If I could have any superpower, I’d choose the ability to speak and understand all languages.
While I’m still over 7,000 languages shy of achieving that, Spanish is one I’ve been able to use confidently throughout my travels. I first started studying it in middle school, where classes felt more like a chore than anything else. Over time, my interest grew more genuine through high school and college, eventually leading me to teach English in Spain post-grad. It was there – through daily conversations, routines, and relationships – that I reached fluency.
Since moving back to the States, I’ve found myself drawn to Spanish-speaking countries as a way to keep up with my language skills. Along the way, I’ve realized that speaking another language isn’t the real superpower – it’s the connections that come from it. From the Caribbean coast of Cartagena to the mountains of Medellín, I’ve seen how language opens doors, allowing for deeper conversations and a more intimate understanding of culture.
My travels through Brazil taught me something just as meaningful.
On a trip with my brother and his best friend, who’s Brazilian, I found myself surrounded by conversations I couldn’t understand. Still, I began to connect through the warmth of smiles, shared laughter, and the openness with which I was welcomed into her family’s home. Communicating through gestures and glances, I was reminded that connection doesn’t require fluency – just a willingness to meet people where they are.
South America has taught me that connection is at the heart of travel – and I hope my adventures here inspire you to use language, spoken or not, to build meaningful relationships.
