Me Crackle Crackle

Luuk, Gaius and Virtual Gaius are in Bier Central.

They are drinking Flemish Red beer.

It is sour yet fruity and mouthy.

Luuk spots some friends, who come over.

This is Gaius and Virtual Gaius, says Luuk. These are my friends Fenna, Wout and Seppe.

Hi guys, say the friends.

I have been explaining the name of Antwerp to them, says Luuk. It was so funny. I pretended I was the Giant.

Oh very funny, says Fenna. Only we all know there was no giant. It was a whale carcase.

Yes, says Wout. A whale carcase. Dug up in 1510 during excavations. At the time it was thought to be the shoulder blade and ribs of a giant. But it wasn't a giant.

So there was no giant, says Seppe.

What a bunch of killjoy Belgians.

Gaius chews on his chip dipped in mayo.

It's hard to get used to.

Virtual Gaius isn't eating, but he likes the Flemish Red beer. Glug glug. He orders another.

And anyhow, says Fenna, the Hand Werpen is only one theory.

True, says Wout. I favour the 'an 't werf ' theory.

And what is that theory? asks Gaius politely.

It means 'on the wharf', says Wout. Nice and simple.

I think you are wrong about that one, says Seppe. It is likely the name of Antwerp comes from the Antverpians, who are mentioned in several eighth and tenth century texts.

Oh yes, Eligius, says Fenna.

Luuk is embarrassed by his friends' erudition. He has only been having some fun.

He tries to alter the subject.

Gaius tells me his friend has another name, says Luuk. What was it, Gaius?

I thought you two were twins, says Fenna.

Certainly not, says Gaius. He is my doppelganger. We're on our way back to the Utrecht University. Hopefully they will turn him off, or whatever they do to close down virtual persons.

Oh how SAD, says Fenna. How CRUEL and SAD.

She pats the hand of Virtual Gaius, and in doing so knocks his volume button.

GAIUS! WHERE THE FUCKING HELL ARE YOU? says the familiar voice of Arne.

In Antwerp, says Gaius. Don't worry we're coming. No need to be rude.

I hear the sounds of a Belgian Beer café, says Arne crossly.

A man can stop for a beer if he likes, says Gaius. It's not criminal.

Who is that speaking? asks Wout.

Crackle crackle! says Arne.

Wow, says Fenna. I know crackle crackle.

Me crackle crackle, says Wout.

Hey this is getting seriously weird now.

That Flemish Red is quite strong.