[Jims5543]

I agree with Redbeard, that incident at the drive through was not a language issue.


15+ years ago we were driving down to the Keys, we took I95 all the way down until it terminated in Miami near Bayfront then the plan was to pick up US1 and head in.

We stopped at a McDonalds to use bathroom and grab a snack before continuing.

The menu on the wall was all in Spanish. The girl behind the counter could not understand me trying to order in English a man behind me in line was nice enough to translate for me and then help us with directions to the Keys.


2 Years ago we were in Brickell Village in Miami which is not far from Calle Ocho as it is called which Spanish for 8th street in Miami where Little Havana is.

We wanted come good cafe con leche and a proper Cuban breakfast, Yelp told us about a great authentic place. The menus were in Spanish but English menus were provided after we asked for them. The waitress was very nice but did not speak English so ordering was reduced to pointing to items on the Spanish menu.

In the first case I was shocked, now? I expect it when visiting Miami.

My wifes best friend growing up was Puerto Rican, parents moved here when she was a small child, she was forbidden from speaking Spanish and only allowed to speak English. She could understand Spanish spoken to her but could not speak it, I know weird. This would prove to be a problem finding a secretary / receptionist job in Miami. You have to be bi-lingual to be considered at most companies.


Much of Miami, especially Little Havana is Spanish only most anyone that lives there or visits regularly knows that. Most of the time, if you are polite, most will muddle through some broken English to communicate, it they can.

I know its is nuts, a place in America where Spanish only is spoken. I used to be upset over it, now I think it is part of what makes it unique.