Sunday, August 2, 2009

Fun Spanish Moments--Cross Cultural Experience

So, I was pumping gas a couple of days ago and my cell phone rang... now, we have all seen the signs saying you are not supposed to use your phone while pumping gas-- I even saw a Mythbusters on this once, but I have never known people to be really serious about it. And because it is illegal to talk on the phone while driving, I seized the opportunity, answered the phone, and started talking. About 10 seconds into my conversation, I realized the pump had stopped-- well before the tank was full. Not wanting to end my conversation I simply ended my pumping session and headed into the store to pay--Spain, please get pay at the pump for all of us foreigners! As I got closer I noticed that the whole place was staring at me like I had just killed the pope. I quickly realized why. As I stepped up to pay , the attendant proceeded to give me a long lecture about how I was not to be on the phone while pumping gas and how she had cut me off. I told her I was so sorry, that I was a stupid American and that on Mythbusters they had proven this to be a non-issue. However, she did not understand English so I returned to my half full tank and continued on my way...