Wicked Spanish

I’m starting to think ahead. My next six months, if all goes well, will take me to Bangladesh, Nepal, Argentina, Rwanda, Guatemala, and Belgium. Last time I planned to go to Nepal, the entire royal family was shot. It didn’t seem like a good time. I didn’t go. So, one never knows.

In preparation, I pulled out my all time favorite Spanish travel book–Wicked Spanish for the Traveler by Howard Tomb. It includes useful phrases that I'd like to share with you should you ever travel in Latin America.

I never knew chicken wire had so many uses.
No sabía que la tela metálica tenía tantos usos.

What seems to be the problem officer? Would these green papers ($) help?
Cuál es el problema, oficial? Servirían también estos papelitos verdes?

I’d prefer a room without scorpions.
Preferirían una habitación sin alacranes.

When did the brakes go out?
Cuándo se fueron los frenos?

What lies motionless under the spicy chocolate sauce?
Qué yace immóvil dentro el mole?

Have you got any cold beer?
Tiene cerveza fria?