Saturday, August 26, 2006

Conversations

Ok, here's a real weekend treat for yall. Since I may not have internet for a while, I've decided to do two posts today. After reading this post, scroll down for more Guyanese fun.

Below are actual excerpts from conversations with the locals.

Guyanese man at market: Hey where are you from?
Me: The United States
Guyanese man: Oh really? You speak English very well.
Me: Well thank you but I was born and raised there.
Guyanese man: Yes, but you speak English very well. Where are your parents from?
Me: My parents are from Taiwan, but English is my native language.
Guyanese man: Your accent is very good.
Me: Um, thank you.

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Volunteer looking to purchase a camera: Can I see that camera behind the glass?
Guyanese woman working at the store: I only have the key to this side of the glass. Come back tomorrow and I will get the key to the other side.
Volunteer: I’m leaving town tomorrow. Do you think you can just reach your arm in and get it for me?
Guyanese woman looks annoyed and reaches in for the camera.
Volunteer: So what is the return policy on this?
Guyanese woman: If there is something wrong with it, then bring it back and we’ll fix it up right for you.
Volunteer: Can I get a refund if I don’t open the package and bring it back as is?
Guyanese woman (exasperated): This isn’t the United States! You cannot just buy something and change your mind!!

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Me: Can you please tell me how to get to Oasis?
Guyanese Man working in the store: Yes, you get in a cab and tell him to take you there.

Me: Can you please tell me how to get to Oasis?
Guyanese Man on street: (points in a general direction)
Me: So I just walk down this street? Will it be to my left or right?
Guyanese Man: Just go down for a little bit, then turn left up ahead and go down there.
Me: How far down do I go before I turn left?
Guyanese Man: Just keep going. You’ll see it. No problem.

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Me: How much for a mini-bus from Soesdyke to Friendship?
Guyanese neighbor: You pay $100 to Friendship, right? Make sure you don’t ask the bus driver or he will try to charge you more.

Me: How much for a mini-bus from Soesdyke to Friendship?
Byron: Umm $120, maybe $140.

Me: How much for a mini-bus from Soesdyke to Friendship?
Guyanese security guard: Exactly $80.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

hi yvonne!!!

I hope everything is going well down there! Take care!!

stinkylin said...

dont talk to guyanese strangers. by the way, UT won their 1st game against north tx. and i am changing my cell phone number. thats pretty much it for tx news

Anonymous said...

yea, so that's cool and all, but how 'bout posting another picture of Miss Guyana 2006!!!

Anonymous said...

This is truly brilliant stuff. This from a Guyanese fan of your blog. Keep it up.

Anonymous said...

OMG! Best post EVER!! I'm still laughing!