Extraordinary Measures
As far as I could tell, the suit fitted perfectly. John shrugged into the jacket and turned, looking over his shoulder, when a pained expression crossed his face.
“What is it?” the Tailor asked.
“Not enough, er—” he indicated his crotch, “—ballroom.”
The Tailor tsk-ed and walked around him, tweaking here and there.
“Bend over. Hm…” He gestured at the row of chairs. “Sit down and spread your legs. Let me see.”
John did, grimaced and got up again. “It’s no good. It’s too tight!”
At that moment a man on a scooter pulled up outside, grabbing several suit covers that were draped over the handlebar. The Tailor gestured and he tossed the suits over a rail and came over. The two exchanged a few words in Thai.
The man shook his head and the Tailor pointed towards John. Without taking off his helmet, the Driver walked over and crouched on the floor, where—with the Tailor leaning over his shoulder—he proceeded to feel John’s crotch.
The Driver tsk-ed and mumbled something.
“Not normal size,” The Tailor translated.
“Big, eh?” the Driver grinned. There was another short exchange in Thai, then the Tailor picked out the roll of Cashmere which had been the material for the suit. Waving his yard stick, he measured out a generous strap and ran his scissors through the precious material. He handed the strap to the Driver while shooting John an admonishing glance.
The Driver took the offending trousers and extra material and departed.
“Come back tonight,” the Tailor said.
John did. This time the suit fitted perfectly.
Tags: SE Asia, Travel, Travel tales, Tag Index
Denni