I try to learn phrases for the countries I visit
I always try to learn a phrase or two that may be helpful in the countries I visit when going to Julia's.
I can say a few phrases in French, enough to order pastries and wine. Essentials. I can say hello, good night, thank you in German, Italian and English, which is very similar to American.
One year, I took a bike tour in the Netherlands. I memorized the phrase "Nien sprechen zhe deutsch," which I thought would come in handy in Holland.
I rode about 20 miles a day, some days I rode about 30. It was a great trip. I got along fine, language wise, until the next to last day.
I stopped for a break at a little museum. An inviting picnic table and shade trees made for a great place to stop for a drink and a little rest and contemplation.
As I was quietly sitting there, minding my own business, a man came out of the museum and saw me. He called and waved me over.
I walked over and said my phrase, "Nein sprechen zhe deutsch."
He nodded and said, "Ya, Ya........."
And then he proceeded to give me a tour of the museum.
The funny thing was, the more he talked, the more I understood. He wasn't speaking English, but there were a lot of English sounding words.
He showed a crown, some armament, a model of the castle in its heyday...we got along fine for about 15 minutes. He picked up a mug and said something...then he asked me a question.
And he waited for my response.
So I repeated my phrase.
He repeated the question, slower this time.
I repeated my phrase.
He repeated the question.
In frustration, I said, in English, " I don't speak Dutch."
He looked at me like I had horns and four eyes, and possibly just arrived from outer space.
"You shpeak English? Vell, dat makes it a little easier now, doesn't it."
He then explained the significance of the mug, which in English made a lot of sense.
I'd like to do that ride again. This time I'll just speak English ... it will make thinks a little easier.
No comments:
Post a Comment