Sam and I just returned from a spectacular weekend in Quebec City, an early Valentine's Day Present! Tres amusant! Besides being surrounded by a population greater than 1,2oo people, staying in an amazing hotel, drinking out of a glass of ice, and swing dancing in the snow, I can honestly say that once again, Sam was the highlight of my weekend. Let me give you a few examples of what I experienced:
Sam trying to speak french. After almost 3 hours in the car practicing, I suggested he just speak English like a real ignorant American does.
Sam trying to order food. He starts out with "Bonjour" which ends up sounding just like it's spelled...hilarious. Then speaks English loud and slow, with repetition.
Bathroom Break. We stopped at a gas station in St. Georges for a quick potty visit. I went in first and read the sign above the light switch (in French) which said to leave the light on because it messes up their heat when it's off. I left the light on when I left. Sam darted in after me and I casually strolled up and down the aisles. As Sam left the bathroom, he turned the light out and started to walk out of the store. Just then, the cashier asked if he turned the light out (in French). Frozen with fear, Sam stood there looking at the man. Sam thought the man was yelling at him because he didn't buy anything...and I knew that that's what he was thinking. I was just out of sight when all this went down. Another man in the store said "You speak English, huh?" And I busted out laughing as the man turned the bathroom light back on! Sam left flustered of course embarassed. Poor thing. We hadn't even gotten to Quebec City and he was already stepping on foreign toes.
Valet parking. Sam valet parked for the first time in his life. Now that's not an enormous event because many people have never and will never valet park. What made me smile was how often he talked about how great valet parking really is!
Sam wanting to eat breakfast at Mike's...the most American eatery in the city.
Sam trying to speak french. After almost 3 hours in the car practicing, I suggested he just speak English like a real ignorant American does.
Sam trying to order food. He starts out with "Bonjour" which ends up sounding just like it's spelled...hilarious. Then speaks English loud and slow, with repetition.
Bathroom Break. We stopped at a gas station in St. Georges for a quick potty visit. I went in first and read the sign above the light switch (in French) which said to leave the light on because it messes up their heat when it's off. I left the light on when I left. Sam darted in after me and I casually strolled up and down the aisles. As Sam left the bathroom, he turned the light out and started to walk out of the store. Just then, the cashier asked if he turned the light out (in French). Frozen with fear, Sam stood there looking at the man. Sam thought the man was yelling at him because he didn't buy anything...and I knew that that's what he was thinking. I was just out of sight when all this went down. Another man in the store said "You speak English, huh?" And I busted out laughing as the man turned the bathroom light back on! Sam left flustered of course embarassed. Poor thing. We hadn't even gotten to Quebec City and he was already stepping on foreign toes.
Valet parking. Sam valet parked for the first time in his life. Now that's not an enormous event because many people have never and will never valet park. What made me smile was how often he talked about how great valet parking really is!
Sam wanting to eat breakfast at Mike's...the most American eatery in the city.
Sam told me that driving in foreign countries stresses him out. Pretty funny considering that Quebec was his first driving experience in a foreign country and we drove on the same side of the road, ummm, and the signs were in French AND English most of the time.
Conversation example:
S: What does "au revoir" mean, Tara?
T: Honestly, Sam? (not in a rude tone, but a real questioning tone.)
S: Yeah. I wouldn't ask if I knew.
T: Didn't you take french in high school, Sam?
S: Yeah, but that was like 10 years ago!
Later I asked Sam exactly what he remembered from high school french. He said something about not answering any questions when called on in class. Translation: He passed because of his beautiful blue eyes.
**Please note** This post was not designed to expose my husband's lack of cultural experience. He said to blame his parents. :)
Conversation example:
S: What does "au revoir" mean, Tara?
T: Honestly, Sam? (not in a rude tone, but a real questioning tone.)
S: Yeah. I wouldn't ask if I knew.
T: Didn't you take french in high school, Sam?
S: Yeah, but that was like 10 years ago!
Later I asked Sam exactly what he remembered from high school french. He said something about not answering any questions when called on in class. Translation: He passed because of his beautiful blue eyes.
**Please note** This post was not designed to expose my husband's lack of cultural experience. He said to blame his parents. :)
6 comments:
Tara, I love your blog so much, and I love this story! What's weird is that I was just about to write a blog about how much I love Jon when I read this one.
I love that he speaks loudly in french. Because most french people are most likely hard of hearing right? Can't wait to see you guys Saturday!!!
I totally object to the "blame my parents" line. Was it my fault he blew off h.s. French - I don't think so,Al.:):) the trip sounds fun. Sam is the best date ever!!!!!
This is hilarious! Peter says it must be nice to be free and childless--Hee hee! You are absolutely right, Tara, that Madame Quinn overlooked much due to the "Baby blues." :) I love the blog!!
Who needs iTunes when I can just click on your blog and listen to awesome music.
Look at you and your blog! So fancy, even with music. I got a kick out of your Quebec trip and how Sam was. Since i live overseas it sounded so much like every day of my life here...It reminds me I should write more about my language/cultural bloopers. :)
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