The 63rd Episode : 3 pints of beer
[July, 1994 Toronto, Canada]
I enjoyed shopping at a Record shop? CD shop? and walked around CN tower and the Sky Dome, the home stadium of the Toronto Blue Jays. It was easy to go as the streets crossed each other at right angles. Lake Ontario filled beautiful blue water just in the south. Cool wind blowed from the lake to make my heated body comfortable. I took a rest in the park by the water. A small aircraft flew away from the airport in the Centre Island in front of me.
Time passed without any special happening and had come to go back to the hotel a little early though. I had to move to Panama next day by a morning flight. Took underground and got off at Eglinton station. Now, I had to walk to the hotel for about one hour again. It was around 4:00 p.m. The summer sunbeam was still hot. I was too tired to go back directly. Then a signboard of a pub was a little forward. It said Irish Pub McMurphy’s.
An Irish pub named Murphy’s was in Osaka, that I often dropped in those days. The similar name seemed to invite me to drop in. No hesitation. I decided to appease my thirst. It was opened fortunately. Only two customers were on the counter. I ordered a pint of bitter and sat down on the counter. The first sip of beer moistened my throat dried like desert. I felt sweat and tiredness going away. A woman staff came up to me.
Staff: How long have you lived in Toronto?
Me : I don’t live, came here from Japan three days ago and leave for Panama tomorrow.
S : Only three days ago? I surely thought you are living. Why do you speak English? For what do you go to Panama?
We were exchanging such conversation, then a guy sitting at the inner of the counter joined to start an idle talk in three. My beer was left a little in the glass and I thought I would go when I drank it up. At the time the staff put a pint of bitter in front of me. I didn’t understand and said no, no, I didn’t order. Then the guy said smiling “That’s for you from me. ‘Cause I’ve got a new friend in the far Japan.” My goodness! I got it with thanks. After a while he stood up.
Me : Are you going now?
Guy: It’s almost the time. I have a work from now.
Me : Is it alright to drink before working?
G : I manage a pub, too, so have to be back. Enjoy the last night in Toronto.
Me : Thank you very much.
He left the pub. Again I talked with the staff and the second glass was almost empty. It was the time to leave, I thought. Then another glass was put again. What??
Staff: He left the word, one more glass for you.
Me : Oh boy! Many many many thanks!!!
3 pints of beer to my empty stomach. I walked unsteadily back to the hotel and fell down onto the bed with a slam. I woke up. Wow, 11:00 p.m.! I had to leave for the airport at 8:00 a.m. at latest next day. I ate nothing for dinner. The restaurant at the hotel was already closed. A convenience store was there but even no bread left, only snack like potato crisps. I had no other option than eating it. My hungry was at least a little satisfied but the sad last night in Toronto passed by.
