Mercury State

Clean Spanglish

After filling up my car, I figure why not get a car wash too... it's roughly the same price as a gallon of gas, so no big deal. I was only the third car in line; I figured it would be quick and painless. It was nearly painless and not so quick.

First, I thought something was wrong when the car in front of me didn't quite pull up to the ticket machine. A lady then rolled down her window and tried to reach the machine... that was about 5 feet away. She then pulled a little closer and tried to reach again... still a good 2 feet outside of arms' reach. She pulled in super close — about 6 inches from the machine — and tried to open her door. Fail. At this point I knew I was screwed... but I had already pre-paid.

Next... she started feeding dollar bills into the machine. I knew it was possible, but everyone always pre-pays at the pump. You know the drama that she had trying to get the machine to take her money... so I won't bother to explain.

Roughly a year later, she pulls into the car wash. Stops. Pulls forward. Stops. Reverse lights come on... things were about to get bad, so I back up trying to give the lady room. She pulls forward. Stops. Pulls forward stops. Reverse lights again. This happens about 5 times... and then a guy gets out of the car and heads towards me. I know what he's going to ask... and I know he doesn't speak English.

I pull out my best Spanglish and try to explain how he needs to "mas" until "verde es rojo" which is just one more bump forward. He yells back "mas verde" with glee and runs for his car. They pull forward until the light turns red and life is good... almost.

Their car wash ends. They don't move. They sit. They stay. I'm thinking... should I honk? They finally roll forward, but stop at the dryer that is seemingly in their way... and they wait until it stops and goes back up. Then they roll on.

Having entered my car wash code nearly two years ago... I swoop in wash, dry and roll. I see them again on the other side of the parking lot drying their car with towels... and waving at me in thanks.

God save the queen.

Posted by Merc at 1:00 PM