Accent Strikes Again

Earlier, I parked the spaceship Americans call a car. There was a car behind me, but not in front. I am terrible at manoeuvring that thing, and I was hoping no-one would park in front of me, blocking me in.

Of course, this was the school pick-up, all bets are off. Its a vicious scene, parking spots are like the last dress in a 75% off sale.

When I returned, 3 children in hand, a mini was parked, RIGHT in front of me. Her bumper was touching my front.

This lady was just getting out of the car and looked ready to throw down. 

But I decided to take all my strength, emphasised T's, English politeness and ask.. 

'Excuse me, I'm terribly sorry but could you please, please move your car forward so I can get out?' 

I've never sounded so posh in my life. 

But results were exquisite. 

Her facial expression went from anger to confusion, as her ears adjusted. Then wonder, amusement, and finally.. Putty. 

'Oh sure! Well yes, yes of course!' 

Later, I was at the park, again, 3 children in hand. Only people around were man and son. I was somewhat on guard as it was just before sunset. Man instantly starts talking to us, the kids start playing with his kid. 

Man: 'Wait are you from England?' 

Ah crap. 

'Yep. KIDS, we're not staying long..'

'Oh cool! Whereabouts?'  

'London-Hey, you guys be CAREFUL!!' 

'London that's so great, yea, you have an accent. (This always strikes me as odd. I have an accent? Golly, hadn't realised.) I have 2 children in Germany so I often go to London (Again, I get this often. As if all European locations are within a 5 mile radius), yea I have 2 children in Morocco too. Ohh look, look at what Josa is about to do, watch, watch him!'

The kid then jumps off some beam. 

Riveting stuff. 

His dad then proceeds to basically give me the kids Match.com profile: The child can speak German, is learning Judo, can speak Spanish, loves to travel, is learning Mandarin, he does baseball, likes pina coladas and getting caught in the rain. Blah, blah blah.  

Point is, if I'd been American  I don't think these sorts of slightly irritating, kind of creepy conversations would take place. But I also wouldn't be treated like the queen on occasion.

So I put it to you dear readers.. Gift or Curse?