Member-only story
The Chilean Exit
Not offensive like the Irish goodbye or the French leave
Soon I will be leaving Chile, where I enjoyed a mind-expanding six months. Happily, I’ll be leaving with a new tactic in my arsenal the next time I’m stuck next to a self-aggrandizing bore.
This is the finest example of exiting a tedious conversation I’ve ever witnessed. In the landmark restaurant Fuente Alemana, an Australian gringo was talking the ear off a new Chilean friend (and everyone else in the room because he was so damn loud).
After the Chilean finished his sandwich he asked, “Do you want to order another drink?”
“Yeah, I think I will order another beer!”
“OK, well I hope you enjoy it. I’ve got to get back to work, it was nice meeting you.”
Ha! I couldn’t clearly hear the Chilean’s side of the conversation, but that’s the gist of it.
Do you have a favorite way to give a stranger the slip?
