Hilda smelled like dirty laundry doused in vinegar.
Between rounds she would give a quick undulating dance. Someone always joined her or slapped a passing high five.
Drunken locals were constantly trying to protect the tourists from her large personality.
'Let the poor kids eat ferchris' sake.'
'Aye, number one in the charts he is...now drink yer beer 'n quit yer annoyin' ways. Decent kids they is'
'Hilda - you've done gone too far now you have. Leave 'em peace now.'
But, struggling to get out of her chair, Hilda was in her element.
'Every day is a blessing' she yelled over the band. 'Numba 1 in the charts you is. Simply brilliant. Aye.'
'You...you gonna get up 'n sing!' she addresses me with a knowing wink and brown toothed grin. 'I'll dance, you sing!?'
She buys a round simply because 'it's nice to do nice things'. I wink back to toast her generosity. I know she just wants me to drink enough so I'll agree to visit or stay the night at her house just outside of Nairn.
She's already guessed my age and profession. Definitely not on the first try. She's one of twelve, 49 and a retired cooking instructor for vegetarians, diabetics and folks who don't eat meat. Her address is free for the taking but she reserves her phone number for not just anyone.
Score.
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Wonderful story. When you two get home, you'll really love having recorded these stories of real people. I love reading them. I particularly enjoyed your "ode" to your bicycle seat.
ReplyDeleteBella says "hi." She just returned from a 9:00 am walk w/ Dad and Sadie at Cougar. Walks are early in this heat, water plentiful and rest encouraged in the pm. She's doing great and has been (is) a very good houseguest. Continue having fun! Love you both, MOM
Great account, Dave! Fulfulling exactly the stereotypes I desired. I'm glad to see that my preconceptions are true.
ReplyDeleteLamprizzle