Questions . . . I love to ask questions, to explore and discover new things. I’m naturally curious, and I like to understand—especially when it comes to language and culture.
I believe that we need to be “cultural learners,” to ask questions so that we can become culturally aware.
Questions usually result in answers. Sometimes, however, the answers can be shocking!
Sometimes, it’s best NOT to ask questions.
We were recently at a tapas bar with a group of friends. We still aren’t sure why, but the waiter told us that all of the women would receive a complimentary “drink” at the end of our meal.
Perhaps it was because we were a rather large group, and a lot of money was being spent on the meal.
In any case, the waiter brought out stemmed glasses filled with a beautiful pink “layered” drink. It looked like a cocktail of some kind, but I wasn’t sure.
Out of Curiosity
Out of curiosity, I asked the waiter, “What is it?” in a mix of English and broken Spanish. I didn’t want to drink this mysterious Spanish concoction, without knowing what I was tasting—what I was enjoying.
To help us cross over our language barrier, the waiter grabbed a menu off the table. He pointed to a photo of a fancy cocktail and then pointed to its name underneath.
I was expecting a beautifully exotic Spanish name.
I read it, and said, “Oh my!” with embarrassment and laughter. I think I even blushed.
Seeing my surprising reaction, two of the ladies in our group, sitting at the end of table, yelled, “What is it?! What is it?!”
“Sex on the Beach!!” I screamed back.
We all burst out laughing! The waiter smiled with delight.
Our friends from the U.S. said, “That will sure be something to write home about.”
The men in our group were as surprised as we were—a bit speechless even! They wondered why they didn’t get the yummy cocktails too. Feeling bad, some of us decided to share ours with our husbands.
We still don’t understand why ONLY the women at our table were offered the cocktail—and not the men. Perhaps it has cultural meaning that we will never understand.
In any case, I didn’t ask the waiter, “Why?” and I don’t think I ever will.
Sometimes, you just don’t want to know. Sometimes, it’s best NOT to ask questions!
—The Cultural Story-Weaver
Let’s Weave Cultures!
Have you ever asked a question and got a shocking response? Did you wish you had never asked the question? How did you handle it?
We invite you to tell us your own cultural stories and global adventures . . . as you engage with the world, breaking down barriers, building bridges, and “weaving cultures”! Write about them in the comment box below.
