Qué Raro

Today I had a class with just a couple women at their office downtown. The lesson we began was talking about hypothetical situations. For example, “If I were rich, I would buy lots of things.” As an introduction to the new chapter, there were six priorities which the students were supposed to rank from 1 to 6. In no particular order: Happiness. Family. Friends. Wealth. Career. Physical appearance.

What are your priorities?

Student 1 (middle-aged, mother of three, doesn’t have to work but does anyways):
1. Family
2. Wealth
3. Happiness
4. Physical appearance
5. Career
6. Friends

Interesting. Okay. Next?

Student 2 (young, in love, at the start of her career):
1. Happiness
2. Wealth
3. Career
4. Physical appearance
5. Family
6. Friends

Hmmm. Very interesting. Okay…

So, how do I put this? Wealth is very important to you, then. [In Chile, this surprises me.]

Student 1: Well, without wealth, it would be very hard to be happy. With wealth, everything is good!

Oh. … Oh?? [To student 2—and you agree???]

Student 2: Yes! If I were sick, it would be very difficult to be happy.

I see. And you would have to be wealthy to pay for prescriptions, doctor visits, etc. Okay.

[Ah-ha! moment]

Student 2: Uh…What is wealth?

Cha-Ching!

Students 1 & 2: [Mortified, doubling over in laughter]

Health & Wealth. Whoever came up with such similar sounding words? English is so confusing.