The name 'Simon', although I like it and I've become quite attached to it over the years, is, let's face it, not the most exciting name out there. Back home it's common and not all that memorable.
In Bolivia, however, it couldn't be more different. The national hero of the country is one Simón Bolívar – he lead the fight for Independence for South America from Spain in the early 1800s. The main football competition, the currency, even the country itself is named after him. I can't move in the Hogar without the kids shouting '¡Simón! ¡Simón Bolívar!' (the accent makes all the difference...).
In contrast to all the girls who learnt my name instantly, I'm still trying to work out who everyone is, put names to faces, etc. There is only one of me, whereas I have 100 names to learn –and half of the orphanage seem to be called María! I'm starting to recognise more and more names now and I'm asking '¿Y cómo te llamas?' less and less...
Interestingly, I've only been here 3 weeks and I've already been given plenty of nicknames. I have been called variously Simón, Simón Bolívar, Harry Potter, Frodo, Simun (dodgy attempt to pronounce my name in English), Simón el limón and, more recently, Timón (as in Timon and Pumba from the Lion King). Oh, and last night I was called Jesús by everyone (although that's a story for another time...).
'Simón el Dragón' never really caught on I'm afraid.
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"...all the girls who learned my name instantly..." - well, it wouldn't be the first time. (Sorry, had to be done)
I *love* the variety of nicknames you've got - one forgets that Simon isn't an everyday name over there.
"Simón el limón" will catch on in the UK, I intend to make sure of it. And "Simun" and "Harry Potter" are both genius too - I love the way so many non-English equate everything Brit with the wizardly-one.
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