Jim had ordered some furniture for the living room but after it was delivered he noticed that there was a defect in the fabric. So, it needed to be remade and we used the defective furniture in the meantime.
I was working from home on the day of re-delivery and saw the guys pull up their truck and begin to unload the boxes. I met one of them at the door and he showed me the paperwork on a clipboard. He said what I thought was “Pico” and pointed to his eye. I told him I didn’t understand and he repeated it a few more times before I realized he needed to inspect or look at the existing furniture.
He didn’t speak any English. And I don’t speak any Spanish.
The guy that was with him also spoke no English.
They conversed rapidly in Spanish between each other and I stayed out of the way. They noted the defective patch on the chair, but the sofa looked the same. I pantomimed that it was supposed to be taller and they checked the new legs – same size. I texted Jim and he said the legs would be the same height, but the seat cushions would be taller. Again with pantomime, I explained as best I could the difference and the three of us could see that the seats were higher.
I got them some water since it was a hot day. They appreciated it and I guess said thank you – though I couldn’t follow.
They worked quickly to get the old furniture out and the new furniture in and assembled.
When it was done, I looked things over and signed the paperwork for receipt. I got a “Have a nice day” from one of them – which may have been his limit of English – and they were out the door. They cleaned up the packing material and were on their way.
I updated Jim and went back upstairs to my office to continue working.
It was a frustrating encounter for me and I’m sure for the delivery guys as well. If I had known some Spanish or they had known some English, I might have been able to help more.
We might as well have been on different continents instead of the same room for all we communicate with each other. How strange it is that language can split us up so easily.
When Jim got home his more detail-oriented eye noted a problem with the fabric on the back of the couch and he reached out to the company. So, if we can’t find a solution ourselves, I might see them again.
I should see if I can get google translate going on my phone – just in case.