Big Kahuna
Tourist Talk
Couple of tourists sitting at my bar, straw-poking their bushwackers, “Do you know most of the species of birds that live on the island?”
Me, eyeing their bushwackers and thinking about what I want for my shift drink, “Um, I know a couple. I can point out a pelican on a pretty consistent basis.”
Tourist couple, one of them talking, the other fighting off sudden brain freeze, “We saw some pelicans diving into the ocean, and we saw another bird doing the same thing, had really cool coloring.”
Me, deciding that I will end my day with a vodka/cran, “Was it brown and white?”
Tourists, one talking, the other having survived brain freeze now downing their bushwacker at an alarming rate, ”No, it was brown and blue. The wings were brown and the belly was almost turquoise in color, sort of like what you would see in a parrot. It was really pretty!”
Me, hoping they order a second round so I can make extra to ‘quality-control’ the mix myself, ”Ah yes, what you saw was a Booby bird, and they are actually brown and white, no blue…was the bird you saw sort of flying right above the water?”
Tourists, just about finished, “Yes.”
Me, easily seeing that they will re-order as they are both tipping their glasses to grab every drop, “That would explain the turquoise part, as they do have a snow-white belly but if the sun was out and the ocean was turned up to it’s max of gorgeous turquoise color the blues would have reflected on the Booby’s belly making him look blue…”
Tourists, *slurp* “Yeah, that makes sense.”
Me, “Can I grab another round for you guys?”
Honest mistake, but it gave them a chuckle. And it was refreshing to not have the where you from/do you live here/do you like it convo. Here’s a picture of said Booby for those interested (thank you ARKive):
…and if you’re hoping for pictures of other kinds of boobies, well, you’re on your own. We’re not that kind of blog. 
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August 9, 2012 @ 5:53 am
Traveller Said,
Ha I enjoyed reading this. It took me back to the days I used to tend bar at a beach bar in Sydney. Very amusing and you’re right it sounds very refreshing from the usual where you from? Been here long? type conversations you mostly have.
August 12, 2012 @ 6:33 pm
Island Girl Said,
It was refreshing, but really, I wouldn’t work where I work if I didn’t want to chat with tourists all the live long day; lucky for me I love to talk!