Tire(d) of [my] stupidity

Autumn weather changes brought us cooler temperatures which meant the properties of the Ideal Gas Law were enacted. The low tire pressure warning on our car went off so I ventured to a gas station to top off. I had spare coins to feed the air compressor and a pressure gauge still in its original packaging. Only problem was, neither the first, second, or third gas station had air hoses.

One hour later of driving uselessly around the city, did it occur to me that among the endless pharmacies, beauty salons, and flower shops that I should visit a sheeno-montage (tire service shop) which are also found basically everywhere. And, changing out tires in Astana is a big deal, because by the first snowfall, winter grade tires are required by law.

The mechanic charged me the American price of about 8 dollars to top off four tires (the actual cost should be like one dollar - I found out days later). He could only be paid by the equivalent of Kazakh Venmo, which I did not have. I asked if he would take cash which I also, did not have.

Promising to come back, I drove off to find an ATM. Google fooled me twice with banks that didn’t exist, and when I did find one, only larger bills were available to withdraw. Thinking two birds one stone, I then drove to the store where I picked up some groceries, paid via credit and asked if I could make change with the equivalent of a ten dollar bill. Cashier said no, not allowed.

Fine. I bought a Snickers and handed over the bill, where she asked me, snapping her gum ala Tina from Sandford Somerfield Supermarket if I had anything smaller. I mean...

The mechanic probably thought I had absconded with free air, but I did return to pay - if 2 hours late. Next time, I will actually use my brain, save time and money, and use the sheeno located just 220 meters from home.

Tina. Hott Fuzz.

Was as if I had never connected tires with air before.

30 second drive from my house

I guess he charged me for premium air.

Open 24 hours!