Just Smile

Yesterday was my first day working at Entre Dos Hermandades. Interesting and exhausting are the most fitting words. I got there at 4pm and found Antonio, the man who gave me the job. He started showing me around explaining everything so fast that it was hard to comprehend. All of the men who work there are really nice and patient with the language barrier. (It's not so much the language as the accent and lisp) They also pointed out how tall I am since I have to duck to get into the kitchen area. I pretty much tower over everyone there... =)

This one lady, who spoke a little English, came in to have a beer right about the time I arrived. She asked me where I was from and told me that I looked like I came right out of the movies (instant brownie points for her). She kept telling me, in her broken English, "Just Smile, just smile". As the hours ticked by she was persistent to stay and help me on my first day. Even though I was taking instruction from Antonio and the others who work there, she would grab my attention and tell me exactly what SHE thought I should be doing right then. This quickly got old.

So of course the first day on the job is stressful...but in a different language?! It was the definitely the most overwhelming experience yet, but I think that I will learn a lot over the semester. Even though there were times when I was completely lost, I was impressed by how much I could understand. Antonio and the others let me dive right in, teaching me what each drink is and how exactly to make it. There lapses in excitement when the cafe would be completely empty but those were needed to rejuvenate for the chaotic moments. I was so relieved when the three hours were finally over. It's not that I didn't enjoy the work or the people, but that much Spanish is a brain workout.

That's it for now... :)