The Language Exchange

The public library in San Miguel has lots of great things going for it. It has the second-largest English-language book collection in Mexico; a theater for movies, concerts, and lectures; a sunny courtyard and café; and an active language exchange program. Every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon, those who are interested gather in the library courtyard to practice their Spanish and English. The language exchange is an informal event. We sit in plastic armchairs, forming pairs or small groups with people we’ve never met, and WE TALK.Every week Bob and I meet interesting people from all over Mexico who now live in San Miguel. We come away with improved Spanish conversation skills and with the satisfaction of having made new acquaintances. I’ve talked with Angelina, a mother of four from a nearby village, a Spanish teacher named Beatrice who gave me tips on setting up English classes in San Miguel, a young woman named Corina who recently returned from a year in Vancouver, and today, a young man named Armando who weaves and sells wool rugs at the artisans market in town. Business has been slow recently, so practicing English gives Armando something to look forward to. Today Bob talked with Alfonso, a young man who coaches soccer and works in the family restaurant.
There are numerous language schools in San Miguel for those who want to study Spanish or English, but for Bob and me, the language exchange is where it's at.