Lost in Translation

Sometimes, even when we speak the same language, we get lost in translation.  Funny conversations I have had, things I have said, or things I have heard during this trip, so far.

      First Scenario

We just had a flight of more than twelve hours and landed in Lima.  (See my post about Peru here).  We are beyond tired.  I am trying to find someone to ask where do we need to go to obtain our taxi and hotel vouchers.  I find a lady who works at the airport. 

Me:  Excuse me; where  is the AA’s desk?

Her:  uh?

Me:  (louder) do you know where AA’s desk is?

Her:  What do you need?

Me:  I am from that flight that just landed here, the one that was going to Buenos Aires.  I am looking where to get the vouchers.

Her:  So, you didn’t make it to Buenos Aires.

Me:  No, we had to land here. It was unexpected, like an emergency landing.

Her:  An emergency landing?!  Oh my!!!  How dangerous and frightening!!!!

Me:  No!!!  It wasn’t that bad.  We just didn’t get to Buenos Aires.  It’s all because of the ash…..

Her:  Are you picking up some ash?

Me (frustrated):   No!!… Thank you.

Second Scenario

I am eating lunch.  A grandmother (GM) and his 5 to 6 years old grandson are seating on the table next to me.  She has asked him to tell her about dinosaurs.  She is taking notes as he speaks. 

Boy:  mmm….velociraptor!

GM:  And this one, also lays eggs?  Is it oviparous?

Boy:  Yes, they all lay eggs.  They are all good parents.

Third Scenario

A café in Avenida de Mayo.  We are watching the Soccer Game Colombia-Costa Rica.  (See a post about this afternoon here)

Waiter:  Who is playing?

Us:  Colombia vs. Costa Rica

-   A man later comes in.-

     Man (to the waiter):  Who is playing?

    Waiter:  Hungary  vs. Costa Rica

Fourth Scenario

My husband (JL), brother (bro) and I are waiting for the subway.  When it arrives, we see the word “LUCER” written -graffiti style- on one of the wagons.

JL:  Quiso escribir “looser” en inglés y le falló la ortografía.

Bro:  Sí, le hizo falta la tilde en la u.



Do you have "lost in translation" stories?  Laugh with us and share them here!!