It’s hard to concentrate in class when:
a) You’re surrounded by beautiful gardens bathing in the sun
b) You’re able to hear the waves from the lake washing ashore
c) Your Spanish language teacher spends more time picking his nose than he does quizzing your grammar.
If you guessed C, you have the correct answer!
We started our Spanish lessons last Friday, and I knew from introductions that my teacher and I might not have the best relationship. We went through introductions, shook hands, and proceeded into our little hut on the beach for instruction. As soon as we sat down, he went at it, in full force. I had to look away quickly to keep myself from vomiting. I gave it some time and looked back, and he was still going at it! Oh my god, I just shook his hand!
To make things just a bit more disturbing, he did this thing where he rubbed his fingers together… to get the boogers off! Just typing this now I am dry heaving. He proceeded to do this at many points during our lessons. Anyone know how to say, “Stop picking your nose!” in Spanish? Or, maybe next time I’ll pull out a tissue and offer it to him.
Brian got very lucky with his teacher. I’m green with envy! On our break, my teacher introduced himself to Brian, after which I pulled Brian far away and told of the nose-picking predicament. He was just as grossed out since he, too, just shook his hand. We found a sink by the bathroom and washed up really well.
Brian thinks I should ask for a new teacher, and even though I’m dying to, I just think it would make things even more awkward. I mean, this is how this guy makes a living, and if I cancel on him, he might not get paid this week. It is a dilemma!
Also, we were planning on staying in San Pedro for four weeks of language lessons, but now, after being here, we are probably only going to stick around for two (and not just because I can’t stand my booger picking teacher). Our tentative plan is to move on to Quetzaltenango and maybe do another week of lessons there. After that, we might head over to Copan in Honduras, make our way to Rio Dulce back in Guatemala for a jungle river ride, and further up to Tikal. Ah so much time, and so much possibility.
American girl left to travel the world in 2007. Studied languages, slept in a yurt, taught English, met Aussie guy and fell in love. Moved to Australia. Calls Sydney home. Wants a puppy. Still loves to travel. Read more 
san pedro sucks huh? do you guys like san marcos?
http://www.flickr.com/photos/higby/sets/72157603662671588/
there are some photos from my brief trip…
Can you please stop picking your nose? -> Por favor, ¿puede usted parar de hurgarse la nariz?
It just keeps getting better! Yeah, I was kinda thinking 4 weeks in San Pedro is a long time, sounds like a good plan to move on and see some other spots. I think it is a fun and interesting place but I can’t imagine being there for that long, of course there’s all the other villages to check out as well. Also, to save $ on the ferry we hired a private guy and haggled a good price -just an idea for you. Also, my website looks like crap, if you happen to be bored (which I doubt!) can you look at it and help me? Beersandbeans.com – I can’t get 1/2 the stuff to work right and i can’t get the big brown area on the top to go away! I’m really frustrated w/ WP right now -aghh!
I can sympathize w/u. Just b greatful that he wasn’t hungry. After class, just head to the nearest bar & bottoms up! Stay safe! See ya soon.
ok, so i’m at the internet cafe right now and I look over to see a woman full out excavating her nose, investigating it on her hands and flickin stuff off! It must be “ok” to do that here. SICK!!!
Beth, the site is muy bonito! Send me an email with what you are wanting to fix and I’ll see what I can do to help
Matt, we are still in San Pedro – its not too bad, actually… but we also have a place and interact with other language school students. Thanks for the link to your pics, they look great!
Other than the nose picking, how is the quality of the instruction down there?