I love everything about California. The weather, the people, the buildings, and the lifestyle.
California is certainly the melting pot of cultures; With residents coming from around the globe; From Filipinos to Mexicans, Indians, Koreans, Chinese, Vietnamese and more.
Having all these nationalities makes life easier for me since I am a Filipino, an alien to this country. Because there is so much diversity, there is barely, if any, racial discrimination around here.
However, there is one disadvantage: The difficulty for us to understand each other due to our strong accents.
Care for some examples?
Below are two conversations I had with our previous gardener and nanny.
Scenario 1:
It was a Friday and it's time to cut a check for the nanny that used to work for us. I wasn't sure how to spell her full name so I went to her with my checkbook and pen on hand.
Can I get your full name for your check please, I asked. Then she gave me a long ass name that I have never heard in my entire life.
Mama nalyn: can you spell out your first name please?
Yaya: ok. It's D
Mama nalyn: D **writes D on the check**
Yaya: O
Mama nalyn: O
Yaya: Aw
Mama nalyn: Aw?
Yaya: AW. Aw For wabit
mama nalyn: wabit?
Yaya: WA-BIT. Wabit!!
Ohhhhhh... Rabbit!
Scenario 2:
I heard the doorbell rang so I went outside. There I saw our gardener, Juan, looking around our lawn.
Juan: "grass dirt leaves tree"
Mama nalyn: "what??? I'm sorry but I'm not understanding you."
Juan: "grass there no?"
Mama nalyn: "yes please. Mow the lawn."
Juan: "si. Si. Grass there noh?"
Mama nalyn: what? Yes cut the grass please
Juan: noh noh noh. Grass dirt leaves tree??
Wwwhhhaaaattttttt?????!!!!!
