Homestay Life

BY JEREMY GASS

As a gutsy young scholar, I have thrust myself into a bit of a predicament. I have never spoke, understood, or studied Spanish in any capacity. After all, I took three years of French in high school.  Before my departure, people often asked why I desired to travel all the way to Spain in the first place. I usually began by stating that I wanted to emulate Ernest Hemmingway. After that statement was rejected, I would fall back on my programmed response of experiencing a new culture and surroundings. Satisfied with my answer, the follow up question I received was why I decided (and even paid) to live with a family I have never met before. Why? I really couldn't answer at the time.

It's nearly been three weeks since I arrived in Salamanca, and I am thoroughly satisfied with my decision to live in a homestay. I never expected my surrogate mother (Luz) and father (Manuel) to be such wonderful people.

From an academic standpoint, the benefits of the home stay have already come through.  I am surrounded by the language from morning, till siesta, and then until night. Learning Spanish is a challenge, but I feel that total immersion only benefit me in the end. I can understand more than I can communicate, but I'm making progress. I'm now certain that I'll surpass my original goal of being able to speak at the level of a toddler.

Despite my language handicap, I have felt welcome since my I first met Luz and Manuel. It’s the tiny moments of spontaneous hilarity that truly make me feel as if I never left home. Luz loves to sporadically burst into song, which I find amusing and informative. It’s a great way to pick up new vocabulary. My favorite memories so far relate to few occasions she has brandished an imaginary machine gun and fired a barrage of invisible projectiles directly at me. Of course I play along, miming my own demise. We both laugh as she flashes her reassuring smile. I appreciate the playful attitude that Luz expresses, as it gives me a chance to feel included. I look forward to my first meaningful and articulate conversation with her once I tear down the language barrier. It too will be hilarious, I'm sure.

Besides our games of deadly charades, there are countless tender examples of her kindness.  During the first week I was sitting at the kitchen table feverishly practicing my Spanish lessons. Knowing that I had not eaten that night, she divided her delicious dinner of beef and mushrooms in two parts and offered it to me. Needless to say, I melted. Never have I felt so accepted and welcomed by a complete strange. That act speaks volumes about her character. While living in the homestay the most important thing for me is to feel as if I am part of the family and Luz does this effortlessly.

Now I have to say that although learning the language faster and mingling with a real Spanish family is great, I had ulterior motives for selecting the home stay option. Food.

I spend most my days dreaming about what mouth-wateringly authentic Spanish meal is waiting for me once I am released from class. And yes, it really is that good and I am not ashamed to admit that I have dreamed of eating lunch. Luz is a masterful cook with over 40 years of experience under her figurative belt.  How can anyone truly experience Spain whilst eating microwavable hamburgers, canned soup, and ham flavored Ruffles? You can, but I feel that my way is much better.