The Nice Thing About Strangers
Creative Non-Fiction Short Stories. :) Travel, Oldsters, Love, and Compassion.
Because I am Learning
The clerks at the market wear the same black polo shirts, the same nametags, the same gazes up from where they sit to where customers stand. When it is my turn, my clerk asks if I have their shopper’s card. I answer, “Yok.” (A situational version of no. They have versions of no. Heaven help me.) And she grins so much that I feel I’ve made a mistake with just a single word. So I ask, using the formal conjugations through we are the same age, if I’ve answered the question correctly. I don’t have the shopper’s card, so I should say, “Yok”? She is smiling so much I think even my question is somehow off the mark. She assures me–in her native tongue, but loudly and slowly–that I am correct. I tell her with a sigh that I keep trying to learn Turkish and she nods, “Because of marriage?”
I blush, “No!” She laughs. It is hard for me to say why I have been learning this language, why I have been so calmly and humiliatingly keeping at it. It is hard for me to communicate why I am choosing to be somewhere that I cannot communicate, but where every small victory seems so large. I can’t tell her it is the challenges, the folk singers, the immigrants I met in Vienna, or one completely impossible love story. These are not things you can say at a grocery store when you’re not even certain that you said “Yok” properly.
“No,” I explain, “No, because–because I am learning.”
This also makes her laugh, yet she finally understands. Next time, I will endeavor the shopper’s card application. I can’t promise, but I will.
–Izmir, Turkey.
So after our chat, I went home and cooked this from scratch. Just joking, I paid my neighbor for dinner. 🙂
10 comments on “Because I am Learning”
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Sometimes I feel like having the card “Migros” or other is like opening a can of worms. You have the card? Oh you get a discount! What’s your mobile. And then without fail – practically daily – you get a SMS. Discount! Discount! Discount!! And when you are standing in the queue its “Bak! Diswashing liquid or deoderant or a sewing kit – half off! You must buy it!” Yok! Is not a strong enough sentiment lol!
Jane,
Wow, you knew this was in Migros? That’s amazing! 🙂 I have a card for another Turkish chain that was near my place in Istanbul, but I don’t recall the name. I don’t think I gave them any contact information. 🙂 It’s good to know! (As are many ways to say no, polite and otherwise.) 😀
Paige
And when they ask for your telephone no. like at Bershka you end up getting SMS’s from them too. Does my head in! Dont get me started on the Hoppo (Hippo) discounts from YKM or Boyner. Will send me over the edge LMAO!
That meal looks so delicious! I am not doing very well with my Spanish either but the Spanish folks are so forgiving. Hasta pronto!
Darlene, I think that’s a sign that you’re somehow a local. I have definitely relied upon patience from others and with myself. 🙂
Paige
Learning for the sake of learning is always good
Joanne, I agree. I think it helps to keep us young, engaged, and challenged! 🙂
Paige
Oh my gosh Paige:))) I just love looking at that picture as I am cooking, or eating a great meal. Thank you my fellow TAM family member:) for getting me this culture. I sooo, look forward to the Tam meet up! Hope to get my book by you, autographed by you;)
Keith
Keith, I can’t wait either! I am looking forward to Spring for a variety of reasons. My Turkish neighbors were pretty awesome cooks. I should have taken a few lessons.
Paige
Never stop learning, which reminds me…. I have an exam to schedule. But first! I have to study for it… Ah well..