A VERY BRITISH DAY OUT

~ Iain Kelly

‘Authentic Beach Barbecue’ the leaflet had assured them.

Archie had his doubts. The nearest beach was at least thirty miles away for a start. Just another anomaly in the zoo that combined as an amusement park.

Two pasty-looking teenagers wheeled out trays covered in tinfoil and started unwrapping the precooked food.

Agnes perched herself on one of the plastic flamingos that surrounded the glorified sandpit, glad to rest her feet after traipsing round the animal enclosures all day. ‘Hardly feels like we’re in Hawaii.’

‘Well, we’ve paid for it. Might as well stay and enjoy it.’

Agnes huffed but conceded. They joined the queue. Assorted meats were piled high. Archie couldn’t help but picture the sad-looking animals in cages they had been viewing all day as a slab of charred steak was deposited on his plate.

They sat down to eat, joined at the table by a group of noisy middle-aged ladies. The entertainment began. Jaded-looking hula dancing girls in grass skirts shuffled around while an ageing crooner appeared and gave tired renditions of Hawaiian songs.

***

Later that night, perched over the hotel toilet as the steak took its revenge, Archie vowed never to use an online discount deal again.

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Copyright Susan Spaulding

Written as part of Sunday Photo Fiction. Write a story of around 200 words based on the photo prompt given (above). Hosted by Susan Spaulding. For more details visit HERE.

To read more of the stories based on this week’s prompt, visit HERE.

This is the 25th story featuring Agnes and Archie – you can read more of their adventures here: THE AGNES AND ARCHIE STORIES.

Published by Iain Kelly

39 year old writer, avid film viewer and book reader, employed in the media industry as a television editor.

42 thoughts on “A VERY BRITISH DAY OUT”

  3. Oh the disappointment – the pasty teenage set this up wondering? I suspect this could be a worldwide cheap day out. I was left wondering if the animals were in the dinner….

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Funnily enough, took the kids to a park in Coatbridge not that long ago. The sun was shining, they had a ball and no one got food poisoning 🙂

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  12. Poor Archie, suffering from the great tourist spot’s revenge without even getting to travel to an exciting destination! You paint a terribly dreary scene — I certainly hope that this isn’t the typical British day out. If so, no wonder they’d stay in! And I even more fervently hope that my upcoming trip to Hawaii doesn’t resemble this in the least!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. I’m sure Hawaii itself will live up to expectations! Actually this year the weather has been amazing for the last 6 weeks and we’ve managed some wonderful days out, avoiding any plastic flamingos! 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

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