Americans are still impressed with one of their own speaking another language. If you know Spanish, you’ll find opportunities to show off. It’s an antidote to the humbling experiences you will have in abundance.

For example, getting on the plane, I carry La vida entre costuras, a big novel that’s nothing more than a beach read. Still, I stand out from the crowd of James Patterson readers.

In the restaurant, the Colombian chef comes to our table, and ends up talking only with me because only I speak Spanish.

With my family in Costa Rica, a surfing accident sends us to the hospital. They make sure I go along: “ We might need someone to speak Spanish.”

On a trip to Spain, my friend turns to me, “Ask if this bus goes downtown.”