Two nights ago
I was in Chile, back in Santiago. I could feel it in the air.
But we were sitting at the Coyote Cantina (one of my favorite Santa Fe “bars” because it’s on a rooftop and open-air). I was with friends.
I realized, suddenly, that I had to get to work. So I rushed to catch a Micro. I remember saying “micro,” the Chilean slang for their public buses — giant, monstrous evil diesel machines that blow black death smoke from their engines. Drivers wield them through the high-speed, congested streets, occasionally hitting pedestrians. They murder handfuls of people every year. I said the word “micro” like it was normal — we were in Santiago. But we were speaking English.
When I got to work, it was the Italian restaurant I worked at for two years when I first moved to Santa Fe. It was that restaurant, but it looked like a typical Chilean restaurant, with menus written in Spanish. I apologized to the owner for being late, but we spoke only in English.
I put on my apron and approached a table, nervously, awkwardly. I attempted to interact in puro español. It felt like my tongue was tied and I had forgotten almost every word.
Ironic, isn’t it? All I want is to dream in Spanish. And yet, when I finally do, I only speak one Spanish word the entire time.
6 responses so far
are you sure you weren’t just translating right away? maybe you were dreaming in spanish, but it was so natural for you, you didn’t notice the difference? just a thought.
oh and happy early birthday!
interesting thought! and thanks for the birthday wishes!
I had a dream in Italian once while trying to learn the language and I was the happiest ever. I woke up still barely able to speak it, though. Blast.
lauren — now that’s a good one!
I end up speaking Spanish or Japanese that I know isn’t real in my dreams. At least you had “micro” right.
I was in Santa Fe for a few days. Absolutely loved it, and would love to go back. Where’s the Coyote Cantina?
Whether in México, Italy, or France, I’m always speaking some incomprehensible patois of three romance languages; and no one can ever understand me, least of all myself. Combination of dream and nightmare.
Girl, you got the comments comin’ in now!