At well before bulbul fart we set off tomorrow to return to the Merse. It will be sad to leave what was once a second home and is always a pleasure to revisit.
Even during the World Cup.
Last night dining with old friends at a favourite (Spanish/Italian) restaurant we made the mistake of arriving in the closing minutes of Italy versus Australia. Ushered smoothly to a table we were promptly forgotten as the waiters focused exclusively on the large screen on which the match was being projected. Attempts to attract attention foundered on the broad backs of the serving staff,all, presumably, rooting for Italy. Desperate for a bite, a drink, kind attention, anything and the usual polite calls of 'ustaadh', Ya sheikh, even WAITER-having failed to unrivet the watching orbs Huttonian yelled out in desperation:
OFF SIDE!That did it. A waiter was at our side. Mafeking relieved. Unseen by him the referee had indeed blown for off side-presumably alerted by the shriek from Second Circle. This led seamlessly to an Italian attack, an Oz foul and a successful Italian penalty. Game over.
The waiter missed it all as he scribbled down the pastas. We had a super meal but I remained with one lingering doubt.
I might have got it wrong.
About the offside.