Market flirtations

I started my Christmas shopping today.  Before and after a meeting, I traveled via a local market and shopping centre.   While in the food area of the market, I had a "hankering" for oranges.  I do try to eat healthy, but fruit is often pricey and spoils quickly here.  I don't buy it often, even though I know it is very good for me.  I decided I should change that today and the market is a good place to do so.  The vendors call out their prices as you walk by and try to get your attention.  On my second trip through the market, I stopped at an Englishman's stand. He had a lovely crate of HUGE "sweet oranges" marked 4 for a £1.    

As soon as I stopped, he grinned at me and said in his East London accent, "I like you.  You look like a real sweetie."  

Haha.  That's one sales tactic, I guess.  Before anyone (such as my father) gets too concerned, this particular gentleman was between the ages of my father and grandfather, and probably closer to my grandfather's age!  

I smiled at him and said, "That's very nice of you, but the only sweet I'm interested in is the oranges."  

He kept his smile.  "Well all right then.  Four good ones for a 1£ then?"  

I decided to try my charm right back at him.  "You could always make it 5 for a £1."  

We kept chatting as he put them in a bag, but I couldn't see how many he moved into the blue shopping bag.  After I handed him a £1 coin, he grinned again, winked, and said, "Count 'em when you get home.  'ave a good one, luv.  And Happy Christmas!"

To which I always respond, "Merry Christmas," proving my American background!  As I walked away, I peeked into the blue bag.

He gave me five. :)  

The other funny interaction today was on the phone.  I got a fundraising call from a charity I have had connections with in the past.  As the guy started speaking, I realized with some surprise that I was speaking to an American!  After we had gone through the usual questions and answers, he said, "This isn't part of what I'm to ask you, but where are you from?" I answered that I am from Pennsylvania.  He responded, "I'm from Baltimore!  I've never gotten an American accent before on these calls!"