Talk

My problem is I’m unable to talk like a regular human being. Every sentence sounds like something I memorized the night before.

“Excuse me.” I said. “Could I please have a big cup of coffee?” Which seemed to me a natural and straight-forward sentence. I’d practiced it several times, waiting for the waiter. He has cheeks like a slapped baby’s ass and hair that looks warm and soft.

Because I have been a teacher, I also acted the sentence out, mimed holding a big cup of coffee.

Isn’t it considered polite to speak somewhat slower when speaking English in a foreign country?

Is it possible that I sometimes try too hard?

He paused and then he smiled at me, as if to say, “And here we have another one.”

This happens to me every time I open my mouth.

(Amsterdam, 10/08)