One of the main reasons I wanted to take this journey was to explore the different cultures (good and bad) that the world has to offer. == know we still have 3.5 weeks left, but it's safe to say I will come home with a strong appreciation of America...
We arrived in Brussels on Thursday afternoon in desperate need of doing laundry. We each packed about 10 days worth of clothes, but had been wearing the same pair of jeans for a week straight because the weather has been awful. We purchase tokens for the washer and dryer and detergent, and get to work. 20 minutes after the first dryer cycle, our clothes are still wet. No problem, we'll just spend another euro for another token. 20 more minutes later, our clothes are STILL wet. I bring my wet socks up to the manager and he tells me to dump water out of a compartment and gives me a free token. Why he didnt tell me that in the first place, i have no idea. So now, Abbe and I have wasted 1 hour on the dryer and OUR CLOTHES ARE STILL WET!I scooped up my clothes in my arms and went up to the desk and said in a firm tone, "Sir, my clothes are still wet and I would like my 2 euros back since your machine is broken." annd he walked away. This infuriated me so I said,"Excuse me sir, I paid you for a service that I did not receive, and I wasted an hour of my time in the process. I want my 2 euros back." He turned around to tell me that he would have helped me by using the staff dryer but he wouldnt now that I have been rude to him. clearly this man did not see me get rude for real, because if I did I'd be calling the US Embassy to bail me out of jail. Regardless, I stomped off to our room with poor Abbe in tow,and we had to hang our clothes all over our room. So annoying.
Other irritations include getting yelled at in French for taking a picture of the McDonalds menu (It's forbidden. As if it's a classy establishment or something. Psh whatever.) and hVing to pay between 30-45 pence to use the bathrooms, even if you buy a meal there. Terrible. I need to start learning some French phrases before I get to Paris so I'm not an ignorant American over there, sheesh!
Dear Noelle,
ReplyDeleteI have a strong appreciation for America, too!! Oh wait you mean our Country and not one of my fav groups (hehe). So sorry to hear about your troubles in brussels but think of the stories you will have to share when you write your first novel. Be safe - love and miss you xoxo Mom