BAHIA DE CARAQUEZ, ECUADOR
While learning a new language, we all have moments that burn in our memories when we mistakenly insert a similar-sounding word in place of the correct one. The locals in Costa Rica still reminisce (with chuckles) when I stated that I was a man, instead of stating that I was hungry! Hombre – hambre; oh the difference one vowel makes! They also laughed when I bluntly stated with strong emphasis, “I NEED A MAN” (to help shovel truckloads of gravel!)
My most-recent Spanish-speaking blunder arrived last night, when University students joined locals and extranjeros at Museo Bahia de Caraques’s opening reception of the Mola Series. While explaining that the preColumbian Kuna Indians painted the designs on their bodies, I used the word for breakfast instead of naked!
Desayuno. Desnudo. Come on, I was close!
Several generous souls in the audience helped me through a few other stumbling blocks, but everyone seemed quite patient and forgiving!
The public reaction to the paintings continues to surprise me! Color certainly has a positive effect on people, and as Kate Murphy said at the Manta opening, “The paintings smile at you and make you smile back!” Continue reading
