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Rolly

Sep 8, 2006, 8:58 PM

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A new adventure for me

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While I have no interest at all in teaching English, I have often thought I might enjoy hosting a conversation group for advanced students. Well, it has sort of happened.

One day a couple of weeks ago I was coming out of our neighborhood tienda when a young man rode up to me on his bicycle. He introduced himself in English and said "I want to be your friend to practice my English." I told him I would like that and that he was welcome to come knock on my door any time. (I sometimes think everybody in Lerdo knows who the fat gringo is.)

A few days later he did, and we had a fun time talking about many things and playing with my computer. He was especially fascinated with Google Earth. We zoomed in on Lerdo, his house and mine, and lots of other stuff. He likes science fiction, so I loaded him up with some Star Wars tapes. We spent almost three hours together talking and getting acquainted.

Manuel is 22, and lives on my street in the next block. He's a little shy, but very nice, and quite bright. He's built like a football player (lineman) but says his game is basketball. He's a high school graduate and has been enrolled in a private English school for the past 6 months. His teacher is a friend of mine, a Mexican guy who speaks accent-free English, and who is reputed to be a very good teacher.

Manuel came back tonight (Friday) for another session, bringing a plate of very good cookies he had made for me. I asked him why he was so interested in learning English. He wants to go to the USA to be a cowboy or an architectural draftsman. Sort of a interesting pair of choices. He used to live on a little ranch on the edge of town until the family grew larger than the ranch could support. Now that Lerdo has grown right up to their land, the family has divided it into 104 lots which they are selling.

Tonight I loaded him up with some more Star Wars DVDs, an illustrated dictionary, and Rain of Gold. He has no English reading material, so I thought Rain would be interesting to him -- a little tough, but he seems to like challenges. Next session will be Monday morning at 10:00.

I've been looking for a new adventure, and I think one has found me.

Rolly Pirate

nfabq

Sep 9, 2006, 12:53 AM

Post #2 of 8 (861 views)

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Re: [Rolly] A new adventure for me

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That's a great thing to do,Rolly. Any thoughts about expanding the circle?

Norm

drfugawe

Sep 9, 2006, 5:22 AM

Post #3 of 8 (849 views)

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Re: [Rolly] A new adventure for me

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Your a very good guy, Rolly! I like your style and your attitude, and I bet you are a good Gringo role model for your neighbors.

Hope you enjoy your new adventures.
John
_________________________

"Self-respect: the secure feeling
that no one, as yet, is suspicious."
H.L. Mencken
____________###

bfwpdx

Sep 9, 2006, 6:23 AM

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Re: [Rolly] A new adventure for me

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Rolly, you are such a wonderful mentor for everyone. You are the universal grampa (gringo or not). I am sure the Big Guy up there has had you in mind for this little job for some time....He knows what you are capable of...

You asked about my photos of MExico City from 1974. They are in a box in my son's attic 300 miles away from me, but I will ask him to dig them out and if they work out I will post the best ones.

1ajijic

Sep 9, 2006, 8:22 AM

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Re: [Rolly] A new adventure for me

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Rolly , the Katz's in Sayula have been doing this for ages. Perhaps they could give you some pointers? They also help Ojida Knife. I believe that someone on the Board is also from Sayula. Perhaps they can put you in touch?
http://www.newbeginningsmexico.com

Gringal

Sep 9, 2006, 10:43 AM

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Re: [Rolly] A new adventure for me

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They say teaching is a "calling", and I believe it is. We collect our little bags of information, and pretty soon someone comes along that needs it. And "calls" you. I'm glad to hear you answered. It's one of the most rewarding things in life. Blessings on you.

Don

Sep 9, 2006, 11:35 AM

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Re: [1ajijic] A new adventure for me

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Check the bottom of the web page below to find some pictures of Paul and Debby Katz assisting some Sayula residents with their English. It's a group where everyone converses in English.

http://sayularetirement.swiftsite.com/sayula.htm

(This post was edited by Don on Sep 9, 2006, 12:56 PM)

JohnnyBoy

Sep 10, 2006, 11:54 AM

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Re: [Rolly] A new adventure for me

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Rolly,

I just sent you a private message thanking you for your nice contribution to the "First Time I Saw Mexico" thread and immediately came upon this new thread of yours.

I am sure, by now, you are used to the compliments and appreciation that other participants here at MexConnect lavish upon you, so I will not attempt to out-do any of them. But I do want to add mine to theirs. Superfluous as it may be.

I was a teacher for 10-12 years. Eight years of full-time teaching and several years of part-time, here and there. Always teaching German, Italian, and Latin. I once tutored, in English, the daughter-in-law of the Roman doctor who saved Italy from TB during the Mussolini era. We read Steinbeck together. She was so bright, it was frightening, and it kept me on my toes. I worked with her in their villa on the outskirts of Rome and got a wonderful home-cooked Italian meal each time.

Ever since I made my decision to retire in Mexico I have harbored a hope that I will be able to teach English there. What a wonderful thing to be approached that way, the faith and trust, on both your parts. I am sure you will find it a very rewarding experience.

Bless you.

jb