Hablas Espanol? Spanish vs Spanish vs Cantalon

We came to Spain with the idea that at least one of us was fluent in Spanish and would be able to communicate whatever was needed.  Well, not exactly.  First of all, we moved to the Northeastern part of Spain, Cantalonia, and their primary language is Cantalon.  So all of the signs, menus, etc, are in Cantalon.  Eating has definitely been an adventure, we are not always sure what we are going to get.  People here do speak Spanish as well as Cantalon, however, what we have come to learn is not all Spanish is the same.  For example, if you want shrimp to eat, they are not called camarones, they are gambas.  A car is not a carro, it is a coche.  Want some juice, it is called zumo, not jugo.  Here are a few more examples:

English                  Spain                     Latin America

Floor                      Suelo                     Piso

Cell Phone            Movil                     Cellular

Computer            Ordenador          Computador

Pen                        Boligrafo              Pluma

Peach                    Melocoton          Duranzo 

Apartment           Piso                     Apartamento

To Drive               Conducir              Manejar

Cool                      Guay                      Chevere

The list keeps going.  And let’s not forget “vosotros” – We refer to this as “You All”. I started language class about 4 months ago, and I am working my way through it.  It has been an adventure that keeps us on our toes.