Language Genius!

As I am indulged with work and I dont want to bore you writing about clonings and worms, I will talk a little about a friend. This guy is quite amazing as he speaks 7 (!) languages, and not just at an intermediate level! He is Spanish, correction, Basque and his (nick) name is Otso. He speaks Spanish and Basque mother tongue. He must still have been in his teenage years when he moved to London so he learnt to speak perfect English with a posh British accent. I love it. Then he moved to Berlin for his university studies and his German is as scary as it would come from a real German citizen (I love German people!). After that, he moved to Barcelona, where he once again learnt the language and so speaks really good Catalan. Dont ask me how someone can learn that language, voluntarily, but he pulled it off. He worked, among others, in the Palau de la Musica, where I one day joined a visit tour, him being the guide. He spoke to all the tourist in their own language! Spanish, Basque, German, Catalan, English and French, all fluently like every single one of them is his native! Then whilst living in Barcelona he started to learn Japanese (!?). I’ve seen his notebook several times and his flat is invaded with these little yellow paper notes on all furniture, with the Japanese signs on them. So, he went to Japan last year the first time, I cant remember how long he was gone for but he did come back to Barcelona. Then this summer he went as a tour guide to Africa. Think it was Zimbabwe, Botswana and South Africa he toured, I’m sure he picked up several languages there, or at least words and expressions. He also surprises me very much with understanding most of when I speak in Dutch to him for fun! Ok, I speak 4 (and a half, cant get that Spanish to stick !) languages and I’m already confused often when having to switch, but Otso, he is a language genius. He came back to Barcelona after Africa so I saw him there briefly but now he went back to Japan, undefined how long for, I’m afraid I will have to get my butt out to Asia if I want to see him again. Otso, you are amazing, keep in touch from the Milky House!!