1607. The colours of drinks

Shona and Freddie were the life of any party. They were boyfriend and girlfriend, although they didn’t share the same address. They had this “thing”. It was always planned. Of course, it had to be planned otherwise it couldn’t have happened. Shona always wore what matched Freddie’s cocktail drink.

Shona would phone Freddie and ask what he was thinking of drinking at this particular party or on this particular outing. A Bloody Mary and Shona would wear red. And what a stunning red dress it was! Tomato was definitely Shona’s colour. A Casablanca and Shona would wear the colours of pineapple and coconut milk. She cut such a dashing figure! It wasn’t always alcoholic either. Sometimes, for example, it could be iced tea. Different colours suited Shona and browns and golds were muted, as if to say “We shall have a laidback evening in a classy restaurant.”

So it came as a bit of a shock when Freddie suggested they have a quiet evening at his place, just the two of them, and he was drinking nothing but water.

1011. Travel

We have a fairly healthy bank balance, which means we can travel as a couple overseas on a fairly regular basis. It is so enriching to experience other cultures around the world.

We always stay with the Aloha Hotel chain. They are in thirty seven countries, which is more than enough to satisfy our desire for travel. The hotels are always comfortable with rooms that almost always have splendid views. Every hotel has a spa and luxurious swimming pools. The food in the hotel restaurants cannot be faulted, and they certainly know how to mix their drinks.

Last year, when we were in San Antonio, I thought I would test their skills by asking for a Blue Margarita. They didn’t blink an eye. A Blue Margarita arrived within seconds complete with a slice of lemon shaped like a cowboy hat!

In Thailand I asked for a Mimosa. Again, without as much as a pause, the waiter (those Asian waiters can be so disarming) arrived with a Mimosa cocktail but with a sprig of lemongrass rather than the zest of a real lemon. Such a nice ethnic touch!

In Germany, Bavaria to be more exact, everyone was drinking beer out of some sort of Toby mugs, but I ordered a Flirtini. It arrived in a flash, complete with vodka, apricot liqueur, cranberry juice, pineapple juice, and champagne. Instead of the customary strawberry however, there was a little yellow berry of some sort which apparently is native to the region.

As I say, it is so enriching to travel and to experience the difference of each country and culture. And there is always, with the Aloha Hotel Chain, the advantage of never having to leave the hotel.