November 30, 2008

Do I Look Spanish or Something?

I was on the metro last night, standing there minding my own business, when someone tapped me on the shoulder. I instinctively turned to my left: it was a Chinese person (duh), someone I didn't know. And she said:

"Ustedes habla Espanol?"

She was halfway through "habla" before I realized what I was hearing. I almost replied with "一点点". But I was able to marshal my long-dormant Spanish brain cells and reply "Un poco." Then she turned away and didn't speak to me again. A couple stops later, I turned and looked for her, but she was gone.

Very strange. If I didn't remember it so clearly, I'd be tempted to think I was making it up!

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