39 (40) A Lovely Conversation So came the last day of our journey. Two old men were talking while drinking beer in the hotel lounge. They spoke about past occurrences that old people's thoughts often wander between. An Irish family came into the lounge. Even though this was their first encountering, they easily got into conversation. One of the old men asked if a certain parish priest still was serving at the family's parish. "No," answered the woman, "now it is." The old man said: "So this fellow has succeeded him? Good." The woman regretted they couldn't stay and talk as they were going shopping. The old man thanked her for "the lovely conversation". The family went and the old men continued their discussion and beer drinking. 38 40 First published: Friday 20th December, 2002 Send a to the author! You may also use this form