Colombianos are well known as being some of the most welcoming and generous people around the globe. Today, I fully began to appreciate the truth behind this statement.
After the morning gym trip (explored a different gym in a different sector near my apartment), I stumbled upon a restaurant that was still open despite the pouring rain. “Está usted abierto ahora?” I ask. Thankfully, they were not only open, but welcomed me in their establishment with huge smiles, a towel to pat myself dry, a place to sit, and offered me a beverage. The woman I was talking with was named Lisa and unfortunately, the man’s name eludes me. I told Lisa that I was new to the city and that I was visiting to explore and travel. I asked her to recommend any dish on the menu and prepare it without telling me. What was unique about this place was that it was a Chinese restaurant, serving “Chino” style dishes as they called it. I chuckled to myself as Lisa brings out a steaming hot plate of, you guessed it, Chinese-style chicken and rice. Not trying to be offensive, but it reminded me of a more authentic Panda Express. I ate what I could and took the rest “para llevar” or “to-go”.
While I was waiting for the food, I had the opportunity to talk with Lisa and the other man working at the restaurant. At this point, when I asked them to speak more slowly, I could accurately understand about 80% of their words. However, when they resumed their natural pace of speech, that number was easily reduced to 50% or so. I am sure that as the weeks pass, the skills will improve. Lisa also mentioned that the restaurant owner was actually Chinese and did not speak much Spanish, yet they were able to communicate with her and still effectively run the business. If their owner can communicate, then I sure better be able to.
They helped educate me on the nuances of the local speech in this sector of Bogotá, which actually vary from other sectors of the same city. For example, in the US, it is common to ask for things by using the phrases “can I have…” or “can I order.” Here in Bogotá, Lisa instructed me to use the phrases “regalame” or “vendeme” which translate directly to “gift me…” or “sell me…” In addition, I learned how coffee is categorized. A “tinto” is a basic black cup of coffee with or without sugar that can vary from place to place. Some places will serve tintos that basically taste like sugar water with a hint of coffee while other places will have tintos that will blow your mind. A café is coffee with milk added. According to Lisa, you cannot order a tinto and also ask for milk. Finally, Lisa explained that instead of addressing people as señor or señora, it is common to call people “bessie” as I understood it. To my current understanding, “can I have one tinto please, thank you sir” would translate to “regalame un tinto por favor, gracias bessie.” I tried to make a joke and explain how “bessie” in Colombia sounds like “bestie” in the US, but I didn’t get any laughs.
I found that these people, among others I have met so far, have a genuine curiosity about people from other places. They welcome newcomers with open arms, seeking to find and appreciate the differences.
Random Photos From The Day
