Just go with it!

Foreign words are not the only obstacle when you move to a different country.  Even when speaking English, a strong accent can make it seem like another language entirely. I have always known that it is difficult to understand someone else. I just never pondered over the fact they couldn’t understand ME. That thought has become rather obvious these last few months.  In February, I was in a flower shop and the owner and I were having difficulty communicating. She said, “I am sorry. Your accent is just so strong.” MINE? I keep her comments in mind when I am talking to my driver. I can’t tell you how many times a conversation like this goes on between my driver and me:

Me: “I need to go to Anonas Street, please.”

Driver: “Anonas?”

Me: (As if saying it louder helps) "YES, ANONAS."

Shaking his head, “Anonas?”

Me: (still loud because of course it helps) "YES, ANONAS."

He sits for a moment: “Ahhhh, Anonas!”

What the heck? I swear that is what I was saying all along.

A while back, Tony asked our driver to take us to a Mexican restaurant at the Fort for lunch. Instead, we ended up at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial.  We all looked at each other strangely as we slowly made our way out of the car.  I had to shush Ellis as he said, “What are we doing?” I smiled and whispered through my teeth, “Just go with it.”  

We did just go with it and had a wonderful time meandering our way around the Memorial.  My only wish is that I could have had Uncle Bill to walk around with me and share some of his stories. At 89, I am afraid that won’t happen, but I could so picture him there with me!

 

 

We walked around looking for family names.

Does anyone from the Ellis side of the family recognize any of these names? You will have to get out a magnifying glass!

The Battle of Midway: Uncle Bill fought here. At 16, he wasn't allowed to enter the war, so he lied about his age. I can't even comprehend. He is a great storyteller of his time there. Such a great man. I wish you all could know him.

 

 

 

Since this day, I get dropped off at unintended places all the time. I usually just hop out with my bags and act like that is where I was meant to go. None have been as spectacular a mistake as the Memorial, but you never know what you may find if you just go with it!