Useful Phrases

by Michael Bear · 2008-12-18 08:06:00 UTC
Topics:

Still traveling - now back in Kenya, which is about as nice as it gets.  That said, have recently started thinking of a list I began compiling a few years ago, the perfect humanitarian lexicon.  Or, put another way, phrases it might be useful to know in various languages:

- I have nothing to declare

- I didn’t know that I needed to pay a fee to have my passport stamped

- Yes, I would like to receive my passport back

- Are you sure that this road is safe?

- That's a nice weapon

- I know you'd like a ride, but unfortunately we can't allow armed men into the vehicle

- On second thought, you're right - that's more like a guideline than a hard and fast rule

- Is the safety on?

- Of course I love the government / your movement

- No, of course I'm not Buddhist / Christian / Hindu / Jewish / Muslim

- What an amazing coincidence - we just happen to be the same religion

- I am proud to be Canadian

- Please, take the vehicle.  Really, it's not a problem

- I like your Wellingtons

- Is there malaria in this area?

- Do you have a mosquito net I could use?

- No, it's fine, I enjoy sleeping in many layers

- Does anyone have a charger for a satellite phone?

- Where's the bathroom?

- There is a lizard of some kind in the toilet

- There is a rather large snake in the food hut

- I think I’ve been bitten by a rat

- No, I would not like to buy a dead monkey

- Please do not put the dead monkey in the vehicle

- Has this water been boiled / filtered?

- Can I have a cigarette?

- Will this alcohol make me go blind?

- Is that hash?

- Do you plan to plant poppy again next year?

- Was that a rocket / mortar?

- When is the airplane coming?

- Are they jump-starting that airplane with a car battery?

- You’re right, I’d rather not know

- No, I didn't know that it was possible to be banned from Red Cross humanitarian flights (with all due respect to MS)

- I'm here to help

- No, really

Would love to hear if anyone has anything to add.

[On a flight in the Congo - at the time, I was quite a fan of the Orioles hat.]

Michael Bear
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