I can't say my Spanish is good. I can't say my
Spanish is bad, either, because that would imply I
actually know some Spanish.
I believe the headline above says, "Colombia, I
love you." I could be wrong. For all I know, it really
says "Colombia, I am a jelly donut."
Colombians are said to speak the purest form of
Spanish in Latin America. Of course, it is
Colombians that say this, and I have no way of
judging the accuracy of their opinion.
I did learn a few things about speaking Spanish in
Colombia during my recent trip there, which I pass
along to you now as a great public service:
1. It's not necessary to say "Buenos dias" or
"Buenas noches." A simple "Buenos" or "Buenas"
Spanish is bad, either, because that would imply I
actually know some Spanish.
I believe the headline above says, "Colombia, I
love you." I could be wrong. For all I know, it really
says "Colombia, I am a jelly donut."
Colombians are said to speak the purest form of
Spanish in Latin America. Of course, it is
Colombians that say this, and I have no way of
judging the accuracy of their opinion.
I did learn a few things about speaking Spanish in
Colombia during my recent trip there, which I pass
along to you now as a great public service:
1. It's not necessary to say "Buenos dias" or
"Buenas noches." A simple "Buenos" or "Buenas"
A Prairie Traveler
DENNIS D. JACOBS
Random musings from a prairie
perspective.
perspective.
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will suffice and mark you as someone who is hep to the local lingo.
2. Colombians have a hard time saying "tunnel." If you hear a Colombian telling you
about "toonels," he or she is actually talking about tunnels. I mention this not because
it is actually useful, but because it makes me feel better about my own ineptness
trying to speak Spanish.
3. Try ordering at a restaurant in Spanish. Many restaurants in tourist areas can
provide you with a menu in English if you ask for it. This does not mean your waiter or
waitress speaks English. So give the Spanish name for what you want a whirl. So
what if you get it wrong. Whatever they bring you is going to be delicious. Bear in mind,
though, that a mandarino is a highly potent alcoholic beverage like the one I am
holding in the above photo, whereas a mandarina is a mandarin-orange flavored
soda.
OK, that's it. Sure, I picked up a few other things, like the difference between "entrada"
and "salida," but you can figure stuff like that out on your own.
Oh, one more thing, though. Guys, if you find yourself needing to use the restroom and
you're forced to choose between doors H and M, don't choose door M!
2. Colombians have a hard time saying "tunnel." If you hear a Colombian telling you
about "toonels," he or she is actually talking about tunnels. I mention this not because
it is actually useful, but because it makes me feel better about my own ineptness
trying to speak Spanish.
3. Try ordering at a restaurant in Spanish. Many restaurants in tourist areas can
provide you with a menu in English if you ask for it. This does not mean your waiter or
waitress speaks English. So give the Spanish name for what you want a whirl. So
what if you get it wrong. Whatever they bring you is going to be delicious. Bear in mind,
though, that a mandarino is a highly potent alcoholic beverage like the one I am
holding in the above photo, whereas a mandarina is a mandarin-orange flavored
soda.
OK, that's it. Sure, I picked up a few other things, like the difference between "entrada"
and "salida," but you can figure stuff like that out on your own.
Oh, one more thing, though. Guys, if you find yourself needing to use the restroom and
you're forced to choose between doors H and M, don't choose door M!
Colombia, te amo (I think)
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