Friday, October 17, 2008

A run in at the gas station

Yesterday morning, Brian and I stopped at a gas station to fill up. We stopped at a small gas station that only has room for two cars on either side of the pumps. On top of that, it is a one way gas station so you have to wait for the people in front of you to pull ahead before you can get gas.

Well, as luck would have it, the side we needed to be on was full. The car in front finished fairly quickly and left. But the car behind him took a little bit longer. Brian and I discussed whether or not the nozzle would reach around the car if we pulled up on the other side while we waited. But Brian mentioned he had tried that before and it did not reach.

So we waited.

Finally, this guy was done, closed up his gas tank, and then left his car there to go inside and pay. So I said, screw this. I pulled around through the empty side, backed up, and parked at the pump in front of him.

This did not please this guy and, when he finished paying, he came out and decided to say some words to me, despite Brian standing right next to me. Can't say I blame him though, if you had to pick who to argue with between the two of us- would you pick me or Brian?

Anyway, he told us we should have pulled on the empty side. I told him that the nozzle doesn't reach and he could have easily pulled forward since, in addition to the open spot in front of him, there were three open parking spaces next to the store where you have to pay. He told me you pump first and then pay. And that's when I walked away because, obviously, this guy was not going to be reasoned with.

I think Brian and he talked some more and then he got in his car and dramatically exited through the entrance (even though the other side was still empty) and sped off.

We just shook our heads, finished up, got in the car, and continued on our way. But I can't shake the feeling that this guy is going to tell people about the rude Americans he encountered.

Obviously, we don't agree with that and hope that isn't the case. But we can't control what other people do. I think I'll avoid that gas station in the future though.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

There is never accounting for stupidity or rudeness. Love to all.

Anonymous said...

aren't you in switzerland....land of relaxation and patience?!?!?!?!?!

Alice said...

ugh, I know the feeling! Btw, Meghan, I love reading your blog. Hope you're feeling better soon, and if the next one is half as cute as Marion, you guys will be doing well! She gets more adorable every day!

Lemon Gloria said...

Oh, the Swiss and their super rules-y-ness, no matter what, rules above all. Whatever, I say, whatever.

Reama said...

He was the rude one. You were actually being polite, by fueling as quickly as possible so that other people could get on their way, too! Sounds like his cuckoo clock was wound too tight. What a bully.