These events actually happened…
There used to be a TV jingle: “Plop plop, fizz fizz – Oh what a relief it is.”
In the middle of a trip to Mexico a group of friends came to know it well.
Still, they weren’t concerned about sickness before they left; language was their focus. Everyone made it a point to study Spanish except for Dan, who figured he could “wing it.”
The friends were having a great time until they came down with the flu. It was just his luck that Dan was the only one well enough to make a run (oops) to the pharmacy. He pleaded for Alka Seltzer Plus in a terrible Mexican accent.
The mom and daughter behind the counter stared as if he was loony, their eyes glazed over.
In a desperate effort to get his point across Dan resorted to a charade, acting out the TV commercial. The women still didn’t understand but laughed hysterically at the man’s antics.
When Dan began to laugh, it brought on a fit of coughing. Now the women understood. The American had “la gripe” and they rushed to bring him the necessary medicine.
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Another incident happened to the friend of a friend, who stayed in Mexico for a few months. This amigo decided to study Spanish along the way.
The man thought he was doing “muy bueno” until … he had dinner at the home of a very reserved family. During the meal he accidentally used a phrase that translated into a male body part.
The problem was complicated in that the sentence still made sense, which made him come across as brash and rude. His friend explained the man’s mistake. He then took the mishap to another level.
He apologized in Spanish. Only the words converted to, “I’m very pregnant.” The gracious family instantly forgave the error.
My take from these mistakes…
I’m stickin’ with English.
May Your Glass Always Be Half Full
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Paul gave us this subject but he is out takin’ care of business.
I wanna read what stories the others are telling:
Blackwatertown, Delirious, Maxi, Maria/Gaelikaa, Maria SilverFox, OCD writer, Padmum, Ramana, Shackman speaks, The Old Fossil, Will Knott..
