The Romanian Question

YEARS SINCE YESTERDAY

Iliescu said Romania had emerged in a state of moral decay from the era of dictator Nicolae Ceausescu, who was toppled and executed last December.

Reuter/Majorca Daily Bulletin, 21 June 1990

“GAS,” SAID CAPTAIN Maxwell, the English engineer, replac-ing his stein of Pilsner Urquhart carefully upon the laminated oak, “is the Future.” He glared with a kind of proprietorial benevolence around the bierkeller. “That’s where the fortunes will be made.”

From outside, in Wencleslas Square, the Australian Morris Dancers gave their precise rendition of the Flory Dance. They were said by some to be the hit of the Festival. He looked at Jerry before uttering a hearty laugh.

It was as if someone had farted through their face.

Jerry gagged.