What's Wrong with our Money?

I'm so old that I remember when ATMs first made their appearance in the world. I found that gleaming machine behind the glass door at the Medford Savings Bank simply fascinating. You put a credit card in and out came the money. I no longer had to talk to the silly teller behind the bullet proof glass. Alas, my parents have never really embraced what was once a newfangled machine.

"How much money should I take with us?" my mom asked me today.

"We gave you Euros for your birthday, so we're set once we land and then I'll use the ATM."

"What happens if we need to buy things in cash. What's wrong with our money?"

"It's Europe," I replied. "They don't take our money."

"ATMs don't spit out Euros, I get dollars when I use one."

Since the only thing between us was the phone, I quickly dialed her number so I could explain how it all works and truly laugh out loud. God bless her. It really is going to be an adventure of a lifetime.