1 ≠ 1

A reminder today at the open air market about the subtle nuances of living in another country. Even when you don't have perfect command of the language, you figure that a smile, a nod, and a little point and grunt will get you roughly what you need. I kept forgetting, however, that when the French want to signify that they want one of something (say 1 tomato), they hold up their thumb. If you want 2, add your index finger. Hold up your index finger and you're likely to get 2 too. No doubt, it's more logical to start with the thumb and add fingers than to start with the index finger, go all the way to the pinkie and then back to the thumb, but try to teach this old dog new tricks!