Whatever level you are, you should be watchful of things that change from time to time and start asking questions about it. That will do a good thing to you. You will not feel like an outsider, you will feel part of the community and will not have that lost look in your face when people are excited or upset about what happens in your part of the world.
A good topic for this week with your language exchange friend is: Who are the candidates for my city? Who will most likely win and why they think that way?
Have fun with your findings!
