67

My name is not easy for many people to pronounce. But sometimes it has unintended consequences.

Depending on culture and language, there are a few ways to properly say my name. Sebastián with an accent, as Chileans would say it. Sebastian with no accent, as it is pronounced in America. Some colleagues have been very kind by saying it with the accent even though they speak no Spanish at all.

The other day, as I sat at the dinner table, one of my teammates here came up and began telling of a weird encounter with her Egyptian worker (who speaks no English) .

As the registrar here, I oversee all the finds. I make note of what goes out and when. This person sent her worker to pick up her pieces. I obliged. It all went smoothly.

The Egyptian goes back to her and, in Arabic, says "from 67."

The specialist is confused.

"67 what?" she thinks.

"Do you mean from unit 67" she asks. "There is no unit 67."

"No. No. From 67!"

Still confused she thinks what he is trying to say.

Object number 67?

Trench 67?

Nothing added up.

"No! From 67. With beard!" as he points to his own smooth chin.

Finally she understood and had a good laugh, and shared the story with the rest of us.

The Arabic word for 67?

Sebasateen.

And with that I have a new moniker.