There was a time, many years ago, when I mocked health-juice drinkers, especially the carrot-juice swallowers. And then, one day - when I had a nasty cold - someone talked me into having a large carrot juice with extra ginger.
From that day I have been hooked.
Not only do I enjoy (make that, 'love') the drink but I have become somewhat of an expert on the quality of carrot juices. I am to carrot-juice-tasting what the-late Len Evans AO was to wine tasting. A genuine carrot juice connoisseur.
I know the best places to get the best carrot juice in just about every city in the country.
In Melbourne the best carrot-juice maker is at the Tropicana Juice Bar on the eastern side of Elizabeth Street (between Bourke Street and Little Bourke Street). Sure it's a cliche, but the owner of the store - a lovely Pommy called Giles - makes juices to die for.
Every time I come to Melbourne I head straight for Giles's juice bar. I never miss a day.
Sometimes, when I am not concerned about my weight, I even let him talk me into one of his heavenly smoothies.
What I like about Giles is not just his great juices and smoothies, but he's a great fella. No matter what time of the day, no matter how busy it gets in his little shop - and believe me, it gets very busy - Giles is always serving with a smile.
He even offers a guarantee - if you don't like any of his juices or smoothies, you don't pay for it. I doubt he's ever been asked for a refund.
About a month ago, as Giles was lovingly making me a large carrot and ginger juice, he leaned across the counter and said, "You'll be really proud of me, Mr. Jenman, I just bought an investment property."
"Why would I be proud?" I asked, "You don't need brains to buy an investment property. What did you buy and from whom did you buy it?"
Giles told me that his accountant had put him in touch with a property expert who had arranged for him to buy a two-bedroom apartment for $465,000. I felt sick.
"So, what do you think?" Giles asked.
"Have you signed all the contracts?" I asked.
"Oh yes, I've bought it," he said, "all signed sealed and delivered."
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