Recently I got some feedback from my 1 or 2 readers that nobody wants to read and that I should stick to pictures and videos. But before that I was feeling guilty that all of my pictures and videos were about having fun and holidays so I am trying to balance it out.
Anyway, yesterday I had another conversation that typifies what a unique/weird experience this is.
I was in the capital, Tegucigalpa, for a meeting to discuss climate change and strategy for Honduras. There were some pretty high-level people there, and for the most part the crowd was well educated and cultured.
During lunch a guy at my table was asking me how many girlfriends I had (he had just finished telling me that the Italian UN worker has 5). I replied with a slightly less ambitious ’0′. After we talked a little longer he left the table and the guy sitting immediately next to me decided to continue the conversation. Here is more or less how it went:
Guy next to me: ‘You know, you shouldn’t mix races because the kids turn out with problems.’
Me: ‘What?’ (not sure if I heard him and buying time for a response)
Guy next to me repeats himself
Me: ‘Well, I have some friends of different races who had a baby and it always turns out very attractive.’
Guy next to me: ‘No, they end up having problems with learning.’
Me: ‘I guess . . . maybe you’re right.’ (didn’t feel like changing the world in this moment obviously)
Guy next to me: ‘Yeah, because you guys are so developed mentally and the Indians (harsh word here for Indigenous people) are so far behind.’
Me: ‘ . . . . ‘ (nervous laughter and looking around the room)
After I focused on food for a while he asked me if I played guitar. I said no and asked him if he did. He said he did, and then proceeded to tell me he loved songs like ‘A Horse With No Name’ and that his sister was even better on guitar and could play ‘Stairway to Heaven’ perfectly.
Hi there Brett. I just wrote a comment but don’t think it went through? so here it is again.
I enjoy reading all your comments. No need to stick to just pictures and videos. It’s all interesting to me.
Keep up the good work in the {eace Corps. I wish I could do that too, but I am tioed down here with a wife and three little girls. Crazy!!!! My girls are 3 1/2, 6, and 8 1/2, and I turned 42 last December. Time goes fast!
So no girlfriend? I wouldhave had afew there already and maybe even a few “Mixed” “little Fockers” lol. I don’t waste any time. They would be smart mixed babies too, and musically talented since I do play guitar. No “Stairway to Heaven” but can do “Horse with No Name” and many others.
climate change? sounds more like this was a summit for genetic studies and education. that guy’s a fountain of scientific facts…
as possibly your third, maybe your fourth reader, i want you to know i like both the pics and the stories. it’s good info.
that was very funny, Brett!
Brett, I like all of it… keep it up. Hey, I will be in Tegucigalpa next week, any chance you could come into the city??? I will be there Tuesday and Wed, but have the afternoon/evening free on Tuesday. Let me know, would be great to catch up.
I think you handled that well. The only slightly more appropriate response on your behalf would be to openly wonder to the other dude: “Were your parents mixed race?”
A little late commenting on your last “blog”?? You have some wild-but amusing comments
re your conversations with some of your Honduran friends(?)–hope you are keeping a diary
of all your conversations, day to day amusing events for ,at least, an article if not a book.
Love you–more in a regular e-mail. Gramma
Bret, how much longer will you be stying there? Where will you go when you come back to the US? Back to school or with parents? Hope to see you gain someday. When is oyur birthday? I forget. Was it last year for oyur birthday that I sent you a little pinata? remember that? Take care buddy.