I love drunk Londoners. When I am not being one myself I enjoy being exposed to their rash bravery and eagerness to make friends with strangers. Why can't London be like this all the time? Imagine how many friends we'd all have if we just spoke to each other and didn't pretend to be alone whilst ignoring the armpit your nose is being squashed into on the tube.
One of my favourite encounters with drunks I have had was while waiting for the last tube on a Sunday night. A man yelled at me to verify whether the man next to him was a spy. Even if I had known I couldn't have disclosed this information to the rest of the platform so the man and his friend wandered over to discuss things further. Conversation moved onto the suitcase I had, which contrary to their prediction actually contained costume and not holiday wear. Upon discovering I was a dancer, one of the guys proceeded to explain that he was an acrobat. Oh really? This was most definitely a joke. So I challenged him to demonstrate something as proof. He did a back flip right there on the platform. Oops...he could've died in his drunken state and I would've been to blame (which interestingly he did warn me of beforehand). I did very well out of this moment, not only did he land the back flip and therefore save me from a lifetime of guilt, he handed me his scarf to hold on to while he performed. Jokingly, I asked "oh wow thanks, is this for me to keep?" He said yes. Bingo! This is why drunks are useful. It must be pointed out that this was a girl's scarf and so he had probably won it in a similarly cheeky way...I hope.
The train arrived and we ended our brief but eventful time together by salsa dancing and waltzing through the carriage. Made my day. To all those who start conversation with a stranger, I salute you.
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