The first time I realized I was interacting in english out of school
Dear Orion:
Today, I realized I am very glad of having the opportunity of speaking and understanding another language different from my natal one. I really love English, and I love to sing, write, talk and read in this language.
I clearly remember the first time I realized I was interacting with someone in English. It was on an event that took place in Bogota. It’s called SOFA and is the Colombian version of the American Comicon. Is a very big event, which hosts thousands of people, counting the general public, the special guests; and all the logistics team.
As a member of the Scouts National Association of Colombia, I made an application for serving as a volunteer on the event´s logistic team. My application was accepted, and I was assigned as the person in charge of receiving the international guests. I was really exited about it, I really didn’t know with what kind of nationalities I will be related.
One of the guests I received was an American Illustrator from Seattle, His name was Randy. I remember I was assigned to him as his official translator because he really didn’t understand a single word in Spanish. It was one of the most exciting and retrieval experiences in my live. I learned a lot by interacting with him during five consecutive days. We only talked in English, and as he was selling his illustrations, I helped him to communicate with his buyers and fans, I collaborated him with the currency exchange too. One of the five days of the event, the international guests had a city tour planed by the event organizers…and they invited me too! So, I went on a free tout to Bogota´s Downtown with approximately ten people of different countries, there were Spanish, Americans, Canadians, Peruvians, even someone from Japan! That one was definitely the best day of all the event. On that tour, I really learned a lot, not only from my city, but also from the other countries. I learned about culture, languages and food. We all had an awesome time and spent a very pleasant morning.
Sometimes, when there were not many buyers, Randy and I had long conversations. He told me about his life in Seattle, his family, and his process on learning arts. An I talked to him about Bogota´s life, and some curious cultural traditions Colombian have.
At the end of the “SOFA” we were both very grateful with each other because of the great five days spent together and the opportunity of interacting with someone from another country. He ended up giving me as a present one of his illustrations; it is one of the best gifts I could have ever received!
