A very common theme with the locals since I arrived at the airport, was their absolute surprise that I spoke English. Correction, that I spoke English well. It was slightly insulting, at first... however, I think insulting is too strong of a word. Maybe just a bit annoying. I suppose I look local, I am extra dark as of late after all. After revealing that I wasn't local, 95% would comment that my "face looks like Indonesian". Anyhow, I never fully appreciated the fact that my parents taught me how to speak English from the get go, while still ensuring I also spoke Tagalog. I am so very blessed to have intelligent, caring parents with common sense to boot.
There are a few memories I have on the topic of speaking the English language. I will never forget the day I was in between classes in high school, talking to a friend at her locker in Tagalog about some new drama in our 13 year old lives. Some bozo chirps in, "You're in America. Speak American!" Well, I had a field day! Needless to say, I happily corrected the fellow that the language he & I spoke is ENGLISH, not American. Another was in 2nd Grade, once a week in English class we were required to speak to one another in English and not a peep of Tagalog; I was always very proud. A memory I'm not too proud of was when I was a bit younger... I used to tease my nannies in English-- bratty little me, poking fun at the fact that they couldn't understand a word I said. "I'm speaking in English and you don't know what I'm saying! You can't understand meeeee! Na na-na na-naaaa na!" They'd cry and I'd laugh. Horrible, I must admit. I was 5 and Pops wasn't very pleased with me every time I did it. Yes, I did it more than once. Last, but not least, I was around 4, I would convincingly tell anyone who would listen about good ol' America-- California, the Golden Gate Bridge, Disney Land! Like I had the slightest clue about anything I said. I guess my English was just good enough that it was believable. I think Pops found it funny.
I'm not sure if it's a Balinese thing, or what, but everyone seems to feel the need to speak to me (often being singled out in large crowds I'm waiting in-- i.e., lobbies, waiting areas, shuttles, restaurants, the pool). Maybe they feel I need someone to talk to and they're simply being nice since I'm all by my lonesome, but the locals keep striking conversations with me (even with my headphones on and The Black Keys blaring against my eardrums or while I'm in the middle of a meal mid-chew). Every time they comment on my English and how they wish to speak English well, too. They ask me a million questions, bring over a friend to chat a bit more, then ask if I need another drink or towel or whatever it is they can think up, trying to look like they're just taking extra good care of me. Their reactions are slightly overwhelming-- the excitement, their eyes light up, huge grins on their faces, uncomfortable giggling, and the very common sign language trying to explain what I'm saying. Who knew it would be so exciting to speak English!
Thank you Mom & Pops, sincerely.
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