Yesterday I decided to buy bread. I was walking by myself to studio after getting my permit of stay when it just hit me - I hadn't bought bread from a bakery yet. I knew exactly where I needed to go. There is a little bakery in the Jewish ghetto behind our studio. Every time I walk past, I am lured to the door by the heavenly aroma. Each time I am frightened away by the large amount of people crammed into the tiny space, standing on tiptoes just to peek at the wonderful breads. I thought today is the day! I fearlessly squeezed my way into a corner and maneuvered my head to see what was behind the glass. Once I finally made my way to the front of the line, I had selected my bread and was ready to tell it to the nice young man behind the counter when the whole fantasy came to an abrupt stop as an older woman fanned a tiny piece of paper in my face. She promptly placed the paper in a bowl on the counter and proceeded to order. I immediately assumed that I should probably have a number too, so I picked one out of the bowl and handed it to the man. He gave me a confused and humored look, and then pointed to the screen where numbers are displayed. I quickly realized my mistake. I was supposed to grab a number as I walked in and then wait my turn. At this point I probably had a really fearful look on my face, but I was quickly relieved when both the man and woman began to laugh. He shook his head and said, "No problema." He picked out my bread, wrapped it up and I received it with delight. I was further encouraged by the jolly round old fellow sitting behind an ancient cash register. He beamed a smile at me and said, "Perfetto," as I handed him exact change.
It wasn't the most graceful way to buy bread, but I decided I did it with style. I am hurriedly eating the delicious bread so I can return soon and purchase bread like a pro!
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