INTRODUCTION
SHELTER
FOOD & DRINK
TRANSPORT
TO DO
MAPS
FORVM
SEARCH
POST NEW TOPIC
Puerto Rico

The current weather in Culebra
RSS feed
New Topic  |  Go to Top  |  Go to Topic  |  Search  |  Log In Newer Topic  |  Older Topic
Calling The Campsite
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Michele Cantwell (---.hsd1.mi.comcast.net)
Date:   02-26-10 00:17

Hello everyone. I have been reading the forum for a couple months now as my friend and I are going to be camping next month.

I was thinking I would need to reserve a camp site since it is close to spring break time while we will be there (March 15-20). I was wondering, is it impolite to immediately speak english when I call? Do they speak english at the camp site? I can speak some spanish, probably enough to make a reservation, but over the phone I am still pretty uncomfortable speaking spanish. I was just wondering if it is rude to start off the phone conversation with english?

Thanks guys!

(And I have been searching through the forum for a similar question, but haven't found to answer, so I apologize if it is out there somewhere!)

~Michele
Reply To This Message
Re: Calling The Campsite
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Herb (165.134.205.---)
Date:   02-26-10 08:16

When I called, the attendant answered in Spanish. I listened carefully for a break in the conversation and politely inserted, "I do not speak Spanish". He immediately, without breaking stride, started speaking in English. We had a great conversation, answering every question I had. Go ahead, call them.

Peace out
Herb
Reply To This Message
Re: Calling The Campsite
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Geronimo (---.customer.broadstripe.net)
Date:   02-26-10 09:37

Most of the time it does not seem to be a problem when you are speaking English. I have found a few places where the folks did not speak English ex. I asked the policeman there what time the gas station opened and he didn't speak English?!?!? I guess I better learn to to say "Help" in Spanish.
Reply To This Message
Re: Calling The Campsite
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Debbie (199.89.103.---)
Date:   02-26-10 11:41

I have a lot of luck when making phone calls to Puerto Rico, after being greeted, by saying "Buenos Dias (or Tardes if in the afternoon). Habla Ingles?" Usually, they immediately switch to English, or find someone that can help me. Asking in their language seems to work for me!

My funniest interchange was when I found a cell phone in the Costco parking lot, and went to turn it in. It was a comedy as they tried to find someone who could finally understand what I was trying to do. Maybe it was my Southern accent. LOL.

Happy Diving!
Debbie
Reply To This Message
Re: Calling The Campsite
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Michele Cantwell (---.hsd1.mi.comcast.net)
Date:   02-26-10 13:33

Haha. Great story Debbie. :) Thanks for the advice everyone. I will just ask en español if they speak english and go from there. I'll save my spanish practice for face-to-face conversations.
Reply To This Message
Threaded View Newer Topic  |  Older Topic