My already limited mental capacity was further diminished due to tiredness last night, so here’s another take on yesterday. The Valley of the Gods was a scenic spot, although the name may have been a bit overdramatic; compared to the Grand Canyon or Monument Valley, a place named the Valley of the Gods has a lot to live up to.
The end of the road through the valley eventually led me to Natural Bridges National Monument, which unsurprisingly was the home of three really impressive natural bridges. I opted to see the bridges from the eight mile hike through the canyons, and whether due to the sun, the sandy terrain, or whatever, the hike kicked my butt. Very worthwhile, but seldom has a person ever been so glad to sit on his ass as I was after getting back to the Subaru.
Towards dinner time I passed through the first decent-sized town that I’ve seen in a while, and thought a Subway sandwich sounded like a good dinner option. HUGE mistake. I should have been warned when it took a few minutes to prepare to make my sandwich (plastic gloves are tricky little things, ya know), but cash register operation was another matter entirely.
“Do you want a combo?”
“Sure.”
“OK, your total is $7.21.”
My first mistake: “Um, it says on the menu that the combo costs $5.89.”
“Yes, and then plus drink and chips, the total is $7.21.” (Note to self: in the future, run away when presented with logic like this)
“But doesn’t the combo include drink and chips? Otherwise why would I want the combo?”
“Yes, I added drink and chips, so the total is $7.21.”
My second mistake: “OK, actually could I just get the sandwich then? No combo?”
After tons of deliberation over how to change an order: “OK, that’s $5.21.”
My third mistake: I hand her $20.21.
After more deliberation that required calling a co-worker: “I think I messed up, and now I don’t know how much change to give.”
(Incredulously) “I’m pretty sure the change is $15.00.”
Many moons later, sandwich in hand, I ran away as fast as my little legs would carry me.