There is one thing that happens to me every few months on eating in a café or restaurant (on vacation or on a day’s walking tour):
Variant 1: A, B, C, D have sat down (I am D)
Server to A: What would you like to order?
A: …
Server to B: And for you?
B: …
Server to C: And for you?
C: …
Server: That’s all, then?
D: No.
Server: ::
D: Excuse me?
Server: ::vanishes over the horizon::
Variant 2: A, B, C, D have ordered (again, I am D. I have ordered dumpling soup)
Server to A: The dumpling soup - was that your order?
A: No.
Server to B: Did you order it, then?
B: No.
Server to C: It’s for you, then?
C: No.
Server ::frowns, leaves for kitchen:::
D: Excuse me?
Server: ::has disappeared:::
Notes:
- this has happened to me in Germany, Denmark, Austria, Italy and Greece.
- I don’t talk in a particularly low voice - I have known people who talk so you have to strain your ears to understand them, but I am not one of them.
- I a neither an attractive nor a repulsive person. (I can relate to Adrian Mole being described as having ‘hair-colored hair’…)
- Because I know I am prone to that effect, when there is a server at the table I don’t continue in a conversation but pay exquisite attention in oder not to miss my turn. Still this happens.
- I did not notice this effect happening to others. (Which of course might only indicate that I am a poor observer).
Does this happen to any of you, too?