A little confused about "past tense"

Question

You all know my grammar is awful. I was talking out loud to myself and said ......

• #1) "Fui al lago y observaba los pájaros, alimentaba los venados y nadaba."

Then I thought maybe it should all be in the preterit tense? So I said.....

• #2 "Fui al lago y observé los pájaros, alimenté los venados y nadé."

English:

(I went to the lake and watched the birds, fed the deer and swam.)

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Had I been in a conversation I would have said (#1). Which one is correct? -- Please comment.

Answer 1

HI daniel, all in past simple.

Fui al lago e hice esto.

Different story:

Iba al lago (cuando era joven) y alimentaba a los peces, miraba las chicas guapas...jeje

That's what I thought. - BellaMargarita, MAR 26, 2010

Answer 2

So if it starts in Past simple it ends in past simple, en cambio, if it starts in past imperfect, it ends in past imperfect? Que bien.

Answer 3

Thank you Heidita -- I understand.

A little side note:

• The preterit tense is so short and final.

• The imperfect tense has a wonderful rhythm and a beautiful sound -- I probably misuse it because it is so fun.