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Inside he feels at home: He is not aware of being a foreigner
although on foreign soil. Once there, he is immediately drawn into
the conversation whatever his mother tongue may be.
Everything here is original, in the first place the name Speakeasy
in a country where a speakeasy has no right of existence and this
name even written in large letters so that everyone must be aware
of this «secret» saloon.
An old stone stairway leads into the entrance of a very old house
situated in a narrow lane in the oldest part of the new town. Here
we are faced by a shut door without a handle but having a heavy
OLD TIMERS SALOON
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iron knocker. At the height of an average person there is a tiny
spy-hole containing an equally small magnifying glass. This makes
it possible to look out but not in. An inscription in black letters
above the door reads: «Overseas Club. Knock!» Therefore we
knock. Upon entering we find the traditional real American bar
und customers from every part of the world. Here a special lan
guage is spoken, a language which is unknown to the narrow-
minded Philistine and will remain so for all time.
Here all current topics are discussed, adventures and reminiscences
exchanged, here one sings, gambles, and, above all, drinks. A
really intelligent, sharp bartender like Blunier understands his
business thoroughly. His drinks are well known and popular and
his skill in mixing «Poison» is unsurpassed.
There I made the acquaintance of people from all countries. They
came and went and many a one has passed for ever. I should like