Canada: America’s Hat, Part 11
This story takes place on the east coast of Canada, in a city with a large, busy harbour, often full of cruise ships. I work in a small store downtown. An American woman and her husband come up toward the register.
Me: “Hi there! I can ring you through right here, if you’re ready.”
Customer: “Thank you!”
They are very friendly, and they recount the tale of their trip up the coast as I ring up her purchases and give her the total, which is just over $15.
Customer: “Do you take American bills?”
Me: “I can take anything under a hundred dollar bill, yes.”
She hands me an American $20, and I return her a handful of coins. Her eyes light up.
Customer: “Oh! Look, honey! It’s Nova Scotian money!”
Her husband leans over her shoulder curiously to look, taking a nickel out of her hand and turning it over in his fingers.
Husband: “Oh… But wait. Look. They all say Canada on them!”
They pause for a very brief moment, and the customer looks up at me with shock.
Customer: “Wait… Nova Scotia is in Canada?!”
It took all my strength to hold back my laughter until they left the store, and to this day, I worry about the safety of people who get on cruise ships having no idea where they are actually going.
Related:
Canada: America’s Hat, Part 10
Canada: America’s Hat, Part 9
Canada: America’s Hat, Part 8
Question of the Week
Tell us your story about a customer who couldn't understand the most simple concept.
