San Francisco

I decide I'd like to stay longer than I'd planned and this means going to the airport to try to change my ticket. I drop into Starbucks on the way. 'What can I get for you today?' the lady behind the counter says chirpily. I'd forgotten how keen (and good) customer service is in the US. I order my latte and she asks for my name. Friendly too I think. A couple of minutes later someone shouts out: 'So Marion a latte for you today?'. A little surprised I realise this is me. They got the name wrong but I like the idea.

I ask the Starbucks lady if she knows which is the best way to get to the airport.' Oh take the Bart' she says and gives me directions on how to get to the station. As soon as I've left I've forgotten her instructions and am too embarrassed to go back, so I ask someone on the street.

'The what?' the man replies
'The Bart' I say
'No I don't know that. Where are you trying to go?'
'The airport. I was told to take the Bart'
'Oh you mean the Barrrt' he says emphasising the 'r'.

At the airport the Qantas desk is closed so I'm advised to call the helpline. I reach an automated service which gives me a list of options and tells me to speak my preference clearly. Each time I try it says 'Sorry I did not understand'. Is a British accent so difficult?

I have clearly failed on my mission so walk back to the Bart. On the platform an odd looking man asks me when the next train is. Confused I look up at the screen that says 'next train in 2 minutes' and say 'I think it's in two minutes.' He sits near me so I can't listen to my ipod and tells me he's just arrived from New York where he's been working.
'What do you do? I ask
'Dental chairs' he replies
He asks me my name and I ask his to be polite.
'Nino' he says
'What's that short for?' I reply
'Nothing. Just Nino. Don't you feel stupid now?' he says
I'm not feeling stupid, just uncomfortable and am praying for a train stop I recognise. As I'm rambling to avoid uncomfortable silence he starts writing something down on a piece of paper which I think is rude.

Thank god my stop is next. 'This is my stop - nice to meet you' I say. He hands me the bit of paper with a number on it and says ' Give me a couple of days to settle back in and give me a call. We'll go out for dinner somewhere nice'.

I can't believe my ears. I smile and hurry off the train.