Got Milk?

The other morning, when our tostadas and first cups of café con leche were brought to the table, San Geraldo said, "Gracias." The server responded, "Buen provecho."

("Buen provecho" is the same as "bon appetit" — "enjoy your meal" in English.)

San Geraldo looked at me perplexedly and asked:
"Why did she say 'leche' [milk] after I said, 'gracias' [thank you]?

SOMETIMES, I GET TIRED OF BEING SO NICE.

The different Andalusian village accents are not easy to understand. This young woman is from a small pueblo and even the other staff tease her about how she swallows her words.

Still, I could have had a really good time (for myself) with San Geraldo.

I could have told him, "It's an odd local custom, but you really should do it as well. Whenever someones says "Thank you," you're supposed to respond, "Milk!"

I'm so nice. I hope he appreciates how lucky he is.