Often it is the small victories which give the most pleasure. When times are hard and it is difficult to see the light at the end of the tunnel, the smallest success can make everything seem possible again.
In France the supermarket trollies are called chariots, to set them free from their chain gang a coin or a jeton has to be inserted in a slot – I think the reason is to encourage people to return them to their parking places, not to prevent them being trundled off down the road.
Many a time and oft I have not had a suitable coin or plastic disc to release a trolly, but now I have learnt the secret how to release these infernal machines, without leaving a coin in the slot.
The secret to this anarchistic trick is the metal key you can find to unzip a corned beef tin or some sardine tins. Just push it in the slot and wiggle it – the trolly is released and you can remove the key. Keep one on your key ring, you do not have to take it off each time.
Of course you could be very mischievous and liberate all the trollies you find parked outside stores and airports, you will need two for the big trollies in Ikea though.
Â