The civil apron at a rocky Mediterranean airport was only thirty yards away from the border. Every July a large, brightly lit all night fair used to set up on the waste ground immediately north of the border and apron. One evening the last flight in from UK was delayed till nearly midnight, well after normal closing time. On entering the apron and heading straight for the fair the following exchange took place:
Pilot: Sorry for the delay, but many thanks for staying open. I see the fair is in full swing.
Tower (Sarcastically): Yeah. Roll up, roll up. Come and see the bearded lady.
Pilot: Thanks, but we've got our own (giggle). It's Derek,the chief purser.