Though I don't really believe in New Year's resolutions, if you ask me about mine perhaps I can sit and think of some realistic ones which I know I can fulfill more or less easily, and the first of them would be: to have more friends -- good, real friends from whom I can learn and get inspiration.
After my visit to Merida last year, I started to browse the Internet for bloggers in that city, and much to my surprise almost all of them were written by American citizens who had chosen to relocate there after their retirement.
I've been reading them ever since, and I've also added some of them to my list of blogs so that I never miss any of their posts. I've commented on their blogs, and though they've acknowledged my comments, I've wished they read my posts too. But, alas, not all gringos living in Mexico can read Spanish.
One gringo blogger who has been frequently reading and commenting my posts is Kim, who lives in Boston but over the years has been spending some periods of time in Mexico City (if I'm not mistaken). This has enabled him to understand us Mexicans, our culture, and our language. My friend Kim has inspired me to write more posts in English language, and I believe that this will help me to meet more friends and thus fulfill my new year resolution.
Another of my resolutions is to travel more, and nothing would make me happier than visiting Mérida again. And perhaps my next trip there will be a great opportunity to meet new friends personally. See you there, guys!
Entradas
I got to Kim's blog by you, I was greatly surprised how a gringo enjoys Mexico more than some of us. I like him, I think I'm going to follow his blog
ResponderBorrarHola Tino!
ResponderBorrarThanks for the kind words. I had a Mexican boyfriend living in DF from January 2006 through June 2013, when, sadly, we broke up. But during that time, we had many wonderful adventures together. During that time, I've probably spent a good 25 days a year in DF, and in the past two years, probably more like 60 days a year.
F, my BF, helped me to perfect (if that's the proper word) my Spanish, and I've worked hard to become fluent. I've read a bunch of the Harry Potter books in Spanish, as well as books like "La Reina del Sur," (which isn't available in English), "El Vampiro de la Zona Rosa," (I LOVED that one), and a number of other ones that don't come to mind right now. F was great in this regard as he loves books, and can barely walk past a bookstore without going in. I've been to more "Ferias del Libro" in DF than one could imagine.
You and I share a goal for 2014: expand and deepen our friendship networks. I hope to meet you some day soon.
Saludos,
Kim G
San Francisco, CA
Where we haven't had much opportunity to use our Spanish lately.
Hi, Leon, I'm glad my blog was the bridge that connected you to Kim's, and I'm also glad we're all making friends.
ResponderBorrarHey there, Kim... I'm really surprised that you not only understand and speak Spanish, but also read books. I love to read too, and I sure remember El Vampiro de la Zona Rosa. Also hope to meet you soon buddy, I'm sure we'll enjoy chatting for hours.
After studying and speaking, I think reading is the best possible way to expand one's command of a foreign language. I don't recall how I found it, but once I found your blog, I though, "Wow! This is perfect! A gay Mexican blogger. I need to follow this blog."
ResponderBorrarAnd F liked to give me books faster than I could read them, so I have a pretty big backlog of books in Spanish.
Saludos,
Kim G
Hahahaha... I'm happy you found my blog and you decided to follow. You'll have fun.
ResponderBorrarShall I write this in English, ¿o en español? Since the this post is about bilingualism, I will continue in English.
ResponderBorrarI think it was when you made a comment on my blog, that I first discovered yours. But it wasn't until today that I had a chance to carefully read some of your posts, both in English and Spanish. I was impressed with the quality of your writing. I was also quite surprised and honored to find that you had added my blog to your blog list. Muchísimas gracias. I will be adding yours to my list. Que te vaya bien.
Saludos,
Bill
Bill, thanks so much for visiting and for your words of praise -- I feel very content. I learn a lot from your blog and I will continue to visit for more inspiration and joy. Hasta pronto, mi amigo.
BorrarHola Tino -
ResponderBorrarI believe I first found your blog through Stew and Al at Rancho Santa Clara blog. It was several months ago and I went back and read a few of your posts in English. There was one about coming out as a gay man that I wanted very much to respond to and didn't have time to right then. I have since looked for that post and could not find it.
I am SO glad to see that you post both in Spanish and English. I am just beginning to learn Spanish (I know it will be a lifelong learning process) and I try to read each of your post in Spanish - even when I am only able to make out a few words. I love your writing, your photography, and your spirit.
I am an older gringa - still living in the U.S. but moving to San Miguel in four years when I retire. San Miguel chose me, I didn't choose it. My ideal would be to share a home with a gay man - having our own and mutual friends, sharing life, entertaining, traveling, and taking care of each other in all the ways that matter.
I am fascinated by Mexico, the culture, the people. I have never felt closer to God than when in Mexico.
Thank you for all you share! Perhaps I will have the pleasure of meeting you one day.
Barbara (at Dean's - I do not have a Google account myself)
Hello, Barbara
BorrarI can't tell you just how much I have enjoyed your comment, thank you so much for your kind words. I spent some time trying to look for a post where I specifically talk about my coming out, but couldn't find any. I certainly met a guy in 2012, whom I thought was Mr. Right. He succeeded in convincing me that we were meant for each other and we should marry and wait no more. Perhaps this post: http://elbibis.blogspot.mx/2013/10/enojado-con-la-vida-i-yo-no-naci-para.html describes that short-lived adventure. If it gets hard, do not forget to click on the "Read in your Language" button (available on computers only).
Congratulations on your goal to learn Spanish. You are so right, it is a lifelong process, I should remember that when I feel discouraged at my slow progress in Chinese.
And finally, I loved what you said about San Miguel and Mexico... it sure will be a pleasure to meet you sometime soon. Personally I've never been to San Miguel but I've heard so many good comments that I have included that destination in my list of places to visit in my country. Please come back soon, and don't forget to share your email address or blog when you have one.