Random reminder

Press, 30 December 1988, Page 28

Random reminder

AGE SHALL NOT WEARY THEM .

He had just retired, with a generous hand-out from the firm he had been with all his working life. During this time he had scraped up enough for a short trip to Australia, and one to Fiji. But now there was no limit: Britain, America, Japan, the East, or wherever. He plumped for the East first. The fascinating Orient the brochures described it. A round trip Singapore, Hong Kong, Bangkok, suggested the travel agent. Great! He was on his way! He enjoyed Singapore, the cleanliness, the climate, the friendliness of the people — all appealed to him. He was almost sorry when it was time to leave, but Hong Kong beckoned him. He slept most of the five-hour flight, and arrived feeling comparatively fresh. While he waited for his baggage, he caught sight of himself in a large mirror.

He straightened his shoulders instinctively. Not too bad for 60! So his hair was now grey, and had started to recede a bit; so maybe he had gained a few extra pounds; so perhaps he didn’t dress quite so meticulously as in his younger days; but taken all round, still pretty good. Why, he’d easily pass for a man in his early fifties! It was dark by the time he boarded the minibus. He gave the driver the name of his hotel and took a seat. A couple of stops, dropping off six passengers. At the third stop, the driver called out. “Elderly gentleman for the Park Hotel." No-one moved. The same call again. Still no-one moved. He looked around curiously, wondering. Park Hotel? Why, that was the name of his hotel! Realisation gradually dawned. He rose slowly to his feet.