Over dinner.

My host sister, Ana, is quite the little comedian. She's 11 and just started the school year Monday. While at dinner Wednesday night, she told us that one of her teachers is a ruja, a witch. I asked why and she showed me how the teacher walks with her neck extended forward like a turtle and her back hunched up. Then Ana said the elderly teacher, who will retire in October, carries Pokémon and Barbie folders. I said maybe they were gifts from her grandchildren, but Ana's convinced the woman is crazy.

It's mandatory for the Spanish students to learn English and either French or Spanish. While we're trying to become fluent in Spanish, she's testing out her English on us. I must say, she's not bad. I guess it's due to her constantly singing the entire soundtrack from High School Musical 2 (two or dos, whichever you prefer).

"What time is it?
It's summer time. It's urh (our) vacation.
What time is it?
That’s right. Say you (it) loud.”

Of course, I laughed and said, "Estás loca." Ana said, "Yo sé."

Translation: I said, "You're crazy." Ana said, "I know."


(Sidebar: In Spain, eating meals as a family is very important. Most people return home for lunch and dinner, unless they all go to a restaurant. When everyone gets together, you watch the TV and comment on whatever was discussed on the news or what happened at school. It's very important to eat at the table too. Twice a day, my host mother has my roommate, Kareemah, Ana and I set the table. I'm talking about the Full Monty - changing table cloths, bringing out the bread basket and pitcher of water, setting the bowl on top of the plate and putting the fork to the left, the knife to the right and the cup at the 1 o'clock position above the plate. Then we sit down and she serves us. It's becoming more common in the States for Mom to cook dinner only to have the kids take their plates in the living room or in the bedroom. Think about it. Goldie Hawn and Roseanne Barr have to tell us the importance of sitting at the dining room table to dine and converse. If and when I have a family, I'll try to bring the Spanish tradition to my home.)

Picture: (From left to right.) My host sister, Ana, and her friend, Miriam, sit down to enjoy paella, a rice and seafood dish.