Story 63: Plane English

      I like the Spanish language and I like to think I am pretty good at it, but certainly not fluent like my friend Michael.  Michael’s Spanish is so good, very often Mexican citizens think he is a Spaniard or a local.

Whenever we traveled Michael would often talk in different languages to the various people we met.  He can converse in Spanish, Hebrew, Arabic, and even Japanese.  

For example when we were returning from our trip to Turkey, Michael struck up a conversation with a local Spanish Doctor in the Istanbul Airport.   Later as we boarded our plane, Michael attempted to put his carry-on bag in an overheard compartment, but a very rude woman said he couldn’t because the entire space belonged to her.   Michael was rightfully angry, but his new friend said don’t worry he would put Mike’s bag in his overhead bin.

The doctor was very fit for his age, and effortlessly put Michael’s large bag in the overhead bin.  I noticed his assistance, and tried my best to give him a compliment

 I wanted to say he was as strong as a bull “Un torro”  but instead I said, “Fuerte, como un burro.”  (Strong as an a..)

The man's son was visibly angry and yelled, “Did you call my father an a--?” in Spanish.

Michael quickly translated that my Spanish was poor and what I meant to say, but the damage was done, and there were no goodbyes at the end of trip, nor did they offer any assistance to help get our bags out of the space.

Life Lesson 63:  It’s not always what we say, but also how and when we say things, whether in English or other languages, and that sometimes actions speak louder than words.  Just make sure that whatever language you choose, say it and do it right the first time, because you never get a second chance to make a first impression.