Hello, and welcome to my first column! The stories I will share are about the transition from being a tourist in Rocky Point to becoming a full-time resident. As many of you know, there is quite a difference! Perhaps you will find some of my missteps funny, and others can take it as a tool to not do the same thing! Hope you enjoy!
One of the first things I learned is that asking for directions is quite different than in the States. Most people here tend to use a building or landmark, or say “over there.” For whatever reason, all the places I asked about tended to be “behind the Super Ley.” Now, that could mean 1 street or 1 mile, but it was behind the Super Ley. So, when I asked about getting established with a doctor here, I was told there is a very good doctor, female, “behind the Super Ley.” Off I go. It was 4 blocks, and on the opposite side of Super Ley. When I walked in, there was a lobby full of people, a doctor’s office to the right, and what appeared to be a lab straight ahead. So, what’s this gringa do, go into Doctor’s office to the right. At this point, my Spanish is very limited – I have mastered Hola, Adios, baño, and cerveza…the important stuff. So, when I asked the gal at the desk if this was the female doctor’s office, she cheerily said Bueno and something else, which I took as when do you want to come in. She set me up for an appointment the next day!
The next day, I go the office again, knowing right where it is, and now when I walk into the office, I notice there are posters on the wall about babies, and gynecological services. HUH? I am 60 years old and certainly do not need that! Within seconds, a male doctor comes out, to which I say, “Well, you’re not a female” and to which he says, “Well, you’re not pregnant.” No, no, I am not. You see, my friends, I walked into a FEMALE doctor’s office, as in one who services female issues. The real “female” doctor was the one all those people in the lobby were waiting for! As it turns out, she is a great doctor, very knowledgeable, friendly, and can always get an appointment rápido.
Lesson learned: Be very precise when asking directions or questions. I have since downloaded a translation app onto my phone and started Spanish lessons. Life is so much easier now!
¡Hasta Luego!
