When is a Lesson in Portuguese not a Portuguese Lesson?

Sorry we haven’t blogged for a while, the last few weeks have been a bit crazy as we've had intermittent water and lots of people have been talking to us about electricity, bombas, and things that aren't really covered in Chapters 1-3 of our exercise book. Language seems to be sinking in, but takes a lot of our time.  Whilst we are learning excellent things in lessons like how to introduce ourselves, explain directions, or order Portuguese delicacies in a café overlooking the Mediterranean,  it’s in the afternoons that the real lessons begin as we talk to the people who live and work around our apartment.  Christine may not have perfect verb endings but can discuss the day to day activities of the children’s bowel movements as required and Geoff is getting up to speed talking about water pumps and all things electrical.

 

Whilst were struggling through language and adapting to the challenges of a new culture, the children seem to have no such problem.  Isaac, when faced with a child he hasn’t met starts of by speaking in English and if there is no response reverts to the Portuguese he is picking up with ease.  Naomi (or Noémia as she is often called here) has discovered that she very much likes being in a caplana (see photo) and loves the attention she receives for saying ‘olá!’ to everyone she passes. Strangely, although she seems to have no problem understanding both languages when she is talked to about food, she ignores both when it’s about things she shouldn’t be doing...

Hopefully the bomba (pump) will be sorted soon and we’ll have a bit more free time to keep you all updated. Thanks for all the comments, emails and updates, they’re all really appreciated!