Babushka: "There was a bus crash in Thailand and there were a bunch of our [Russian] tourists on it"
Pause: Thanks to Mumble-Mcmumble pants, I only caught the words "bus in Thailand" and "tourists". This was NOT due to my language inability, but do to my I-don't-have-supersonic-hearing ability. So I do what I normally due. I've gotten tired of the "I don't understand" face, and have now started gauging what people are saying via tone and words I pick up, and adjust my grunts and head nods of acknowledgment accordingly. Therefore, when I heard the "bus of our tourists in Thailand", I assumed it was a humorous story. C'mon....TOURISTS! They get into all sorts of hysterical situations (as this blog amply exhibits). So I respond.
Me: "hah"
Babushka: "WHY ARE YOU LAUGHING? A lot of people died, a lot of Russians! What's so funny about those people being hurt or dead?"
Me: meekly and confused "tourists..."
Pause: Awkward silence/look of horror on my babushka's face.
Me: trying to save face finally "Maybe I didn't understand you. One more time, please?"
Diplomacy is clearly my strongest suit.
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