To learn anything effectively, it’s important to have a reason and a goal that drive your motivation and keep your persistence. Many people acquire new languages in their quest for study, work, or immigration opportunities. But for me, it’s all about traveling, connecting with people around the world, and of course, being cool! Although a variety of translation tools are available to help you survive and navigate in a foreign country, you would be missing out on a lot of fun if you only rely on tech for communication. Back in 2018, I did a solo trip in Cuba, and my pidgin Spanish (I took courses for four semesters in university years ago) brought me a couple of perks that made my trip unique and unforgettable.

Romantic Encounter

If you are single and you love to travel, I bet you have once fantasized about meeting someone charming and attractive on the road that makes your heart beat a little faster and your trip a little sexier. And going on a date with a local is a great way of killing two birds with one stone: having an exotic, romantic experience (or meeting the love of your life) while practicing a new language.  

I knew he was staring at me. I was pretty sure he was talking with his colleagues about me. I assumed he was interested when he placed a rose on my table next to the bill. But my heart still skipped a beat when the best-looking waiter in the restaurant approached me and asked “¿Quiere salir conmigo? (Do you want to go out with me?)”  

Meeting up at dusk, we went for a few cocktails in a chill bar, promenaded along the Malecón – a broad esplanade along the coast in Havana – and talked about our cities, our people, and our dreams. Due to the language barrier, we spoke as slow as molasses, made up sentences with an odd combination of Spanish and English, and used a lot of body language. Even so, we had a great conversation and gain an understanding of our cultural differences.

PS. I asked about the rose and he told me that actually all the female customers received one before they left the restaurant…

Warm Hospitality

Sometimes when we get lonely on the road, human kindness and cordial reception feel like a warm hug in the cold.

When I was roaming in the city center of Havana on the second day of my arrival, the clear blue sky was suddenly shaded by a thick layer of nimbostratus clouds, followed by heavy rain and thunder, forcing me to take shelter from the canopy of a nearby store. Also being stuck there were a skinny young man and his little brother. Starting with a friendly smile and “hola (hello)”, we chitchatted about why we ended up here, what we did for a living, and our taste in music (I mentioned Camila Cabello but it seemed like they didn’t know her).

When the storm had passed, the brothers invited me to their home for dinner and told me their mum could teach me salsa dance. Without a second thought, I agreed to it as I would love to catch a glimpse of the local neighborhood. Their home was located at the end of a dingy, narrow corridor and up a steep staircase of rusty steel. Though it’s only a small unit with merely two rocking chairs and a cabinet, this Cuban family was welcoming and affectionate. They also shared with me a bowl of congee soup mixed with chicken, potatoes, and vegetables for dinner.

Without a doubt, learning languages open door to cultural exchange and special adventures. However, when it comes to home visits, it’s crucial to have good judgment and be alert. We don’t want to put ourselves into a dangerous situation.

Party Like a Local 

Before arriving in Trinidad, a Spanish girl whom I met in a hostel told me that I couldn’t afford to miss the famous Disco Ayala, a one-of-a-kind nightclub housed in a natural cave. I was looking forward to it but the idea of going to a club alone made me anxious. So, when Yoran, who I met in the restaurant Sol y Son, asked me what was my plan for the day, I deliberately brought up Disco Ayala and the fact that I was thinking if I should go there on my own. Gladly, he asked, “¿Quiere ir con mis amigos? (Do you want to go with my friends?)”

I was mesmerized when I entered the cave, with colorful strobe light bouncing off stalactites, electronic and salsa music blasting out at full volume, and a young crowd showing off their best moves with a mojito or beer in hand. Yoran, who happened to be a national dancer before changing his career for a better salary, taught me some basic salsa steps and introduced me to his friends with whom I danced the night away. It’s one of the greatest parties in my life.

Seek Help during Emergency

No matter how well we plan our trip, we can never foresee or avoid accidents. On my way to Ancon Beach, a 15-min ride from the heart of Trinidad, all I could think about was turquoise water and white powder sand between my toes. No one had warned me that some cunning creatures under the ocean could attack me. It’s too late when I realized something soft and slippery slid past my right thigh, leaving it with a rash of raised red patches as well as sizzling pain. Though I was telling myself to stay calm, I couldn’t stop my mind from conjuring up the worst scenarios. What if I was bitten by something poisonous? Did I need to go to the hospital? What if they had to cut the infected part of my leg?

Coincidentally and conveniently, the host of my Airbnb was a doctor, and it kind of soothed my anxiety. Explaining a medical situation in a foreign language is very difficult. I remembered saying things like “después de nadar, me duele al pierna (after swimming, my leg hurts)” and “muy caliente (very hot)” while pointing to my ugly-looking thigh. Briefly examining my rashes, she told me several possible reasons for the inflammation, which I could barely understand except a few words of her reassurance, including “estará bien (it will get better)”, “descansa (rest)”, and “poner un poco de crema (put some cream on it)”. And that’s comforting enough.

Conclusion

You don’t have to master a new language before using it. On the contrary, you have to practice (better with locals) in order to learn. And traveling gives you an excellent opportunity. Don’t worry about whether your grammar is correct or your pronunciation is accurate. I have to admit that almost half of the time, I was talking nonsense and had to keep revising my choice of words until it made sense to people. Rather than rolling their eyes at me, most Cubans were unexpectedly patient and helpful as they appreciated my effort in understanding and respecting their culture. This is also one of the most effective ways to make friends. You will be surprised that if you try to make an effort, people are actually willing to help you and meet you in the middle.