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Around the World in 80 Days
Day 53: 16 November
Not a smile is cracked throughout his explanation. Instead frowns deepen, but eventually a solution is reached: the buck will be passed. Someone with more authority is to be summonsed. How long will that be? The waitress doesn't understand. I point to my watch and try to indicate that I'm expected on the Pacific in a couple of hours. She goes away. Time passes. There's a distinct chance that I shall have to choose between getting a Caffe Bongo menu or getting round the world in eighty days. Order another £4 coffee. Am about to grab the menu and make a break for it when a smart lady appears and after I give another long and time-consuming explanation, I'm met with the same bewildered response.'Look, a British architect designed this and so surely you realise the British occasionally do very silly things . . . '
'You are architect!' Her eyes lit up.
'Well, not . . . er as such, but I like architecture . . . '
'Ah . . . yes? . . . architect . . . good!'
From then on it's plain sailing and I emerge £8 lighter, but with a Caffe Bongo menu and a Caffe Bongo cup and saucer.
Choose another day from Around the World in 80 Days
PALIN'S GUIDES
- Series: Around the World in 80 Days
- Day: 53
- Date: 16 November
- Country/sea: Japan
- Place: Tokyo
- Book page no: 182
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