RE: Overheard at the Post Office: When Reality Meets Faulty Wiring
My brother went to the cinema a few years ago in Amsterdam, using his credit card to buy tickets at the machine in the foyer. Upon presenting these to the usher, he was told they were not tickets and was refused entry.
He could read no Dutch so having been issued with these tickets at the machine, he believed he was in the right and was very insistent that he be admitted. The usher called the manager but when after 10 minutes the manager failed to appear, and the film was beginning my brother started raising hell until the usher just let him in.
When he showed me later what had issued from the ticket machine what it said in large letters was THIS IS NOT A TICKET. Your payment failed, please try again.
Just because you happen to believe something doesn't mean that's what actually is!
Oh, that's a great story! I suppose it's somewhat understandable, being in a foreign country and all, but... still reminds me a little of the old "rule" of the late British Empire: "If they don't understand English, speak English LOUDER!"