I am still amused

Yes, I am...still amused at something that happened on Women's Day 8 March.

On that day I purchased a spanish newspaper from the paper shop and the girl gave me a bottle of flour cleaner.

"What is this for?" I asked, meaning why-are-you-giving-me-this.

"Its a free gift from the newspaper for International Women's Day."

We looked at each other with that knowing, ironic look. A look of solidarity mixed with 'what do you expect'.

She, still surpressing a stubborn grin, snorted in laughter (yes, she did). Me, I burst forth a sincere belly laugh. Nothing would surpress it and I almost doubled over. By then there were a few curious bystanders. Getting a brief explanation across, by then in English too and wiping the tears of mirth from my eyes I explained more or less following.

"Look at that! This newspaper is so caring and considerate enough to think of we women and gives us (how generously) a free bottle of floor cleaner. Instead of giving us perhaps a small textile flower (cheaper too), we get a reminder of what this macho newspaper really thinks of the value of women. Hey, what century are we in? With all the women's rights and equality (snort, giggle) every now and then we get a symbolic reminder of what reality is!"

"Typical!" I said, still laughing.

The few men there were at a complete loss (what else? ;>D), a few women grinned and I had to find the next cafe to visit the toilet.

What did I do with the bottle of floor cleaner? I told the girl to give to next man who purchases the paper.

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Thought for the day: The begining is always today.