The Single Market

Earlier this week I travelled to Manchester then Leeds and back again. I know it’s not far in relation to Continental or International travel, but it was still a long way to drive.

Overheard in front of me at the Costa-Coffee-clone queue at Hilton Park Services:

Brummy Barista: Hiya. How can I help ya?
Man in Red Top: Er…hello…
BB: Smiles, worriedly
RT: You have…er…*Taps head*
—Awkward Pause—
RT: *Taps head again with fist*
BB: You’re a coach driver?
RT: Um…*Opens fist above head repeatedly*
BB: You want to pay with these? *Holds up coach driver vouchers*
RT: *Continues his mime*
BB: Sorry, I don’t understand. *Turns and asks me what I want*
Man who’s just been served: Hi. You’re a lorry driver?
RT: Yes. Yes. *mimes again*
MWJBS: You want a shower? Miss, is there a shower here?
BB: Er…no…we don’t have those here…
RT: *Walks off to get coffee from McDonalds*

Europe’s a big place, and we’re one big happy family now. The media constantly talks about how much businesses see Europe as one big town, but if you can’t even get a coffee????

My faith in people was about to be lost, but thanks to that unknown motorcyclist at the front of the queue it was saved. I’m sure anywhere else, our European traveller would have spoken in pidgin French or German and have been understood – I daresay he was baffled by the strong black-country accent he was bombarded with!

PS. A quick look at the Hilton Park website shows they do have showers.