Sunday in Italy

After a wonderful few days away today was left for washing and groceries. Matthew and the boys and I left the girls to hang the washing whilst we did the grocery shopping. Getting fuel became our number one priority when the fuel light came on - not wanting to be stranded in the countryside, albeit beautiful countryside we stopped at the first fuel stop but being Sunday it was closed but they have a self Serve system here but after a lady pushed in front of us, another lady explained ever so politely that we had to put the nozzle back because she couldn't pay, you have to pay first, we abandoned the idea for today. But our car had other ideas because the fuel light was now buzzing so we stopped at another station on the way to the grocery store but this time we knew what we had to do - put your money in and then fuel your car - simple, well we thought so. We watched the guy in front of us so when it was our turn we just copied him but it was never going to be that easy. We put the money in - nothing; turn the money around nothing; try a different note (maybe it doesn't let you have 50 eur's worth) nothing; we then resulted to looking like lost souls until an Italian man came over looked at the machine shook his head and left, another guy came over takes our Money and repeats the turning around of the Money - still nothing, another guy and his girlfriend joined us, followed quickly by two more Italian men all pointing at the machine arms gesticulating; still nothing. Eventually it was decided, well we think, that the machine was now broken - so it was off to find another station. Third time lucky we finally had fuel and now we could get the groceries. As we walked into the store Zander pointed out a sign which said Cash Only. Not having that much cash Matthew went to investigate - yes it was true all machines where down so Matthew decides to go to the bank whilst the boys and I shop. After 45 minutes the shopping was done but no Matthew which was fine except we noticed the store was rapidly emptying which that and the continuous loud speaker saying something gave us a clue that the store must close at 1pm. With no money and no Matthew we just stood there watching people being turned away at the door while contemplating what we were going to eat for the rest of the day. Living in both Vietnam and in Sydney where nothing ever completely closes we are complacent in buying groceries I guess. As we stood waiting to be asked to leave Matthew arrived back after having had to go to the next town to find an ATM that worked. With groceries and fuel we headed home for lunch and a nap after our strenuous morning.