Another "cheesy" entry.

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  Lazkao, Basque, Spain
Saturday, November 22, 2008

 Somewhere in mist of
inspirational books I read that you should "do something each day that scares
you." I don't wake up every morning with an idea of conquering the next
frightening task, but this last Wednesday I did. And I was successful: I
ordered cheese in Basque!

  After moving into my own place and buying my own groceries I wanted to get cheese at the market. The local market
here is every Wednesday morning and displays many booths of clothes, shoes,
tools, accessories, flowers, breads, fruits, vegetables, and cheeses. It's a
neat environment and you are probably wondering where the "scary" part plays
into all this. Maybe scary isn't the right word, more so intimidating I guess.
The cheese stands are in conjunction with the meat stands and if your not used
to it the smell can be a bit revolting. When there are too many people I feel
like I have to rush with my choice. When the vender is very provocative I get
pressured and don't have the time or peace to make my most efficient decision.
The labels can be tough to read, especially because I don't really speak
Spanish or Basque. There is a lot of goat and sheep cheese which I don't like
much at all. And you have to have at least some idea of the price and
measurement conversion (do they mean kilos or round of cheese and what the heck
is a kilo anyways?). So this cheese buying is risky business... but big risks =
big rewards.

  Earlier in the week I had done my
homework and asked the advice of a local friend. She taught me how to say "behi
gazta" or "cow cheese." Which I already knew as a back-up in spanish as "queso
de vaca." But since I am in the Basque country I'm doing my best to speak the
Basque language. After that to specify "soft" (not very strong) you say
"xuaber." They give you a piece to try and if you like it then just point to
the size of cheese that you want cut. To finish you pay, say "eskerrik asko" (thank
you), and you are on your way!

  The first stand was bustling and the
vendor seemed a little stressed so I moved to the next. And this is exactly
where the magic happened. I was just going to scope the whole market before
giving it a go, but the cheese man was very nice... and a little cute. I paused a
bit longer to pretend that I really knew what cheese I wanted before saying my
well rehearsed "behi gazta, mesedez" (cow cheese, please) followed by "xuaber"
(soft). He handed me a slice to try and it was perfect. Before long I was off
to the rest of the market with a small package of cheese in hand and a big
smile on my face. Mission accomplished.

  Aside from buying cheese I haven't made
any long trips or crazy adventures since the last blog. I've mostly been
exploring close to my new home and getting settled here in Lasarte. I did go to
Lazkao for a day and talked with 8-9 year olds about America. A friend asked me
to come to her English class to talk and answer some questions. I showed an
impromptu slideshow and spoke about home. Surprisingly I kept their attention
and they were a great audience. It was also nice to be able to speak English
and be understood, even if they only caught a bit of what I said.

  On the other hand my Spanish is
improving. My teammates got a kick out of it this week when I told them "Menos
hablamos y mas jugamos" (less talking and more playing). We were playing a
friendly game of 2-on-2 and one of the players was talking a little smack. I
didn't say it in a rude way and everyone had a good laugh. Every once in a
while I get the feeling that they are laughing at me and not necessarily with
me. But never in a vicious way, they have all been very nice. So if you are worried for my well-being here in Euskadi, please don't. I'm doing just fine and having a great time. Wishing you the same back home. 
Musu (a kiss)

 

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