In the Pub Last Night

Sitting in the snug of Messines' finest hostelry last night, hoisting a cold one to celebrate a successful day's wordsmithing, I spotted something that didn't seem quite right.

Brothels (or "Piano Bars" as they are called) are, well, if not quite legal, then not quite criminal either here in Portugal. And yes, this rural town of 8,000 people does indeed have one, just around the corner from said hostelry. As with everything else in a town of this size, it's very definitely playing in the minor leagues: this isn't where the top talent comes to earn a crust.

Still, whores like a coffee and a cigarette before starting work just like everyone else and it is to the town's finest that they flock for their evening eye opener. Which leads me to my spot of yesterday.

One such, in a track suit (perhaps a shell suit), not having yet changed into her working gear, the front of which was emblazoned with the slogan:

"Free Love".