The first session covered Lesson 8 (pg. 48) Exercises I through VII. (The top of pg. 51)
We discussed various ways to translate the English word "hot":
TENGO CALENTURA - I have a fever.
CALIENTE - (adjective) the modified word is already hot, or has been heated up.
LA SOPA ESTÁ CALIENTE. The soup is hot
Caution needs to be used when describing people using the word CALIENTE. It can be construed in an awkward light, such as the English phrase "in heat." The connotation of all the meanings encompassed in this Spanish word do not completely correspond in English. For example, it is not in good taste to refer to a woman as CALIENTE. (You may think a woman or man is "hot," but you cannot say so in polite company as a general rule). An English speaker can innocently trick himself or herself into sounding crude or boorish if not aware of this subtlety.
Use words like CHULA, GUAPO, BONITA, etc.
JUAN TIENE CALOR CASI SIEMPRE. Juan is always warm. Meaning his skin or body temperature, not his looks.
PICANTE means spicy or "hot" tasting food.
HACE CALOR - It (the weather) is hot.
Use the subjunctive when making a polite request. Examples - at the gas station:
POR FAVOR LLENE MI TANQUE. (or) POR FAVOR LLENE USTED MI TANQUE. Fill it up please.
Study the vocabulary lists on page 51 of the study guide..
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La profesora will be chairing study sessions this Friday and next week. She will not be in town on November 24th through December 7th. All study sessions will remain active, and there will be no teaching fees collected during her absence. I will facilitate all of la Profesora's Study group sessions until she returns.
Five students in Monday's second session were injured in an automobile accident. La Profesora has suggested that the remaining students contact her to reschedule their sessions. If we can find five more students who will sign up for the second (beginner) session, she probably will not have to cancel it.
The Spanish Study group will move to a new location soon. Diego's lease is up and Dennis has accepted a position in the manufacturing industry at a plant located in Ohio.
At this point in time, the exact closing date is not finalized; however we have negotiated the approval for our group to meet at The Mongolian Grill when Diego's shuts down.
The owners of the Mongolian Grill, Chris and Lee Romero, have provided the following comments regarding our group's use of their establishment:
"One correction to Patrick's email is that we aren't going to require that you purchase lunch in order to have the classes at our restaurant, but hope that you will. We have several lunch items under $5 including Teriyaki Bowls, Korean Tacos, Calif. Sushi rolls, and large Asian Chicken Salads. (Many people get our salads to go and order the dressing on the side, so they can enjoy them over 2 days.) Once you try our top selling meal, the Mongolian BBQ (under $7) we hope that you will become addicted to this healthy way of eating.
The only thing we ask is that you don't bring in outside food or beverages. In case you are thirsty or would like a snack, we have bottled water, jamaica, jazmine green iced tea, sodas, coffee, egg rolls, and gelato available.
I also wanted to give you more information on the direction [sic] to TMG. We are only 2 miles south of the Rosarito Beach Hotel, which is about 5-10 minutes from Diego's. We are 1.5 miles north of Fox Studios, in front of the La Jolla condo towers (4 towers) and in the same commerical center as the Tropicana Night club. It is easy to get to, but sometimes traffic is so fast you may drive right past."
MAP OF TMG LOCATION
The official name of the four "La Jolla condo towers" that Chris refers to is La Jolla del Mar. It is not to be confused with the La Jolla condo in downtown Rosarito which is located west of the Tamale Inn.
This "cover charge" scenario is a universally accepted business practice for eating establishments that host group activities in Mexico, United States, and Canada. The understanding we reached with the manager of the Mongolian grill stipulates that Study Group participants will adhere to this convention.
The staff at both Diego's and the Mongolian Grill appreciate tips.
A couple of folks have indicated they want to form a study group in their homes. Perhaps this a venue that would be appealing to some. If you want info regarding this idea, let me know; or talk to those you feel would be inclined to study in this situation at our regular meetings on Mondays or Fridays.
