For the vast majority of my life I have suffered the indignity of hearing my surname butchered. Most Americans just can't seem to wrap their tongues around those French vowels. Although, I must admit, it's a great way to screen for telemarketers. "Good evening. Is Mr. Du...aah, Mr. Dup-ROY at home?" Click.
But that's not the case here in South America. Like the seasons or the directional flow of a flushing toilet, things here are reversed. My last name is not problem. It is my first name that trips people up. So, to make things easier, it was suggested I adopt a nickname. I've become Fidel.
My first name -- however unusual -- presents no problems of pronunciation for my countrymen.
But that's not the case here in South America. Like the seasons or the directional flow of a flushing toilet, things here are reversed. My last name is not problem. It is my first name that trips people up. So, to make things easier, it was suggested I adopt a nickname. I've become Fidel.It works wonders. A few weeks ago I was on the phone trying to make a reservation for a minivan to the airport. Here's an excerpt of the conversation:
me - Good afternoon. I'd like to reserve a minivan tomorrow morning to the airport.
she (reservation agent) - Your last name, sir?
me - Dupuy.
she - First name?
me - Fielding.
she - What? I didn't get that.
me - Fielding.
she - Again, please.
me - Fiel-DING!
she (playing the audibility card) - I can't hear you, sir. Your name again?
me ("sigh") - Fidel.
she - Ah, claro! Fidel Dupuy. Your phone number? ....
The next morning, bright and early I'm outside the hotel waiting as the minivan pulls up. Smiling broadly, the driver hops out and shouts, "Buenos dias, Don Fidel!"
So, I've become Fidel. It saves a lot of time, actually.
7 comments:
LOVE it! i always knew you'd become a revolutionary. now if you can just bring yourself to call your inflatable granma you'll be in business.
Yah, it suits you.
hay dios mio! que lejos la fruta a caido del arbol!
I know just what you mean, as I have the same experience. Haven't yet found a good first name yet.
at least get some hairs hanging from yr face. happy trails, fidel. yr comrades in the sixth boro are hoisting their glasses if not red flags high.
Funny, in Kenya my name is a problem. They speak English and "will" is in the dictionary but they don't get it. William is fine but they don't get will. They also can't do Hoffman. They other day I got a receipt that said nil ossman.
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