A MIL funny story

[CakeLover]

My MIL (who I adore) will be coming over here next month to visit and help with the transition of new baby. In her last email to me she asked if she could take a cab to our house when she lands and if the cabbie would take American dollars. She wanted to pay in USD.

Honestly it's less about arrogance and more a reflection of ignorance. She's been here before so I don't know why should would have that thought. I can't determine if she thinks that every country wants greenbacks or something else. DH and I are worried that shes going to be traveling over here with a boatload of cash. She did last time. We've told her to use her bank card.

Oh and right now the Aussie dollar is stronger than the American dollar so I'm sure they would have laughed at her. Bless her heart. Anyone else have a family member like this?

[americaninoz]

lol! well at least make sure she wears a money belt or something if she's going to carry a lot of cash - scary!!!

[tktravels]

Eesh. This reminds me of when my inlaws took a trip to Madrid after spending a few weeks with us in Morocco.

My FIL had his wallet stuffed with about €800 when he was approached on the sidewalk by two young men (in civilian clothes) who stated that they needed to see his papers, and so, for some reason I cannot figure out, he handed over his wallet (no weapons were presented, nor threats made.. and they also did not flash any badges or anything) and the two guys ran off with it.

I think our parents/inlaws all need to be watched closely when they travel!

[Deleted]

My parents are pretty good about traveling, but I have no idea how my in-laws would do. I wouldn't at all be surprised if my MIL thought she could use US Dollars here in the UK....

[pittpurple]

My dad brought US $ to Paris. I have no idea where this idea came from but you aren't alone!

[clickerish]

Eeeesh. Poor thing. She probably also thinks that traveler's checks are still a possibility. The problem with some people is that they read a Fodor's from 1995 and follow its directions as if it were the Bible. Why do people still cling to the money belt with actual money in it? It's scary.

[Deleted]

My cousin whipped out a dollar when she was visiting us in Paris and proceeded to put directly under H's nose, smiling rather largely, saying 'look, a dollar!' as if this should have been the highlight of his day. I get back from the restroom with H looking at my cousin like she is batshit crazy. She was on a break from study abroad in Spain, she should have known that most Europeans have seen a dollar before and are less than impressed by it.

[bail229]

My uncle once asked me if we can use credit cards in Australia.

[CakeLover]

Jul 30, 2012 3:44:42 GMT -5 clickerish said:

Eeeesh. Poor thing. She probably also thinks that traveler's checks are still a possibility. The problem with some people is that they read a Fodor's from 1995 and follow its directions as if it were the Bible. Why do people still cling to the money belt with actual money in it? It's scary.

She has never used travelers checks because her first and only trip out of the US was the time she came over here. Which is what further baffles me to her thought process. I'm still shaking my head at it.

Last time she traveled she was with my mom who is a little better and savvy. But my MIL is just naive and is like tktravels FIL (too trusting of strangers). She'll be traveling by herself this time. I'm worried.

[dulcemariamar]

Ahh.. I think the story is kind cute but I am always amazed how naive people can be. I guess we just take things for granted.

[crimsonandclover]

Thankfully my relatives who travel to visit me are rational about things like that. I do have relatives who still ask if it's summer over there, too, right now, though. I've never had the heart to be sarcastic since they mean well and are just trying to make conversation. "No, no, it's eternal winter over on the other side of the Northern Hemisphere. Those stories you sometimes see on the national news about European heat waves are just big lies."