Swandives

Given the drink’s reputation, it’s fitting that I was introduced to absinth in a seedy underground nightclub in Prague. Dark and gothic, the cigarette-induced haze fluttering like a curtain to reveal all manner of debauchery - copulating couples crammed into toilet cubicles, a stripping barmaid who danced naked on the bar while the walls stood aflame with burning absinth. A mad night for three travellers who probably thought themselves very world weary, but in reality were far from it, and one which I will always remember, despite the drink’s effects.

It was only later that I heard about absinth’s reputation, and given my initiation, I never questioned the validity of the claims that led to its ban. But thinking has changed; there’s general agreement that absinth really isn’t that bad. Well, it’s as innocuous as something that’s 70% alcohol can be. The hallucinogenic episodes it was blamed for were more likely to be caused by alcohol poisoning or poisons resulting from bad distillation practises.

So in light of its newfound acceptance, I am raising the proverbial glass to the drink of writers, poets and alcoholics. Cheers!