Catch A Lot Of Fishes, Eh?
Few months ago, I’ve been assigned to an English class at my office, the interactive communication class. It’s fun, no homework, it’s fun. Well, except for the final test. Small talk! Blah! I mean it’s not working for me in my native language, let alone the second language!
Anyway, last weekend I went swimming. After my routine I just played around and at certain point I had this idea to practice diving. When I came up into the surface, I heard:
You catch a lot of fishes there?
followed by my “pardon me?”
You catch a lot of fishes there?
followed by my “I’m sorry?”
You catch a lot of fishes there?
followed by my “Oh!” and my awkward laugh.
The catch-a-lot-of-fish-guy then dived in the pool. His friend, eager to show my poor listening and communication skill, then said to me:
Look! A Whale!
followed by my “eh?”
A whale!
(pointing at his friend)
followed by my “Oh!” and my awkward laugh.
followed by a silent moment.
followed by my attempt to break the ice (because I guess, it’s my turn)
Are you on holiday?
Cliche. Gee..
–
Dear two strangers,
Thank you for the fish and whale lines. I promise I will try to use it to some other strangers.
I should’ve responded you with something like “yeah, enough fish for my dinner” or “what a huge whale there!” or anything else and thank you for bearing the talk with me.
the stranger at the pool,
