The spectacular broadcasting convinced me to purchase a taco
El Noa Noa brings a smile to my face. When I see the sign, I think of Juan Gabriel and I love Juan Gabriel. He is a romantic whose song "No tengo dinero" I always reference in conversation. If you were to say ni modo then expect a
then I'll continue with the original conversation. I might reference his song "Caray" too because it is a song that is played in a happy tune but the lyrics speak about how you messed up and are miserable now. I feel that."ni modo que hacer. No tengo dinero ni nada que dar. Lo único que tengo es amor para amar. Si así tú me quieres, te puedo querer. Pero si no puedes ni modo, qué hacer. No tengo dinero ni nada que dar. Lo único que tengo es amor para amar. Si así tú me quieres, te puedo querer. Pero si no puedes ni modo, qué hacer
I never enter the Mexican restaurants in Highlandtown because I know they are overpriced and can never compete with California. But, the advertisements really got to me. I initially thought the speakers were playing music and expected them to play Juan Gabriel, but it was an advertisement for their tacos. El mejor tacos! Con cebolla, chile, con todo! I thought it was so clever and decided to go in.
Before I enter any Spanish-speaking establishment I always prep what I will say and practice. I make the decision to only speak in Spanish if they speak in English. I do need to make the first move.
Yo quiero dos tacos, uno de lengua, uno del pastor, y jarritos, gracias. I mumble it to myself and enter.
I messed up a bit. He asked if I wanted a jarrito and I didn't expect that in my rehearsal so I went with the first one he said. I got a tamadrino jarrito. I don't even like tamadrino. I'd rather have a manadrina jarrito. I can say that. I'd practice for next time. Manadrina.
I think of why I go to Highlandtown all the time. It takes me 30 minutes to come here and I really need to prep to come here. It doesn't make any sense. As I sat in El Noa Noa I felt comforted by the familiar sounds. I heard Spanish. I saw three televisions showing a fútbol game, a drama, and TLC reality tv. I see people I'd see in Marysville. It is casual. It is so causal. I sink into the comfort. I get happy when he came back and said "No le pregunte" si te gusto los tacos. I say, "Sí" and mumble something. I think ah, why did I say that? Next time I'll say something more clear.
As I leave, I notice how everyone who entered in El Noa Noa were in groups. A group of 3 men, a family, and a pair of friends. I was the only one who was by myself. I think everyone in Highlandtown is always in a group?
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- Fieldnotes Julissa Gomez