La versión en español está después de la versión en inglés.
It’s a rainy day and it’s wonderful. I’m sitting here listening to the thunder rumble which reminds me of the tale of Henry Hudson and his men bowling nine-pins. Click here for the story, if you’re interested. I was first told the tale as part of a reading of the story of Rip Van Winkle. Someone read it to me when I was very young and up in the Catskill Mountains, where it takes place. I believed it for years, more because I wanted to than because I thought it was true.
We’re back from morning coffee and second breakfast, and Merchi is still cleaning. An American couple was at the cafe this morning. The only word of Spanish they spoke was, “Gracias.” I heard the man trying to order breakfast. The cafe doesn’t list the breakfast options on the menu, not that there are many breakfast options there. The waitress speaks not a word of English. So, after hearing the man say “chicken?” half a dozen times, I asked if I could help. The waitress knows us and was extremely grateful, as was the American couple. I explained their limited options, made a recommendation, and they seemed to enjoy it.
They weren’t unpleasant, but he struck me as the type with whom I would not enjoy having a conversation. So, after a very brief chat when I gave them directions for tomorrow to a breakfast place that had been recommended to them but they hadn’t been able to find, I left them to themselves.
The Kid Brother’s WhatsApp didn’t work again last night, so another quick phone chat. I told him I’d fix it when I see him. I keep saying I leave Sunday for New York, but I leave Monday. Glad I figured that out before I headed out the door. I’ll get the suitcase out today after Merchi leaves. The cats will not be pleased.
Meanwhile, it’s time for more Spanish knockers. They’re everywhere.
Es un día lluvioso y es maravilloso. Estoy aquí sentado escuchando el retumbar del trueno, que me recuerda la historia de Henry Hudson y sus hombres jugando a los bolos. Haz clic aquí para leer la historia, si te interesa. Me la contaron por primera vez cuando me leían el cuento de Rip Van Winkle. Alguien me la leyó cuando era muy pequeño, en las montañas Catskill, donde transcurre la historia. Me la creí durante años, más porque quería creerla que porque pensara que era verdad.
Regresamos del café de la mañana y del segundo desayuno, y Merchi sigue limpiando. Esta mañana había una pareja estadounidense en la cafetería. La única palabra en español que hablaban era “Gracias”. Oí al hombre intentando pedir el desayuno. La cafetería no incluye las opciones de desayuno en el menú, aunque tampoco es que haya muchas. La camarera no habla ni una palabra de inglés. Así que, después de oír al hombre preguntar “¿pollo?” media docena de veces, le pregunté si podía ayudarles. La camarera nos conoce y se mostró muy agradecida, al igual que la pareja estadounidense. Les expliqué las pocas opciones que tenían, les hice una recomendación y parecieron disfrutarla.
No fueron desagradables, pero él me dio la impresión de ser del tipo con el que no me gustaría tener una conversación. Así que, después de una breve charla en la que les di indicaciones para mañana para un sitio de desayuno que les habían recomendado pero que no habían podido encontrar, los dejé tranquilos.
El WhatsApp de El Hermanito pequeño no funcionó anoche otra vez, así que otra llamada rápida. Le dije que lo arreglaría cuando lo viera. Sigo diciendo que me voy a Nueva York el domingo, pero me voy el lunes. Menos mal que me di cuenta antes de salir. Sacaré la maleta hoy después de que Merchi se vaya. Los gatos no estarán contentos. Mientras tanto, toca hablar de más aldabas españolas.
LOVE these! I must control myself…..I must control myself……lol
Jim:
🙂
The guy couldn’t find a translator app on his phone? Kind of you to help out the server.
The hand seems to be a popular motif but the ones with the curved bar over them seems a little constrained. Taps only?
ellen abbott:
At least he didn’t act indignant that she couldn’t speak English, but it did surprise me that he made no effort whatsoever.
Love the knockers. I don’t speak Spanish, but I could order breakfast, or lunch, or dinner, or a drink. I remember being out for a walk while J slept in one morning, being able to order coffee and breakfast well enough to be understood. The memory flashback makes me smile.
David:
Yes. There are some basics that are easy to prepare for. This guy was very pleasant to the waitress but seemed oblivious to the fact that she might not speak English.
Charming!
wickedhamster:
I keep discovering more.
How could the guy not sort out the word for “chicken” on his own? Google, anyone? And who hasn’t heard of arroz con pollo? But it was kind of you to step in.
I’ve heard about old men bowling to make thunder in the context of the Rip Van Winkle legend, but I’m not sure I ever heard that Henry Hudson and his crew were the bowlers. Maybe I’ve just forgotten!
All those giant earrings! Yes, good idea to get to the airport on the right day. Boud
Boud:
Some great earring designs. Maybe better made in something lighter weight. I would NOT be pleased if I arrived at the airport a day early.
Steve:
I agree. The guy was pleasant and kept saying to the waitress, “Gracias. I’m sorry.” But he made no effort to FIND the words he needed.
Yes, it’s Henry Hudson and his men who are bowling in the Rip Van Winkle story.
Love Dave Edmonds. WE tend to keep to ourselves when on holiday – I’m not keen on other people! Kind of you to help.
Anonymous:
I had to help. I don’t know how many more times he might have said “chicken?”
The couple didn’t think to use their phones for some basic translation help? And they went on vacation to Spain without speaking more than one word of Spanish? Sounds like a typical American, expecting the whole world to accommodate them. 🙄 It was nice of you to help, though.
Jennifer
Jennifer:
I know. It’s so easy to get translation help. The guy told me they had children living here who spoke Spanish. I was at least relieved he didn’t get huffy because “No one speaks English here.” But I expect people to make more of an effort when they travel.
What a great collection! A good door knocker was certainly a necessity before door bells were invented!
Debra:
Just when I think I’ve seen every variety of door knocker, I take another walk.
“Ooh, you don’t ‘arf see a load of lovely knockers ’round ‘ere!”, he says in his best Carry On films tone of voice…
Gosh. American tourists making assumptions that everyone speaks English? How surprising. I’m stunned they even knew where Spain was.
Jx
Jon:
The guy told me they were visiting their kids here who speak Spanish. Those poor kids! He would embarrass me.
I love all the pictures of the door knockers. You should see mine.
Mistress Borghese:
Do they swing separately?
Of course my southern upbringing had angels doing the bowling.
I know it’s recommended to arrive at the airport early, but a full day might be carrying it too far!
Kelly:
Angels bowling? Now that’s far-fetched. Can you imagine if I were to arrive Sunday for my Monday flight?
I love the doors!!
I started thinking about what I’d have to do if I needed to order breakfast in Greece or Germany or Japan… I think I’d find photos with my phone of something that I’d like, and I would learn the word for “maybe?” And “please?” And “I’m sorry!” LOL Great of you to help 🙂
Judy C:
I would do the same (and I have)! When we’ve had visitors who don’t speak Spanish, the first thing I teach them is, “Lo siento. No hablo español.” It shows at least some respect.
Love the knockers!
Such a quaint, aesthetically pleasing alternative to a Rin camera!
And the doors!
And those tourists did not know they can use their phone to translate? Of course, you’re having issues with WhatsApp, so no surprise there…
XOXO
Sixpence
Sixpence:
When it comes to The Kid Brother, the WhatsApp issues never have anything to do with WhatsApp.
Yeah, imagine that. You can use your phone to translate. Plus, if you can’t manage that level of technology, Spanish-English dictionaries are still sold.
Those are some fine lookin’ knockers you got there, sir!
And kind of you to help the chicken Americans!
Bob:
Vy, senk you, herr Doctor.
Chicken? Chicken? Chicken? Chicken? … I then asked, “Can I be of help?” His response, “Oh, yes, please. We want to order breakfast.” Pollo? Pollo? Pollo?
Sounds like the cats now associate a suitcase with your impending absence.
Kirk:
The cats just have to see something once and they connect it forever. Suitcases now mean either I or SG and I are going somewhere, or now even worse, we ALL are.
I remember one time when Glen and I were in Mexico and we’d been there for maybe a week and a half. We’d taken the ferry over to the mainland from Cozumel, rented a car, and were headed to Chichen Itza which at that time was across the Yucatan on a road that was mainly cut through the jungle. We stopped at a smallish village to find some lunch. We found a little restaurant and we were the only people there and the owner/server was so nice. He spoke no English and our Spanish was so limited but we knew a little and as he began to describe the menu, Glen and I looked at each other and realized we understood a lot of what he was saying! It was a glorious moment! And lunch was very good.
And Chichen Itza was, of course, spectacular. It was a great trip.
I think I like the hand door knockers best. And thanks for the video. I’d forgotten what a great song that was.
Maria Luna
Maria Luna:
Yes! All it takes is a little effort. This guy made none, nor did his wife. And, unfortunately, the waitress wasn’t very creative and also didn’t make any effort. Most servers have gotten really good at basic communications with customers that don’t speak the language. But I suppose having someone repeatedly say “Chicken?” to you is not a good start. (Especially when they wanted breakfast!)
My mom whose English was not perfect always confused knockers and knickers, lots of people found that funny, don’t get your knockers in a twist.