So many nationalities and so many languages! We are almost full again tonight and welcomed our first Ukrainians, first Malaysians and first Hungarian to the Gaucelmo tribe.  Many speak some English and/or some Spanish which is helpful, at least for basic communication. 

But oh how I wish my Spanish was better. It’s certainly improved from what it was two years ago but still my pantomime skills are far better than my speaking skills (ok, if I’m honest my speaking skills are still pretty dismal…apparently 10 minutes of Duolingo a day isn’t quite enough…).

When I received the initial email telling me about my volunteer assignment, the (incredibly organized) Confraternity sent me an eighty page hospitalero’s manual. The only thing I really studied was the ” Map of the Village and it’s Inhabitants” which lists everyone in town and where they live. 
I try to greet the villagers with a cheery “hola” when I see them on the street or in the bar. But what to say next to Antonio, Ublines, and the others? It seems every time I try to venture into some kind of conversation I am either met by blank stares or tolerant smiles. 

I am considering wearing a sign that reads “¡Por favor! Only shout nouns and present tense verbs at me. Gracias”.