I was sitting outside Shack No 1 the other day, having a quiet beer and doing some writing.
I enjoy that. It’s a great way to relax.
Not all the tables were full, but there were the usual suspects sitting having a beer, friends of the barman Francisco, all older guys, presumably fishermen.
They go there, have a couple of beers, or maybe a couple of glasses of vinho tinto (red wine – 60c a glass!). They might even have a plate of clams or whatever Francisco’s wife has agreed to cook that day. They sit and chat. They might watch an afternoon film. Francisco loves his westerns. He also likes his cycling – if the cycling’s on I don’t like to bother him for another beer. He doesn’t seem to appreciate it.
But on this occasion the TV wasn’t on, there was no food, just a group of old friends talking, drinking, shouting, laughing…
They were happy.
And then an old guy walked past.
There was uproar.
They all stood up and started shouting at him: “Anda ca!” Come here!
They were laughing and shouting, and waving at him to come and join them.
He was pretending to ignore them, looking in the other direction, laughing, waving his hand dismissively.
The old guys in the bar got louder and louder.
The old guy walking past stopped, turned round and said something.
I didn’t catch it all, but I heard the word: “…Esposa…” Wife.
The guys in the bar burst out laughing.
The guy walking past just shook his head and smiled and continued on his way – back to his wife I presume.
The guys in the bar just thought that this was the funniest thing.
It’s the same the world over. Your mates are out to play and your wife has said you can’t join them today. It’s a tough one, but to keep the peace you know what has to be done, no matter how much your friends try to be a bad influence.
I was impressed with the old guys stoicism, and appreciated the hilarity that this induced in a group of semi-drunk old blokes.
I hope this never changes…