazy (not active at all), so I think it will be good for me to do something physical and relaxing at the same time. Of course, it will mean being at school for eleven straight hours on Thursdays, but I think it will give me something to look forward to when I am sitting in my three hour long Latin American Culture class.

Advice for the day (for gringas back home): Say, "See ya!" to those poopy gringo boys and find a Latino.