Latest posts by Martin Moodie (see all)
“Is Shanghai your final destination?”
The question from Florence (pictured), the woman at the World Duty Free check-out was correct and politely put.
I was buying a bottle of £8.49 Flagstone Noon Gun [a modest, quaffing blend of Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier] to have with my room service supper later that night at my temporary Shanghai bureau, (alas, a wine and food marriage that never happened after I contrived to leave the bottle in the overhead locker on the plane…) and Florence was checking that I was not transiting on to any destination which would mean having my purchase seized.
“Yes indeed,” I replied, “and thanks for asking.”
“Are you over 18?”
I hesitated.
“Just…”
Apparently the age enquiry is as mandatory as the final destination question, though for vastly different reasons.
Now, I feel well. Heck, I think I look well. But under 18? Now that just might be stretching things. And I could tell by Florence’s smile that she knew 80 was closer to the truth (which sadly, oh so very sadly, it is).
We had a chuckle about it and she sent me on my way, wishing me a safe flight. Florence – a beautiful name, a beautiful smile. A small human cameo of the sort that makes the traveller’s day. Especially us 17 year olds.
