Ramblings
Trip Start
Feb 10, 2008
1
14
29
Trip End
Aug 06, 2008
San Pedro,
Guatemala
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Language Barrier
Now as a disclaimer, I should make it clear that I do realise that it is I who have travelled to another country, and that therefore it is up to me to make as much effort as possible to remove the barriers of communication that stand between myself and the locals in the form of significant differences between our languages. However, some of these swines really could put a bit more effort in themselves. I think the best way to highlight this is by using an example, picked from among many other similar experiences that would be equally suitable: About halfway through a bus journey to and from I donīt remember where, one of the locals tapped me on the shoulder, looked me straight in the eye and, with an intonation that suggested a question, mumbled the word "sencillo". As far as I knew at the time, the translation for this word was "simple". Slightly perplexed at this, I replied, understandably I think, "Sorry?" To which he replied, without averting his gaze, blinking, or changing the tone of his voice in any way: "Sencillo?"
"Iīm sorry, Iīm afraid I donīt understand what you mean."
"Sencillo?"
"Come again?"
"Sencillo?"
"Run that by me one more time?"
"Sencillo?"
"Nope, not quite getting it Iīm afraid."
"Sencillo?"
"Nah, still none the wiser."
"Sencillo?"
Without going in to too much detail, this pattern would continue for some time, until my lack of fluency in Spanish meant that I ran out of ways to profess my ignorance as to what he was trying to convey. Unsure of what to do, I opted to simply stare back at the middle aged man, who could only be described as "puffy", and who in turn unblinkingly and silently held my gaze. At this point a somewhat tense atmosphere began to descend on the bus, with neither man knowing how the other was going to react. As the seconds ticked by this air of uncertainty began to escalate until there arose an almost palpable taste of danger and fear, as all the passengers awaited with baited breath to see how this transaction of words would end. Thankfully, one of the women behind broke the silence and kindly explained that the gentleman was simply asking if I had any change (using the word "cambio" as opposed to "sencillo"), to which I replied no. Seemingly satisfied, the gentleman returned his gaze to the front of the bus, and everything resumed as normal. I have no idea why the stubborn little chap hadīt felt able or willing to try and expand on what it was that he was trying to ask me, but this type of situation has occurred countless other times, and so I can only assume that it is something to do with the Guatemalan culture. Still, bloody annoying.
Change Situation
Iīm sure that everyone, to a certain extent, enjoys the feeling of withdrawing a number of crisp bills from an ATM, and this is no less the case than in Guatemala, where the relatively low exchange rate (approximately 15 Quetzales to the Pound) means that the majority of withdrawls leave one with a significant wad of cash in their hands. Imbued with a new sense of power upon receiving such wealth, I tend to immediately maraud around town looking to patronize as many local establishments as possible. Unfortunately it seems (in fact it is certain) that the banks only dish out money in 100 Quetzal notes, and it is becoming increasingly clear that the majority of shops in rural, and even urban Guatemala, simply donīt have enough change for such dizzying amounts of money (just under 7 pounds). Time and time again my offerings of cash are rejected for this very reason, and I think that the record for most expensive item refused to be sold on the grounds of lack of change from a 100Q note, is about 65Q. This leads me to believe that locals too are becoming aware of the worthlessness of these monstrously high denominations of money, so much so that they would rather forego the sale of their product than receive the dreaded 100Q note.
I have absolutely no idea why the banks canīt simply print money in lower denominations, but until then I have come up with a genius idea - I am going to withdraw 2000Q worth of 100Q notes, sit in the middle of the Central Park, and offer to swap every one of my worthless 100Q notes for a far more valuable 50Q note. Genius.
Bit of a short one, but there we go.
Coming soon - Gringo Prices & Guatemalan Directions
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