Round Two with Aitana!

I finally met with Aitana again today! We had both been so busy that it was almost impossible to schedule another meeting since our first. I could tell that her English had already improved tremendously – I felt like we had a much smoother conversation. She also seemed more outgoing and enthusiastic.

The subject of Halloween came up of course! We discussed our costumes and festivities for the evening. She told me about going downtown to some clubs with her friends. I asked her about Halloween in Spain and of course it’s not as highly celebrated as in the States. Kids do not trick or treat on Halloween night. They may have a party with some friends and dress in their costumes.

Because we were on the subject of holidays, I told her all about the Christmas tree lighting in the Commons – complete with actual reindeer and fireworks. Aitana seemed to light up with excitement. She told me that she’s excited to the Christmas season and the cold weather that accompanies it.

“It never gets cold in Madrid!” she informed me. “And I haven’t seen snow in seven years!”

I told her that she shouldn’t get too excited for snow – it only really snows maybe once in the winter – but that it does get pretty cold. Aitana can’t wait to wear all the cozy winter clothes and she’s extremely glad that it won’t be sweltering hot anymore. We talked about the almost unbearable Texas summers.

“I’m completely drenched in sweat anytime I go outside!” Aitana mentioned. “But then you walk inside and it’s freezing!”

Then, she asked me about my sorority – I almost didn’t know what she was trying to ask me! I thought she was saying “substitutes.”

“Like the fraternities for girls,” she finally said.

“Ooooh sororities!” I laughed. “Yeah all those r’s make if kind of hard to pronounce.”

She thought it was funny that all the guys in the fraternities had to wear suits, even in the sweltering August heat. We discussed the popularity of Greek life – that it’s pretty popular in the South as compared to the North and the West coast. She was also interested in why I choose my sorority. It was such a change from our first conversation! I felt like she really wanted to get to know me - our talk wasn’t forced and awkward like the first time around.

I asked her how her classes were going. She brought up an interesting point about the program. Her classes are filled with students from all over the world – Spain, Russia, the Middle East. In addition to learning about American culture, Aitana also has the chance to talk to students from other countries and learn about their cultures. She told me about a guy from Saudi Arabia. He doesn’t like the fact that women can drive in the States because it’s illegal for women to drive in his country. She said that it’s fun to talk with other people and exchange views – but that she’s also learned when to keep her mouth shut and be respectful.

I really enjoyed my conversation with Aitana this week! Hopefully we won’t have to wait as long to have another.