This morning we were able to go as a group and provide service to the Marvyn Gaye Park near DC. We split into two groups. One group cleared brush and trees and trash out of a major walkway area that the people use to get to the store.. which is mega far away. The other, our group, worked on building a fence around a community garden that they were making. Both groups got a lot done!
On our way back from providing service in the Marvyn Gaye Park near DC I heard one of the girls ask an advisor what the name of the lady that stands atop the capitol building is. It reminded me of a couple stories..
My parents always taught us that this lady's name is Frida, ya know like Frida Kalo the uni-brow spanish painter? I always thought it was sorta a strange name, but oh well! On a return trip they quizzed us again as to what her name was. Frida, we replied. And they busted up laughing? ?? Turns out her real name is freedom but on some tour they went on years ago the tour guide had such a strong accent it sounded like Frida..
Which reminds me of another time I took for granted what my parents taught me and later learned I was wrong. Anytime we'd have Chinese food and had soy sauce Dad always called it 'sudor de elefante' or elephant sweat. Weird right? Especially since there were all these ingredients that were made to make it and it never showed elephant sweat.. but oh well! Dad said it was elephant sweat. And so it was. Apparently that's what they called it in Ecuador when he was a missionary there.
So there I am. Spanish 2. Someone asks the teacher what soy sauce was in Spanish? The teacher opened it up to the class. Oh heck ya! Random Spanish word that I know and can show off in front of the class right? She calls on me.. 'sudor de elefante'. She gave me the most disgusted look I've ever gotten. No one else knew what it meant so she told everyone what it really meant and then I was getting that same look from everyone in the entire class.. I still haven't gotten over it.. No wonder I have such a hard time participating in class. Traumatic experience man..
Be a careful listener as you're taught.... :)
ReplyDeleteThe story of Frida came when when were were on a bus tour in DC. The tour guide was going through her script about the capitol building and amidst the noise of the bus and young children, I heard her say the name of the statue is "Frida". I looked puzzled and I remember shrugging my shoulders and mouthing "Frida"? to Scott. Somehow it was clarified and we all had a good laugh, but maintained "Frida" as a family memory:)
Elephant Sweat is a term passed down through generations... my dad's father - ever the jokester - used to call it that. Scott added the Spanish translation. I'll defer to my dad for an explanation.