Where… Where Do We Even Start?!

I’m at a car rental desk in a busy New York airport. I overhear our brand-new hire dealing with a couple who clearly just stepped off a flight from the UK.

New Hire: “Sorry, I can’t rent you a car. You have to know how to drive to do that.”

The customers look utterly baffled. They’re showing their UK driving licenses as required, so I quickly step in.

Me: “Hi there, I’ll take over from here.”

I check their documents, get them set up, and send them happily on their way in a rental SUV. Once they’re gone, I turn to the new starter.

Me: “What was that about? They had a valid license and everything.”

New Hire: “Yeah, but they’re from Europe.”

Me: “…And?”

New Hire: “Well, they don’t have cars there, right? Everyone takes trains.”

Me: “Well, that might work from town to town, but how do you think they get around town?”

New Hire: “Horse and cart. Because they’re all Amish!”

At this point, I’m not sure whether to laugh or cry.

Me: “…You do realise the Amish are from Pennsylvania?”

New Hire: “Yeah, but that’s why the settlers left Europe. To get away from the Amish.”

All I can do is just stare.

Me: “…We’re going to have a little talk about geography… And history… And reality.”