Dipping into the local corner shop (like many of the best, not actually on a corner) for milk and juice on my way home from work, I found myself in the curious situation of being interrogated about tequila (Nightshift Ben's forte more than mine, as you know).

In short: lovely colleague Serene recently visited Mexico, and very admirably honoured a promise to bring me back a bottle of Tijuana Tummyrotter (I say admirable because it was one of those optional bargains made while under the influence, the kind that even in the unlikely circumstance they're remembered the next day, are never expected to come through).

But today Serene delivered the goods.

So having wisely removed the alcohol from the vicinity of any other journalists, I strolls up to the shop till with my intended purchases, bottle of hard liquor also in my hand. Whereupon the shopkeeper starts giving me the third degree on the etiquette of tequila drinking. How much? What with? Is it good?

Naturally, despite this young chap's ethnic origin (South Asian, almost certainly Pakistani, so very likely Muslim, thus quite possibly teetotal) and a little difficulty with language, I feel it's my duty as a drinker to instruct him in the ways of the shot (salt, tequila, lime... you know the drill) and the tequila slammer. Don't know how much of it got through, given the show and tell was lacking in show, but he seemed interested enough.

Just by way of extra detail, this is also quite possibly the same guy who when confronted with a request from Laura for melons, directed her towards the - now departed - collection of lesbian pornography videos on the top shelf.

(That last sentence could well bring me some unwanted attention, but hey ho, a hit's a hit.)

Now the tequila's made it home, and nestles quite happily with all the other booze that's come to live at my house: the bourbons, the malts, the gin, the metaxa, the brandy, the occasional visiting bottle of vodka. And that's before the impending trip to Duty Free and the Tower offy in Atlanta.

Hmm. Maybe I should have a party.