Storytelling through the language barriers.

"The story I am writing exists, written in absolutely perfect fashion, some place, in the air. All I must do is find it, and copy it. ~Jules Renard, "Diary," February 1895"

Tuesday was the first meeting with the breadmaker. She was this super sweet, little Cypriot lady. She spoke no English and understood very little. One of the women working with Global Learning Semesters (the company that helped set up our summer abroad) went along as a translator.

Despite this language being a barrier, she still seemed to easily converse with us. It wasn't so much the words that made the difference, it was the actions. She was very expressive in her voice and her movements.

When she was younger, she learned the art of making bread from her mother. This enabled to take over for her mom when she was no longer able to do it.

Although she explained that her children probably would not be going into this field, she revealed that they both knew this skill as well. Sometimes, such as holidays and other busy times, they or her grandson would help her out.

People throughout the community would come to purchase their bread from this woman. While we were there, a woman came walking up, spoke with ease to the breadmaker in Greek, and a short time later left, carrying a box of bread with at least five loaves.

Today, we wandered to the Farmers' Market in Lefkosia. It occurs twice a week and gives local farmers the opportunity to bring their wares for purchase. She was sitting there, in the midst of this market, surrounded by more bread than one could imagine.

Although we really were unable to speak with her freely, she still recognized us and seemed happy to see us. She kept smiling and even tried to give our professor free bread, when he attempted to purchase some from her.

This seems to be a general theme. Some people get very nervous and antsy whenever they see a camera; she loved it. Earlier today, we went to eat at this quaint restaurant in the Old City. It is owned by a man named Mattheos, who operates it with his wife, daughter, and few other employees.

Although he spoke English fairly well, he didn't seem to truly understand it. His daughter explained to us that he had learned it through operating the restaurant, which had been operating for about 30 years in that location. (He shared with us that he had originally been a bit farther north in the city and was forced to flee and shut following the invasion and occupation.)

Despite the language barriers there, he was very good at expressing his feelings. He seemed to truly enjoy being interviewed; loved that someone had taken an interest in him. Mr. Mattheo was just a happy man and thrilled to talk to us.

This falls back to a lesson that I think is most important for any journalist to remember. Everyone has a story to tell and wants someone to care enough to listen. The key is being able to do that; just listen. Let them talk and it's amazing what you will discover. And it'll truly brighten their day.