Love FM

My first hour in Belize, taking the bus from our little hotel (Trek Stop, complete with frisbee golf pitch and butterfly garden) to "downtown" San Ignacio. I sat down beside a man with yellow eyes, who introduced himself as Numbert. Cheesy love songs are playing. I am surprised to see English advertisements along the side of the road. Suddenly...

Numbert: You goin to belize city?
me: just to town, here.
Numbert: you a mission group?
me: no, just travelling.
Numbert: we get a lot of mission groups here.
me: i'll bet.

There is a pause.

Numbert: What part the States you from?
me: I'm from Canada.
Numbert: Canada. Is it cold?
me: In the winter.

I am still shocked to be having an english conversation on the bus. I wonder if english is Numbert's first language, but think it might be rude to ask.

Numbert: you ever heard this song before?
me: no.
Numbert: you ever been in love before?

I laughed at this, because I didn't think he was serious.

Numbert: you have a boyfriend?
me: Why do you ask?

Uncomfortable silence.

Numbert: I don't know why they play these songs.
me: right.
Numbert: I was in love with this girl and now... phew (makes a crushing guesture with his hands).
me: And now you don't like love songs?
Numbert: I do, but brings back memories. I used to sing her this song. Well, not sing, but I used to play it for her on the radio.

At this point Numbert began singing along to the radio, and I was glad he had not used it as an instrument of seduction.

Numbert: You gonn' be here long?
me: Just two days.
Numbert: You like Belize?
me: I've only been here an hour. But I like it so far.
Numbert: It alright. If you have the good people.
me: I'm sure.

Pause.

Numbert: Will i see you again?

I laugh again. What else can I do?

Numbert: You talk on the computer? We chat?
me: Um, this is my stop.

Darn. I was just starting to make sense of Spanish!