Last week, I was at a Cruise Night event with my new Mazda MX-5 GT RF. (Well, new 1 year ago this month – a 2022 model.) That in and of itself is another story. Anyway, while I was chatting with my buddies, a couple of very nice young ladies came by and were really looking over my car. (I think the new display sign that I had made really helped the interest in the car.)

Anyway, the two young ladies walked back to where I was sitting and asked if they could have a photo with my car. Of course I said “sure”. Then one of the ladies started talking to the other in Spanish, and then she tried to ask me something else. It was super loud as we were parked not far from the entertainment booth, so communication was difficult. I figured out that the one lady that was speaking to me wanted a picture of herself in my car; at least that’s what I thought. So, I asked her directly if she wanted a photo while sitting in my car, and she shyly answered, “Yes, please.”

So, I helped her open the door carefully while she got in. (The parking was tight, and I wanted to not hit the car next to mine with the door.) And then her friend came around to take her photo. I figured it’s my car, so I took a couple of photos of her as well with my phone.

Afterward, she thanked me a lot and told me how wonderful she thought my car was. I told her thank you, and that the picture was no problem at all. I then asked her where she was from, and she replied, “Ecuador.” She said she was just learning English, so I said a few words to her in Spanish. She asked how I knew Spanish, and I told her that I grew up in El Paso, Texas, and used to speak Spanish fairly well, but had forgotten a lot.

Her eyes really lit up when we really started to chat, especially when she realized that I was trying to speak with her in her native Spanish. Between the small mutual understanding of each other’s native languages, and with the help of Google Translate, we had a nice conversation.

The whole thing really made my evening, and I know it made hers as well. She was very excited that I would let her sit in my car. And I was very happy to make her happy and make a new friend. After all, that’s what these little car shows are really about – common bonds and friendships.

Now, for those of you who have followed me for quite a while, you know my main focus is nature and travel photography. The last time I did a serious portrait of a stranger was when I was still in college (a couple of years ago. 😉) But I think I did ok with this quick little photograph. The girl really knew how to pose, so all I had to do was compose my shot, watch the lighting, and not screw it up.

Anyway, here are a few more shots from the last couple of Cruise Nights. I hope you enjoy the photos, and thanks for taking time to visit my blog. Have fun out there!