I'm American

I started my language classes,two days ago, and it is clear that I am American. Growing up in both Chicago and Wisconsin is eveident enough(or at least I have been told that by every American since Orientation)without trying to speak a new language so you can imagine what happens when I do. But at least I am aware of this, so I can work on it, whatever that means. Nepali is a cool language to listen to, but its weird to think that I will be speaking like that at some point. My teacher Pabratti is really nice, but she is tough, I will learn a lot from her that’s for sure. I have language one on one two hours a day, but I hope to increase that as the weeks go on. It’s pretty intense but that’s necessary to really learn the language. A funny thing is that I sometimes switch into Spanish, for example in Nepali ra is the word for and but I often will use the Spanish word y, which leads to Pabratti being like what are you saying? Figures it would take me learning a new language to finally get spanish. On a positive side, Spanish has come in handy for dealing with men here. I often hear “hey baby” or “tss tss” which is like a catcall, because they see me and think Oh American, white, wealthy, and unfortunately an easy target. So when they approach with Hey Baby, how are you? I often respond with No Habla Ingles. Which stuns them enough for me to move out of their way. I’m just waiting for the one who responds Hola! Then I’m in trouble. It is quite the perspective adjustment to be an American here. I stand out for not only my skin color, but also my height. Which is a weird change in fate, I’ve spent my life being the short one, and now I’m like Michael Jordon.