I found my host family on HelpX.com Maciek and Eva are both language teachers at the local high school. They have two children Jaynek, 11 and Marianna 9. They also have a side business of teaching English and Spanish in their private school. I teach a few English classes at the high school, private lessons for their son and daughter and some of his private students. 20 hours a week in total. Once again I am a “Rock Star” as a “native” English speaker. My host points this out to everyone – She is a real native speaker, born and raised in the USA! I have a tattoo on my neck that reads ”Made in America!” Wash with care – no bleach.
On my first night my host invited me for dinner and they even brought out champagne to toast my arrival. At one point the host told his 11-year-old son to sit up straight when he talked to me. And as a typical 11 year old he asked “Why?” “Because she is an old woman” he replied. The look of horror on my face said it all and he said to me” Oh, I am sorry I know this is not the correct way to say this in English, how do you say it?” Ummm” An adult” I answered. “ No, no!” he said “ I am 40 and I am an adult, you are an ……” “Maybe a mature adult.” I said. “Yes” he said “that is it.” “Janek, sit up when you talk to this mature adult.” Thank goodness for the champagne which took a little of the sting out of the experience.
“It’s paradoxical that the idea of living a long life appeals to everyone, but the idea of getting old doesn’t appeal to anyone.”
― Andy Rooney
“The afternoon knows what the morning never suspected.”
― Robert Frost
“To all, I would say how mistaken they are when they think that they stop falling in love when they grow old, without knowing that they grow old when they stop falling in love.”
― Gabriel García Marquez
Tell me what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life? Mary Oliver
The market place, I bought two flower bouquets from this sweet “old woman” and she was so thrilled and happy! I did not buy the mushroom necklace.
I loved this accounting of language and translation. What a great story that will always be for you!
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Tammy,
I love the photo of you with the EVEN OLDER flower vendor. You spread love and joy wherever you go.
Also, the quotes are enlightening.
You rock, girl!
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