South Pole solo
Shopping in Spanish
I sat in the cafe overlooking the supermarket with my glass of warm milk and biscuit. I realised the last time I had a glass of warm milk was when I was seven. I then slowly looked across at my trolley full of surfboard wax, frozen cabbage leaves and nostril cleaners. Shaking my head, I sipped my warm milk and reflected upon my (lack of) command of the Spanish language.
How many languages do you speak? I’m ok at just one…English. Here in Punta…Spanish is the go. Not too many locals understand English. Fair enough, apparently each country gets the opportunity to choose their own language.
Shopping in a supermarket is hard enough for a mere male, but when you put everything in Spanish, that’s when the real challenge begins.
Low weight and high calorie intake is the main game when your designing the daily diet that goes into your sled. I’m aiming to consume around 6000 calories a day, with a rough mix of 50% carbs, 35% fats, and 15% protein. I’m also trying to keep the weight for each day down to around 1.1kg of food.
I’d previously sent my dehydrated foods over with my sled, and today was all about purchasing butter, salami, cheeses, nuts, dried fruit, toilet paper,wipes etc .
My first attempt at locating butter ended sourly when I peeled back the wrapping to discover I’d packed my trolley with what resembled surfboard wax and tasted the same. (If you surf like me you will understand what surfboard wax tastes like). I think it was frozen paraffin oil.
In the next isle I couldn’t help grabbing some frozen cabbage leaves after noticing the spanish word for cabbage was ‘labor’. ( I wonder how many of you will google that?).
And so I continued, each isle a discovery of the unknown unknowns. (Thanks Donald).
Despite many failed attempts, I ended up with what I needed and decided to reward myself in the adjacent cafe by ordering a caffe latte and muffin in my best Spanish.
Soon after, the waitress delivered my glass of warm milk and biscuit. I wondered if she was going to return to read me a bedtime story, but no such luck.
The day ended with my taxi driver taking me around the block 17 times and discarding me at my hotel for $317. Cheap.
I’m expecting my language barrier should disappear when I land on the ice and I just have to try and understand myself.
Mmmm??
Keep smiling and don’t forget to include ‘labor’ with your veges tonight.
Mark Georgie George
categories: South Pole Solo
Comments
a classic update Georgie – we hope this means that with your shopping done you are about to head off and get going – will be watching this daily.
I’m sure “Labor” will go well with both penguin and seal.
I really hope you get to kite back. that would be very cool! Good luck take care and stay warm.
Georgie, those who know you well are still in shock that you found a supermarket.
That you bought wax instead of butter and frozen spinach leaves is an indicator that you have spent too long with “where’s my wallet?” sheppy!
Hey Georgie
Next time when ordering coffee, try cafe instead of latte. Better still something like cafe Doppio! You c
All the best for your latest Adventure. Will be following your
progress all the way. Your riding buddies have missed your power
at the front of the bunch. Stay safe.
I am in shock Mark. What an amazing thing you are doing. Would you like me to send you a food parcel or even a spanish DICTIONARY? Then again sign language is OK and you will be expert withing days. Thinking of you and following your site with interest. Travel well and safe.
Georgie
you Should be certified
Have an awesome time
I hope youve remembered tHe cold water wax , wHat siZe boards are you taking
I’m stocking up on the warm water wax for my trip to western
samatra
You should have had a quick Spanish lesson from your little sister before you left. She was a rippa when we travelled through Spain many years ago….. Especially in the shoe shops! Good luCk buddy…Family all thinking of you.
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