12-07-08, 10:45 AM | |
VF Supporter
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Brooklyn, New York
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We spend summers in Argentina and go to Spain as often as we can. We both lived in Latin America for a time in the 60s -- husband was in the Peace Corps in Bolivia and lived in Mexico and I lived in Bogotá.
Why did you pick that particular country? We both have some Spanish (and have resumed study of that language so we have more every time we go back). Of Spanish-speaking countries Argentina was more economically feasible for a culture-rich region. Why are you going there? We're both interested in Latin American literature and culture -- and of course the language. What do you hope to do/learn? See above. How is being in a country where you don't know what people are saying? Well, now we can understand a lot of what's going around us -- in the beginning, when our Spanish was a little more sketchy, it was relaxing not to be so plugged in. And not having to answer the telephone is a wonderful thing. Even when you don't know the language very well, which is how it is with us when we travel in Portugal, a good phrase book goes a long way. Living in another country and in another culture is broadening in the truest sense. It's given me, through the years, much more perspective in understanding what's going on in the world. Given the opportunity and the right circumstances, I don't see why anyone would not do it. Knowing another language is still thrilling to me -- not quite fluent yet but I know it'll feel like taking flight if that ever happens.
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Sharon (You can get to my sketchblog through my profile page.) __________________________ I'm what I am, and what I am, Is back on Boogie Street. Leonard Cohen/Sharon Robinson "Boogie Street" 10 New Songs. (I have a professional/personal relationship with an instructor who produces video and book material relevant to this site.) |
12-07-08, 11:50 AM | ||
VF Supporter
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Haifa, Israel
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Quote:
It's fun travelling in countries where they don't speak English, although in most countries that I've been to, young people & people who work with tourists do know some English. I was in Hungary in 1989 & almost no one knew English (I think that German was taught as a second language) and my very poor French & Italian were useless, too. I communicated by drawing pictures & that worked out fine . |
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12-07-08, 02:08 PM | |
VF Supporter
Join Date: Nov 2001
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Wow, this thread has taken lots of twists and turns!
Here's my take: For years, Anna Benson has given excellent customer service (to me and many others), including adding extra goodies when there were DVD delays (like a sweatshirt and an entire extra set of DVDs), so I don't see a reason that people shouldn't do business with her. I think that Annette should be forgiven, because everyone makes mistakes. |
12-08-08, 01:27 PM | |
VF Supporter
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Twin Cities, MN
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WOW - I stopped reading this thread long ago and just came back to it. All I can say is that I'm glad I'm no longer a moderator and, therefore, didn't have to participate in analyzing all the drama. It's been so refreshing without it.
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12-08-08, 01:53 PM | ||
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: middle of the desert
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Quote:
1. I studied Japanese in high school. It was always an intention to live there for a while but college took longer than expected and by the time I got to japan I hadnt studied/spoken/ heard Japanese in about 8 years! 2. I taught English 3. I wanted to re-learn my Japanese and of course learn more, make friends, travel throughout Asia, life expereinces...I did make MANY wonderful friends some of which came to the US for my wedding a year after I came back to the US. I did learn a ton of Japanese. I travelled all through asia and have some wonderful memories. I learned a ton there and became creative at communicating. 4. It made me want to learn the language even more and pushed me to study on my own (no classes in my area), talk more, and ask more questions. Lindsey
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DISCLOSURE: I have a professional relationship with sellers and producers of fitness videos and products. For details, please see my profile. You can find a link to my fitness blog in my profile |
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12-08-08, 04:23 PM | ||
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: NY
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Quote:
Annette was the one who chose not to return, and I understand that. Perhaps she'll return one day, when all this is not so fresh. ------------------ To change the subject, I think it's fascinating reading how there are a lot of VFers who are so well-traveled. How awesome is that? Dee |
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anna benson, bad customer service, fitprime |
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