Culture Quiz 267items through but then you realise that your groceries are
merely piling up next to the cashier’s elbow as there is no
rear conveyor belt. She is fuming and the people behind you
are hemming and hawing. What to do?
Quickly, like a madperson, start piling purchased groceries
back into your cart.
Stare at her with a look of amazement.
Ask her in your broken German for an explanation for the
lack of rear conveyor belts and baggers.
Take your time; either put everything back in the cart or
have some plastic bags ready and pack then and there.
Comments
This is the best answer, and what most people do to keep up
with the cashier. Most Austrians shop several times a week
to avoid making large purchases or go once a week to larger
grocery stores where rear conveyor belts are found.
This would make matters worse and most likely end
with the cashier swearing and people behind you adding
odd comments.
Like , this would confuse the cashier as most people
never question the system. And the cashier most likely
would not even know that rear conveyor belts exist.
Risky, but if you can handle the pressure, go for it! Julie
used to bag groceries, so for her, there would be no other
option but to do it right there and then!
SITUATION 5
You’re celebrating a special birthday and have invited a few
of your new friends to a Saturday night party. You have food,
wine and music and the party has been a great success, but
by no means a big bash. Just after 10:00 pm, the doorbell
rings. It’s the police telling you that a neighbour has called
to complain about the noise at such a late hour. Surprised,
because the party is not especially loud, you:
Tell the police what they want to hear, close the door and
resume festivities.