School begins---Learning Spanish

Our first day of classes has arrived.  We're studying Spanish at the Academia Hispano Americana.  This language school began in 1959 and continues to be operated by the daughter of the founders.   Sitting in the courtyard of the school, I'm struck by the thought of modern-day efforts to 'age' and 'distress' furniture, building facades, windows, doors, etc.  Here I am looking at the real thing--a beautiful 17th-century colonial building still functional and currently serving as the perfect home for this language school.

After a short Spanish-proficiency test, Fred is Level 5, Max is Level 3, and I'm at the beginning, Level 1.  Class enrollment is small this session--I have one other classmate, Christopher.  We study grammar and vocabulary in the morning, then an hour each of conversation and pronunciation.  After a lunch break--siesta for some, we come back for our afternoon seminars on Mexican culture and history.  We finish at 6:30 pm--and we have homework.  It's been a LONG time since I've spent this much time attending school and studying.  

The entire session lasts four weeks, however, I notice that some students aren't able to stay that long and are still able to take classes.  While the staff and teachers are friendly and patient, this school is serious about becoming fluent in Spanish and the emphasis is on full immersion.

I'll continue to write more about the school experience.  A lot goes on in four weeks and it's a work in progress.  Here's a link to the school:

http://www.ahaspeakspanish.com/index.htm

Like so many buildings here in San Miguel de Allende, the facade facing the street is relatively simple and plain, then opens up to a beautiful inner courtyard with surrounding rooms.

See what I mean?

Just look at that amazing entry door--all original!   In the afternoons, we listen to Sergio speak in this classroom of Mexican history.  I came to realize just how little I know about this country and its past.  I understand about 65% of his lecture--Max has to fill me in later.  

My classroom

Fred and Max, ready to study Spanish!

My maestra, Teresa, and my Level 1 fellow student, Christopher.