So my school is on the main drag here in Samara and backs up the best part of the beach. Most anytime…night or day…..there are all types of people milling around…..students, natives, local police officials neglecting their jobs, ect…….. One day…..after a really challenging day in class, I was walking on the beach in front of the school when I was stopped by an older (65-70) local woman named Maria. The conversation started off like most….
Como esta usted?
Bien y tu?
Bien, muchas gracias……….ect, ect, ect…….
Maria started to progress the conversation bit by bit……..that is when I fell victim to the Gringo Nod. I thought I was doing really well. She told me how challenging it has been for her to learn English over the years and that she was also taking lessons at the school as well. From my recollection of our conversation….she asked me a question that simply did not register with me….and I remember that I said “Si” and at one point all I really wanted to do was get home and take a show and debrief for a bit. I really was trying to figure out what was being said……I even asked her to repeat herself a few times…..but there was no hope. The last time she asked the question, I nodded and said yes…..and then told her I needed to get home for dinner. When I walked off…..I know that she said something about helping me with my Spanish and that it just takes time…..but the rest was a blur….and honestly …..I did not think too much of what just occurred.
Two days later…I was sitting in my room listening to music with my Tico brother when I heard someone out in front of the “Super Room” calling my name. When I walked out….I was surprised to see Maria standing there. I also noticed that the rest of my family had made their way out of the house and were now standing behind me in the super room. Maria started to say something and my Tico mom stepped up and proceeded to have words with Maria. At this point….I had no clue what was going on. My brothers and Tico dad were laughing as my mom and Maria exchanged heated words. After a few minutes, the dust settled….Maria left……and I asked what the hell just happened. Apparently, Maria has a reputation in town for offering her linguistic services in exchange for receiving other “services” from the students.
I have absolutely zero clue as to when this agreement took place during my initial conversation with her……but she was coming to cash her chips in. I will guarantee you that it will be the last time that I simply say “Si”. I have since learned how to say “I don’t know” or “I don’t understand”…….. I can only hope that my “Gringo Nod” days are coming to an end soon……..at least for this gringo.
I will say this….even though it was extremely creepy…….it has made for some good times with my family…….. The other night Agustin (my Tico Dad) was outside my window saying “Juan….it is Maria………I am here to give you some lessons”.
Pura Vida y Hasta Pronto
|
