Talking with locals has proven to be one of the best ways to learn about other peoples culture. During these simple conversations, there always seems to be some funny things that get lost in the translation. We were asked the other day what word Americans used for three wheeled bicycles with wheelbarrow attachments... I simply responded "uh... I don't think we have those things in America.".
There was a couple in the sauna at the waterpark we attempted to conversate with. After we realized that they speak no English at all, an awkward silence fell upon the room. I shifted myself, and pushed a foot stool aside, inadvertently making a faux farting sound as the wooden stool rubbed against the tile floor. Three more seconds go by and I reach the awkward moment breaking point, "It wasn't me." I said pointing to the stool. The couple let out a laugh and all was well. It is good to know that fart jokes are universal.
I asked for a hot tea in a coffeeshop, the man replied "There is no such thing as a cold tea".
There was a confusing exchange when a train employee was trying to tell me that the train was "finished", and I thought she was asking if I spoke Finnish. "No." I kept saying, "English!".
There was a drunk Dutchman at the bar last night who kept saying things like; "Yer jerst stooped merikans, can't tell me that time trrraveel int posslibble!", "Woo needs mer burrs?!" and "Yer ok in my blook cos yer from naar Canada... Bot I love merkans though."
1 comment:
Hi,
Yes things are very different. We were told never to motion someone to come to you like we do here, with our pointy finger face up and motion them to come. That is not how they do it they have their palm up and cup their hand making a motion with their fingers for you to come. Our way over there is degrading to them, weird!
Whats with the bike in the water is it yours?
Gramie
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