The first time I went to the store by myself

After a few days here, I had figured myself brave enough to go to the store by myself.

I only needed one thing.

Because I only needed one thing, I went into the self checkout lane where there was no line.  Instead of waiting in the real line where there was a line.

It wasn't until it was too late that I realized doing self checkout meant you needed to be able to read the words, and beyond that know how to use their credit card machine.  Just as an FYI it is different over here, you don't swipe.  I didn't know this so I swiped, but it didn't work.  The problem, is I thought it had worked, so then I tried to leave, but the attended wouldn't let me out of the gate.

So confused I turned back around to face a middle aged Italian lady yelling and me and waving here hands wildly, saying who knows what.  Finally I got the idea that I hadn't paid and she clearly thought I was an idiot, so instead of trying to use my credit card again I tried as quickly as possible to give her some money so she would stop yelling.

Fortunately she did, but not before saying something rude about Americans under her breath as if I couldn't hear her.

I took my one item and ran out of that joint, somewhat mortified and trying not to cry in public.  Because I cry when I am embarrassed and overwhelmed it just happens people.

Now looking back it is hilarious, it also has resulted in me never using the self checkout line again under any circumstance.