La Mujer from California and my first Starbucks

This morning I bribed myself to get out of bed and re-copy my Spanish notes by telling myself I could sit and work in the Starbucks I walk pass on my way to class.

From 100927

It was glorious. Just exactly as I remember it, maybe even better. They have the same “snickities” Erin and Kate!! As well as a pizza and different sandwiches. That consistent Starbucks ambiance, you just can't fail!

I know I’m in Spain and should avoid places like the “bucks,” but my “café latte con avellana sin azucar” was fantastic!! And I did give the local café a shot to make a hazelnut latte which was a poor excuse for warm deliciousness.

I forgot to bring my earplugs with me (which are a must for me when trying to concentrate in public places or at the Habitat office :)) but I found that not knowing the language being spoken around me is similarly quieting. I perked up a few times when I understood things and I AM excited for the day that I WILL need earplugs.

My Spanish is getting better!! I’m still translating in my head and today I made a complete ass out of myself in class when the teacher was asking me a question, which I will say I still don’t understand which part I wasn’t answering correctly.

In class I am known as the “Mujer from California” which according to my professor when he coined it naturally meant I drank wine. So far when words or phrases associated with drinking like botella (bottle) and borracho (drunk) come up I’ve been a go-to for insight. Our professor sort of has similar jokes with everyone.

It did not help my case when the teacher was explaining the difference between - Estoy borracho (I’m drunk) and Soy borracho (I’m a drunkard). Afterwards he asked where the Mujer from California was and asked me in Spanish “How many drinks until (someone) is (considered) a drunkard?”

I responded “days per year?” and he said sure.

So I thought about it and figured you’re probably safe 1 day a week; 2 days well that’s a weekend safe too I guess; throw in another week day for good measure…in conclusion any person who is drinking more than 3 days every week in a year is a drunkard. So I said dos cien (200) because I knew that without translating (150).

The class laughed. The professor was asking me “How many days do I drink a year?”

Just great…