Left, Right, Here, There

I think I must look like a European, or perhaps I just look like I know where I'm going! Often on my way to or from work, someone would stop me to ask for directions. My language skills were usually just good enough that I could understand what they were asking - whether it was for a certain street, a church, or the local shopping center. However, it was much harder for me to try to tell them where to go! I did not know those words very well. I would often show them with my hands where to go, perhaps saying the words for 'left,' 'right,' 'here,' or 'there.' Sometimes the person would look confused, as though they weren't sure why I was acting so strangely. Sometimes they would ask if I spoke the language, and when I said 'no,' they thanked me and tried to find someone else to ask. But once in a while, I would get enough words right that the person actually understood my directions! That was always a big triumph for me, and I would walk away feeling on top of the world!