Lately my life has felt like the game, Taboo, a word guessing game where a player chooses a card and then tries to get his partner to say that word without saying the “taboo” word listed on the card. Only I am playing the real life version where I enter a store looking for something without knowing what it’s called in Spanish and then proceed to use every other Spanish word I know to describe it. Add in a few hand motions and wildly expressive charade-like moves and I usually end up with what I want. Wouldn’t it be easier to just use a translation app? Probably, although a lot less fun and I am more likely to retain the new vocabulary word if I have to work at it a bit. Besides, I have discovered that nothing endears a foreigner to a shop keeper more than someone willing to completely embarrass themselves trying to learn the language.
Playing my real-life version of Taboo this past week may have given me a false sense of security and built up my confidence just a little too much, though. As a consequence, I didn’t bother to review any vocabulary words before entering the mayor’s office to start the process of getting our tarjetas de residencia (residence cards) that allow us to reside in Gijon. The lawyer who originally helped us get our visas to enter Spain made the appointment for us and told us what documents to take with us. Earlier in the week, Carlos, the realtor who helped us lease our apartment, had offered to go with us to sign contracts at the cable company and pick up dog food. We probably could have accomplished these two errands without his help just using my usual flair for charades. When he didn’t offer to go with us to the mayor’s office, I thought it must be even easier than anything else we had done to date.
We showered and put on clean clothes for our outing to the mayor’s office. After all, other than Carlos and Pieter, our landlord, we had not met with anyone in Gijon. We wanted to impress the mayor that we were worthy of being citizens of Gijon. When we arrived at the office, we found that it was a large government building with entry limited to those with appointments, due to Covid. Dogs were not allowed, even in a carrier, so Rocky and Wilma would remain outside to begin the process. Once in the building, I realized this was the city hub. There were quite a few employees, all behind plexiglass and wearing masks. I would need to describe what I was here to do. The mayor was not waiting for us, in fact no one seemed to know why I was there exactly, including me.
I took a number and waited to be called to a window. When I got there, the woman asked me what I needed to do. I started to describe why I thought I was there but apparently there were a number of other possibilities that I had not considered. In fast, I did not understand anything the woman was asking me. Seeing the long line of people with appointments forming behind me, the woman did the only thing she could think of to rectify the situation. She started to repeat everything she had already asked me but much louder and faster. I was on the receiving end of every stereotypical foreign encounter. I hoped that I had never fallen into the trap of speaking louder to someone who didn’t understand my language but it’s probably a universal mistake. On one hand, it was a bit easier when she was screaming at me because she had been difficult to hear with both a mask and plexiglass between us. Sadly though, I still didn’t understand what she needed from me.
I started sweating profusely, considered calling Carlos on the phone, and took a deep breath. I could do this. I just had to up my Taboo skill. I asked her to speak more slowly and with her help, I managed to figure out what she needed, gave her the necessary documents and filled out a form. She asked me if my husband would be coming in next. At that point, I told her, “if you think my Spanish is bad, you should try talking to my husband!” She threw up her arms and started laughing saying, “Ay, Dios Mio!” (Oh my God!) She told me to take the form outside and get him to sign it instead. She did not want to meet him in person!
When I finally left a half hour later with the proper documents in hand, Rocky took me to the closest café so I could decompress. I needed coffee and a little treat. I felt shaky and a bit choked up from the ordeal even though the outcome was successful. I ordered my usual cafe con leche (coffee with milk) but also wanted a croissant. For the life of me I could not think of how to describe the darn thing. “Bread that wasn’t sweet?” “Something that wasn’t a donut.” The waitress was struggling with my description. This was not my day to be easily understood. “Do you want a sandwich?” she asked. Seeing my distress, Rocky came to the rescue asking, “Croissant?” “Ah, quiere un croissant?” (You want a croissant?) said the waitress. Jeez. Why didn’t I think of that? Croissant, a universal treat.
On the way home, we stopped at Mercado del Sur, a building full of individual markets, to get a few things for dinner. After almost a week of being in Gijon, Rocky was ready to make a home cooked meal. I made him go into the market while Wilma and I waited outside. Ten minutes later he emerged without any bags. He had found the merluza, (a white fish called hake in English) but it was whole. He did not know how to get it cut into filets. I would need to go in and ask for it if I wanted dinner. He gave me his list and I went in, still feeling a bit unsure of myself.
A half hour later, I emerged loaded down with bags, with a big smile on my face. The market was the perfect therapy. I found the merluza, got it cleaned and fileted, and sampled some yummy Asturian cheeses. Bought some very moist dried dates, raw cashews, avocados, shitake mushrooms, and sweet potatoes. The shopkeepers must’ve sensed I needed some encouragement because they praised my Spanish and marveled at my ability to communicate so well. I was back in the game!
Next week we have an appointment at the police station to get finger printed, part of the process of establishing our residency here. You can bet I’ll be studying up on my vocabulary before we go this time!
I could feel you through this. Thank you for the gentle reminder, that “we got this”.
Kate
Thank you! We all need to hear that daily, don’t we?
Great post. Congratulations for your persistence. The story brought a flood of memories of a very anxious experience I had at the HUGE packed Barcelona train station several years ago, 10 minutes before our train was due to depart, when I realized we had to get our U.S. rail passes stamped first. 😜 ALL of the lines were endless, and I had no idea which line to get in. Even with Google Translate, no one knew what I was talking about.
Frantically repeating “Lo siento,” I dashed past 100’s of customers waiting to see an agent, thrust our 2 passes through the window, stated my urgent need, got them stamped, RAN to the train, getting inside just as it started moving. Not a good way to start your day. 😊
Takes one part courage and one part persistence sometimes, right? Adding the timeline of trying to get to a train must have really been nerve-wracking!
Well done Jeni. I can feel your discomfort but you got thru it.
Thank you Colleen! I’m learning!
Oh my goodness Jeni! I can sense the frustration – in fact, I have been there done that. Aye Dios Mio! Way to persevere! I love the comparison to Taboo!! And gosh, to sit at a cafe for a decompressing cafe con leche and a croissant sounds like the perfect remedy. Love you. XO
Thank you Melissa! I think anyone who travels to a foreign country is likely to encounter something like this from time to time. Very humbling!
Wow Jeni! That sounds like quite the day! We take language and communication for granted here every day. Reading this story and remembering my own charades that I did in Italy reminds me to add this to my list of things I’m grateful for. The easy ability to be heard and understood. ♥️
Makes me appreciate how challenging it is for people who rely on reading lips also. Wearing masks and talking behind plexiglass is a challenge in and of itself!
It’s a pleasure to read about your adventures.
Thank you for following along! I know you’ve had your share of adventures as well.
That is wonderful to read, but it must have been terrible for you. I really like reading all about your experiences and laughing at all your attempts to communicate. Thank you so much for sharing!
Thank you Dad! I know you had your share of similar experiences when you lived in Japan!
It’s so interesting reading this because it resonated so deeply with me! I found that where I went in Spain, no one spoke English. I could literally feel my brain frying from day in and day out trying to learn, process, communicate, and just absorb what was happening. It truly is mentally taxing. I also went to their Indian embassy for my visa and she only spoke in Spanish — which is fine! But with important documents, it’s scary!! So I connect with you so deeply on this! I think I avoided going out for 2 days just to relax!!!
I thought you were fluent in Spanish! Funny how you can be proficient in a language in most areas and then come up against a road block with legal documents!
Jeni,
Your story brought up many of my own similar memories in Mexico… After a few weeks of feeling foolish too many times, I asked around for a ‘Spanish teacher’… After 1 or 2 lessons, my confidence soared,.. and because I tried, I became part of the Mexican community. Everyone wanted to help me learn their language. ‘Tuve muchos profesores y amigos.’
I love that you have chosen this new path in your life…
Peace and Health to you…
Val
We signed up for Spanish classes starting next week. I’m so excited!
Yes! Such a great idea. You will be a pro in no time
Thank you Monica! We hope so.
Challenging, fun and inspirational.
Gracias Keith!
I love the way you put your words on paper❤️ It’s like being right there with you.
Thanks for sharing your pictures and your journey. So happy for both of you!
Thank you for coming along on our adventure!
When my daughter and I we’re in Barcelona ordering delicious food. I kept asking how to give a tip and the gentleman kept asking if I wanted chips. Finally Emily took his hand and put the money in it. We all laughed and continued to have a good time. Sometime I’ll tell you about out Spa experience in Malaga. 😂😂😂
Travel is full of opportunities for laughter, right?
I could feel your anxiety with the process and trying to communicate. But, at the end of it all, you were successful in all tasks….and had an amazing dinner to celebrate!❤️🍾
Yes, you’re so right!
Beautiful story! Waiting for your next adventure.
Thank you Donna! Rocky and I saw a woman in a home goods store called Zara yesterday. She reminded us so much of you! So fun to then get a message from you today!
Jeni,
I just found ALL your stories..
Love them.. soo entertaining..
I have to catch up on what I’ve been missing..
hugs to Rocky.
Take Care dear one.
❤️Liz
So glad we can stay connected in so many different ways!
You are still teaching us how to overcome and do the “up dog”.
Thank you Teach.
Thank you Anne!
Brave adventurous souls you are. ❤
Adventurous and a little crazy!
That sounds like an incredibly full day. Gold stars. Croissant should definitely be a universal word…though what you receive may vary 🙂
Funny!
Fun story, as always. I love reading your articles.
Thank you for reading. Linda!
Oh Jeni …. it brings me such joy to read your posts ….It makes me feel like I’m sitting right beside you visiting with you, thank you so so much for taking the time to share the stories with us, you are so so talented
I wish you were sitting with me at one of the little cafes that are so abundant here!