As my mother will tell you, I've always complained about my very inelegant name - Deb (Deborah Sue, worse yet). When introduced in Spain, my name almost always invites a polite chuckle. "DUB?" Another little titter. Worse still is that my husband's name is Chip. We are left to feel white bread in a country of tortillas and tapas. A friend solved the issue when she had a going away party for us and nick-named us Delora and Pappas. First time I tried it here in Madrid it worked like a charm. "Ah, Delora. Nice Spanish name!" Ironically the top three names here are: Jesus, Maria (Mary), Joseph and not far behind those three, Lucia. Did I mention that I have a daughter named Lucia? Did I mention that I thought long and hard about how to give her an unusual, elegant name? Turns out, she now has the Spanish equivalent of Deb. Sorry Lu.
