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January 03, 2003
Late Nite Petrol Stations
Yesterday when paying for my petrol after an emergency fill-up at a station previously unfrequented, I was privy to the end of what seemed to be quite an exhaustive explanation of the secrets behind the magic of David Blaine (Apparently he uses body doubles and hidden food supplies when pretending to be trapped in ice, although the underground burial was completely genuine).I was sad I had missed the beginning of what showed every sign of being the rant of a bona fide petrol station madman.
I was reminded of an episode that occurred half a decade ago, when I was working as a milkman's helper, delivering to late night stations across the province.
This particular 24 hour station was manned by a raving alcoholic in his mid 40's, apparently the boyfriend of a policewoman with a questionable taste in men, who would visit and the end of her late night shifts.
The only other visitors were taxi drivers who'd huddle around the hotdog machine or steal sweets from thee pick and mix, ( with the managers blessing, it should be said).
This particular night, the manager had managed to get through at least 2 litres of cheap Vodka, and as we entered with our crates of milk ( 12 semi skimmed and 10 full fat, and 2 litres of cream) we were treated to an impromptu fashion show.
The manager had, to the astonishment of the gathered taxi drivers, stripped off all his clothes and donned a pair of enormous Y-fronts from the mens clothing section (yes, this petrol station had everything)
We were invited to join in, but declined. I was told by my milkman boss that late night garages bred mad people, and that incidents like these were a regular occurrence.
I decided to give up my night job not long after, having discovered my coworkers fondness for onanism in sight of bovine creatures.
Even now, six years later, I try to buy my petrol were you can pay at the pump, no matter what time of day, or night.
Posted by Nicklas at January 3, 2003 11:46 PM