I like to cha cha

I do really like to cha cha (I learned in Zumba) and I absolutely love the song “Cha Cha” but I don’t speak fluent Spanish, yet. I hope the good people of Miami give me some time to catch up.

Baby Sharonda, age 2

Being in Miami has been one interesting culture shock every week. My favorite one is Spanish. Spanish speakers automatically assume I speak the language and will begin whole conversations with me in Spanish. When it happens, I always smile and give them a blank stare. Sometimes they still don’t get it and that's when they get Baby Sharonda’s face. I’ve stopped saying “hola."

The first time it happened, I was at Miami International Airport waiting for my flight back to Chicago. My flight was 2 hours delayed so I was texting a few friends and family to tell them about my successful interview.

You ever feel someone staring at you? Well, I felt that while sitting there and when I looked up, an older woman was looking at me and smiling. She was in her mid-50’s and looked like she’s an awesome abuela to snuggle up under. I smiled at her and said “hola.” Big mistake.

She then has a whole conversation with me....in Spanish. I could pick up some of it. She too was upset about the ridiculous American Airlines flight delay. Since I couldn’t think of a response, I just smiled and went back to texting.

My airport abuela started staring at me again. This time, she asked me to watch her bag so she could go to the bathroom. I said, in English, “No problem. I’ll watch your stuff.” Airport abula returned from the bathroom and said “thank you” to which I replied, “de nada.” I finally knew a response and then she uses English :(

The second time it happened was at work. My boss submitted a work order for my office to get repainted. The nice man came to check out the space. We exchanged “good morning” and then he had questions about the room. He asked them all in Spanish. I’m so happy my boss was within earshot and came to my rescue. He was laughing, too.

I also had someone start a conversation with me in Creole. I was in the car, in the left hand turning lane. He pulled up besides me and was smiling. I wasn’t in the mood for flirting but I still rolled down my window. When he saw me, he waved, then started asking me something...in Creole. I didn’t give him the blank stare, he got Baby Sharonda. When he saw I wasn’t understanding, he smiled again then used his hands to motion. He wanted to get in front of me. Lawd!

This curly hair is confusing folks. I’m BLACK! I need to get back to my Duolingo, ASAP!