My first time to use my spanish!

In a few days I am going to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico for spring break. I have never been to Mexico, nor have I studied Spanish since about the eighth grade. I cannot wait to see if I can actually understand some of the signs, conversations and culture. I am definitely going to try to use my Spanish when I can...should be interesting! I definitely believe that the best way to learn any language is to go to that country and be forced to quickly pick up as much of the language as possible. I think people learn quickest in these situations because conversation seems to be the best way to master a language. I have heard all kinds of stories form people who have studied abroad about how much of the language they learned in such a short amount of time. I would love to be able to do this, and I would especially love to travel somewhere in Mexico or South America and spend a few months there and really try to pick up the language. This trip will be a good beginning experience! I am a little nervous about how fast the fluent speakers will speak though...I probably will not be able to keep up! Even if I only understand a few of the signs and have a pretty logical conversation in Spanish I will be happy! I will know that I have learned a lot already if I am able to ask someone a question or give someone a reply in Spanish.