Sometimes it's the little daily things that bring the best laughs. Like today. My neighbors for the most part don't speak English or speak very little. However, they get great enjoyment in proudly saying their few words to me or my husband whenever possible. Today, it's the birthday of one such neighbor. "Buon compleanno" we wished him. His face lit up! "Merry Christmas" he said confidently. "Happy birthday" we countered but chuckled throughout the day at his translation.
I wonder what we're saying that has our neighbors chuckling at us? Reminds me that it's good to not take myself too seriously and to go ahead and make mistakes. It gives the neighbors a good laugh!
The day is fine: the sea from our balcony in our neighborhood in our little corner of the world.
What's making you smile today?
Our skies are blue here in Alaska today as well. That makes me smile because I will be able to ride my bicycle today - as far and as fast as I like.
ReplyDeleteJust beautiful! I am smiling because the hurricane called Irene has come and gone. Now we start the cleanup. And are counting our blessings.
ReplyDeleteYour comment on my blog post from yesterday is making me smile today. You're right, I am high on flowers and birds and butterflies!
ReplyDelete1 Nurse, Welcome to my blog and thanks for visiting. Enjoy your bike ride!
ReplyDeleteLauren, I was wondering. Glad you're safe.
Nancy, A fine "high" indeed!
ReplyDeleteThis is a cute story, Mary. It's true that much can get "lost in translation" sometimes :0)
ReplyDeleteThe view from your balcony is so beautiful, Mary! And I loved the story about your neighbor with the birthday and the language gap! Friendliness and good will transcend any language barriers. I so enjoy your blog and hearing about your life as an ex-pat!
ReplyDeleteHow beautiful! And the sentiment was there, even if the words were a little off. Good story!!
ReplyDeletePat, Especially when it comes to idioms!
ReplyDeleteKathy, Thanks, life as an ex-pat is endlessly interesting and has shown me the friendliness and good-will that abounds here in my little corner of the world.
DJan, He communicated for sure. He's so friendly and loves using his English words. Another neighbor has a repertoire of: "one, two, three, four, Barak Obama"!
I'm smiling, thinking of all the wonderful little Italian shops that sell the most fabulous pastries!! ;)
ReplyDeleteAnd your post! Cute!
xxxx
Gabriele, Or gelato!
ReplyDeleteThis post made me smile! Thank you! I'm also smiling at the fact the temps will NOT go above 90 degrees today. So wonderful to not sweat and swelter...even if only for one day.
ReplyDeleteYour photo is beautifully refreshing!
I love the humor that often emerges when someone makes the effort in a foreign language. I have drawn my share of chuckles. My favorite language humor came from a young Brazilian co-worker. When he visited our US office, I took him out to dinner. His English was pretty good, but he made me laugh when he very seriously ("No, no, let me do it.") ordered his drink from the bartender: "I'd like scotch on stones, please."
ReplyDeleteLove it!
ReplyDeleteLisa, Hooray for the 80's temps!
ReplyDeletePatti, Love your story!
Sally, Glad you enjoyed.
Wow! Awesome spot you have. Your neighbor sounds nice.
ReplyDeleteCG, It and he is and it's a good thing when trying to learn a new language in my 60's!
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