Feelings of the Day: Language can be a barrier. I have a technological universal translator, in the form of a cell phone, but I always feel bad when I do not learn as much of a language as I should. Seeing my friends deftly navigate the Spanish language was inspiring. I know it took many months of courses and tutoring, but the results make me want to make more of an effort for a future trip.
Full Day’s Events: Today was grocery day, as I had a mission from my friends to purchase two whole free range chickens from the excellent Theodore the butcher. First, though, I went to the Dia to get good vegetables for a dish I was going to make for my host’s return tomorrow night. I took the long way around to get a good view of the town and extra walking steps in.
At Theodore’s I had everything planned. I had previously written down what I wanted and practiced saying it. A fellow in front of me tried to engage me in conversation, but I let him know I did not speak Spanish. It was like he knew I would provide good entertainment that he let me go ahead of him. To Theodore I said, “Hello. Good day” (Hola. Buenos dias) and asked for two free run chickens (¿Puedo comprar dos pollos criados en libertad, por favor?). You can tell they are free run because they are more yellow in colour. When he asked me follow up questions it started to fall apart.
Stuttering slightly, as other folks in the shop tried to help, I reached for my phone. I was trying to respond to the other customers, turned away from the counter, so when I turned back Theodore had already taken two thighs off one chicken! I firmly said no, typed into my phone “two whole free range chickens”, and calmly turned the phone to him. When Theodore said out loud what I wanted, which I had obviously mangled when I originally asked, all the other folks in the shop cried out “Oh!” with smiles and good natured chuckles.
Theodore's assistant went out back and quickly brought out two whole free range chickens. He and Theodore, eyebrows raised, indicated they thought two whole chickens would be too much for one person and I said the chickens were for me and my friends (Para mi y mis amigos). They nodded in satisfaction and Theodore asked if I would like anything else, so I got ten thin sausages for tomorrow night's meal. I paid, thanked him, wished him a good day, and left. It is very likely during that experience that I reverted to French, subconsciously, which I have done several times this trip. In the end I had two free run chickens and ten sausages, so I consider that a win.
After lunch, and profusely petting the friendly neighbourhood cat, I had a 30 min video chat with my wife. I was going to go to another procession, but it started to hail and the weather turned rough. I stayed indoors and continued to catch up with my backlog of travel writing and book reading. 3.7km and 25 flights of stairs walked.
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