How We are Learning Spanish

[@marysusandoyle2962]

Super interesante Luisa’s story of wandering in Mexico City in the 70’s as a high school senior is amazing & Michael’s tenacious just-keep-learning attitude is inspiring. Though I speak Spanish pretty well I’m trying to learn French via Duolingo & Netflix in French & reading. Your stories are good reminders that it ain’t easy!

[@RetiredLifeMexico]

Good job with the French! Keep at it and as Dr. Krashen, comprehensible input is key!

[@Shareebysea]

What an interesting Spanish journey, Louisa! I’m a new learner, like Michael, and at a month in, I can tell it’s gonna be a long journey lol. But it’s fun and I know it will enhance my travels and open up opportunities for better connections and experiences. Thanks for sharing your stories and advice!

[@RetiredLifeMexico]

Thanks Sharee! Thanks for watching and commenting! Hasta pronto!

[@brittdrake1615]

What a lovely video! I was captivated by your stories. I love it that you finally ended up taking some Spanish classes in Puebla all those years later. My husband & I are newly retired. I have made it my mission to learn Spanish. My husband, not so much. Language learning is an incredibly slow process but I am really enjoying it. Hoping to do some longer trips to Mexico in the coming years, including PV! Thanks for sharing.

[@RetiredLifeMexico]

@@brittdrake1615 Thanks for watching and for your nice comments. It is a slow process but a very rewarding one. People have different definitions of “fluency” and it is not really necessary to have native like fluency in order to enjoy communicating with others. Enjoy the journey! Glad to have you here! Bonito día ❤️

[@robertbolin8942]

Hola desde Bonita, CA

[@RetiredLifeMexico]

@@robertbolin8942 Hola! Ya vivimos en Chula Vista y tenemos muchos recuerdos de Bonita , como Lolitas! ❤️ gracias por ver nuestro canal y por su comentario. Bonito día!

[@sandrabedard7848]

Hola , I really enjoy you two. You have very positive personalities. I have to tell you, I have your earrings LOL 😆 exactly the same.( I love them and get many compliments on them)I bought them in Mexico in Baja 2 years ago when we were visiting. . We will definitely look you up when we come visit your area !! Getting fluent in 30 days NOT THIS GIRL 😅. We are learning from our local friends and neighbors here in Costa Rica and over 3 years now we know much more however full conversation is challenging still however I understand more than I can speak. It's harder being MATURE 😂 to retain. Having all our local friends really helps us and as long as we try the Ticos understand and are extremely patient and loving people ❤. It shows respect to the Locals even trying to learn more and more. Blessings 🙌 to you both 🙏 and Pura Vida ( pure life)

[@RetiredLifeMexico]

Awesome story! I love hearing about your adventures learning Spanish as well. It sounds like you are on the right track towards becoming conversational. It is a process. Speaking is the last skill to get. Love that we have matching earrings :). Good taste! Bonito día

[@KD-up3sz]

Loved the video. I've been trying to learn Spanish on my own for months, and it's gone so slow that I thought maybe I had a retention problem, lol. Your encouragement was helpful. :) I'll be in PV this winter so I subscribed to your channel to learn more!

[@RetiredLifeMexico]

Thanks for watching and commenting! It is a process for sure! And, you must be consistent in working on it often. Finding some compelling and comprehensible input is key! Also, if you don't use it you lose it! Which is why I keep taking classes. Thanks for being here. Maybe we will see you in Puerto Vallarta at the Friendship Club! (They have Spanish classes there that are a lot of fun). Hasta luego :)

[@tomm9540]

You Guys hit many great points! I like you Louisa refuse to speak English while in Mexico. I speak the language fluently ( and don't have an accent) and fortunately speak another language other than English, so when I am spoken to in English, I change to my other language and trust me, they ( the wonderful people of Mexico) immediately speak to me in Spanish thankfully. Learn some phrases in French, German, Swedish, whatever and and say in Spanish can You speak my language . You will be speaking Spanish all the time with everyone.

[@RetiredLifeMexico]

@@tomm9540 great idea! It’s so fun 🤩 Did you grow up speaking Spanish? I can’t remember if you told me that already.

[@evelyncruz5677]

Thank you for your stories concerning your journey in learning Spanish. My story is similar to Louisa's but not so exciting! Meaning, I learned by listening to my parents all my life. So, my Spanish is basic, and I can easily be understood. I will definitely look into the various ways you advance your level of Spanish. Again, thank you for your video.

[@RetiredLifeMexico]

Thanks for watching! Enjoy the journey of improving your language abilities. It is well worth it!

[@Eve_Coss]

Love your channel! ♥︎ I am so enthralled with your story of retired life in Mexico. I hope to relocate to Mexico in the near future!

[@RetiredLifeMexico]

Thanks for watching and commenting. Glad you are enjoying our story. Let us know if and when you relocate here! Hopefully we can help answer any questions you may have. Bonito día :)

[@HueManna]

Fun stories, thanks for sharing! I'm currently using duo lingo and enjoying it. I have an academic foundation that I'm building upon so that helps with the reading.

[@RetiredLifeMexico]

Nice! Sounds like you are doing a great job with your language skills. It is a process and yes, reading is key! Espero que tengas un buen día :)

[@reginaihernandez8901]

Thank you for sharing. I love your videos.

[@RetiredLifeMexico]

Thanks you so much! Glad to have you here :)

[@leomyers2016]

Hola vecinos. Mi nombre es Leo y mi esposa es Maria. vedemos en 5 de deciembre. Además, estamos trabajando con FCS. Deberíamos ir juntos a tomar el té. Mucho Gusta!

[@RetiredLifeMexico]

Hola vecinos! Vamos a regresar a Vallarta después del 6 de noviembre. Es una buena idea tomar un té cuando tengan tiempo. Hasta pronto :)

[@RA-qb4gl]

Loved you video. I subscribed to Duo Lingo. It was ok but for conversational Spanish not so much. I'm glad I found you channel. Thank you.

[@RetiredLifeMexico]

Glad to have you here! Are you using any other apps for the conversational part? It's a process for sure. Bonito día :)

[@kendaldee]

Thank you both. Just asking...do you have a "Spanish day/afternoon when you just speak Spanish to each other?

[@RetiredLifeMexico]

No, we don't but that would be a good idea! I'll run it by Michael :)

[@Shirley-n-Maryland]

Were you still going to add the names of the places you use to learn Spanish? I don't see any info in the description or a pinned comment. Thanks

[@RetiredLifeMexico]

I use Fast Conversational Spanish.com online; the Friendship Club in Puerto Vallarta from Oct 21-April 2025; and the Instituto Cultural Oaxaca when in Oaxaca. As soon as I figure out how to link them in the description, I will do that :) Thanks for watching and commenting. Are you in Mexico?

[@Mayor-q6b]

Look into dreaming Spanish

[@RetiredLifeMexico]

Hola! Thanks for watching and commenting. I will check it out! Hasta luego :)

[@andreawisner7358]

So I guess i've been learning Spanish for around forty years and still don't speak it.

[@RetiredLifeMexico]

Really? I hope that’s not the case ❤ thanks for watching