08 April 2009

How Should I Read This?

ON THE WAY home this evening, Kerri and the kids stopped by a boulangerie to get a baguette. But when Kerri realized she didn't have any money with her, the kids had to help find loose change from various places: pockets, change holders, car seats, floormats, etc. They eventually rustled-up 80 cents and Julia went in to the shop hoping to get a baguette (which normally costs 80 cents at this particular place). But they were completely sold out of the regular variety and all that was left was a slightly more expensive kind costing €1.50. Julia sheepishly showed her 80 cents to the lady behind the counter. The lady smiled, took the money and gave her...1/2 of a baguette!!

Now that was either really nice or really...not nice. I can't decide. I mean, is she really going to sell the other half?

Late Update: According to the comments, I should put this in the 'nice' column. Good!
CJS

10 comments :

Senegal Daily said...

Yup.

You can actually buy just a half any time you want. I didn't know this until...well, let's just say we'd been here quite a while :) I was telling a French friend that we don't buy baguettes that often because we don't finish them. She just laughed and said for me to ask for a half.

They really should put that in the guidebooks and on the price lists.

French for a While said...

So I can put this down in the 'nice' column? Good. That's where I want to put it.

Jennie said...

Yup, it's just a demi-baguette. :)

jim said...

You tell Julia that if I was behind the counter and she flashed her beautiful smile she could have the whole store for .80 cents!

deedee said...

I've seen lots of people buy just half.

Christina said...

that's hilarious!!! i never knew that when i was abroad!!!

Ksam said...

Yep, I didn't know that for the longest time either - at least not until two or three years in! Now I buy them all the time.

So in my book, it's definitely nice - if she'd felt like it, she could've just shrugged her shoulders and been like "tant pis pour vous"!

Charlotte K said...

If it's the usual way then it's neither good nor bad, I guess. But it seems stingy to me!

At our farmers market (here in US) there is an amazing baker who the first time I visited his stall gave me two loaves when I only had money for one. Even his bread weren't the best I've ever eaten, I would still go back to his stall every week because of his kindness & generosity.

Mr. Riedthaler said...

how much for just one rib....sorry but the chris rock bit came to mind!!!

French for a While said...

DR - that was a old-school reference that was great! I associate it with you, Manoj, and Rajeev.