So I went to CarreFour today, to buy stuff. At the cash desk [caisse, see I’m learning french] I presented my visa card, which was shortly followed by loud bleeping. Ok it won’t read my card, I try another, and another, finally resorting to the filthy lucre itself, cash.

Sweating profusely [there was now a queue behind me] I leave, and finally notice a small sign informing me that they don’t take visa, proton – yes, mastercard – yes, maestro – yes, bankcontact – yes, but not visa