I was attacked in the street by a gang of miniature hooligans with water balloons, but when I told Nelida (my second Spanish teacher) my traumatic story, she laughed and explained to me that this is a common occurrence this time of year for the season of Carnival.  In fact, she was surprised to hear that little kids don't bombard innocent pedestrians in the United States.  I bought a water gun to defend myself, but the next day I was pegged from behind and by the time I whipped around, the culprit had vanished.  It´s actually kind of fun, because it´s like a perpetual water fight in the entire town that society has officially OKed.  Of course, there´s the danger of getting nailed in the face or breaking a camera or a phone, but for the most part, a soggy tshirt isn´t a serious problem.  

At least it´s not rooted in racism and sexism like the games the other boys play (by ´boys´ I mean the males with more years, but less maturity).  The game of harassing blonde girls who are minding their own business is getting a little old.  In fact, on my way back from Spanish class today I finally had enough.  When the same group of construction workers started with their whistling and smooching, I marched straight over to their little circle and stared them in the face.

(Interaction translated)

Me: Can I help you?

Them: (awkward silence, averting glances, nervous laughs)

Me: No really, what do you want?

Them: It was him… I didn´t do anything…  No it was him…

Me: All I want to know is what your problem is.

One of them half hiding in the corner: (muffling his words with his hand) Sorry.

Me: Excuse me?

They guy: Sorry.  We were confused.

Me: Ah! (I laugh).  I see.  You were confused.  You confused me for a dog, so that´s why you were whistling.

Other guy: No, it´s just a way to say that you´re pretty.

Me: OK, well I have some advice.  Just a suggestion.  The next time you want to tell a girl that she´s pretty, you might want to use your words like an intelligent human being.  For example, you could approach her and say ´Hello, my name is… Juan or Pablo or whatever.´  Right?

Them: (more awkward silence and laughter)

Me: We´re all adults here.  We can have a decent conversation. There´s no need to whistle at anyone like an animal.  Ok? Ok.  Have a nice day.  Goodbye.

As soon as I walked away, I could here them all laughing, but I didn´t care.  I felt great.  I smiled all the way home.