about last night ...

yes, it was one of those late night out in my adult life. i'd say adult life since i try to draw the difference between going out on parties when i was (a lot) younger, and going on parties at this time and age.

unlike other parties i have been to, this one is totally different. you will immediately notice the absence of "loud flair" - meaning there is no loud music being played (except for a hushed background of the music of the 80's), no decorations, no party hats, no "loud" people dominating the scenes and all that. this party is in honour of my friend who turned 40 years old - she finally got in our "40-club". and i need to point out that she is a british national.

i was glad i dressed just right last night ... i blended well into the crowd. i came alone to the party sans my hubby (he's on holiday with our son in madrid) - but i didn't feel that isolated since i recognised familiar faces and immediately delved myself into conversations with new found acquaintance and old friends.

the tone of the party was very intimate and chic. i was told that the number of invitees were 40 people - just by being symbolic. but as it turned out, 36 came due to some unavoidable circumstances - my excuse was one for my hubby. everyone was all made up from hair, make-up, clothing and, if i may say - the right shoes! and mind you, that's very important to point out. some of our conversations, men and women alike, had centered on shoes - especially the passionate relationship women have with shoes (and i'm guilty as hell as i am one of them). however, we tried so hard to explain to the guys of our "dependence" and "love" of shoes, but they just don't get it.

the evening was dominated by interesting conversations, good food (the dessert buffet was heavenly with all those sinful concoctions of fruits, chocolates, cakes and pastries), excellent bar (you get to mix your own drinks) and good company. a lot of good laugh was shared, and games were played in some intervals (they've put up an electric race track for cars and we competed one after the other - my friend's husband told us that the track was borrowed from their son. anyway, the loser would get to down a gin and tonic drink - and everyone just love to lose the race.)

i sat with a group of other guests during dinner and they asked me all there is to know about the philippines. just the mere mention of the country is too mesmerising for a group of europeans. but you will be surprise how much they knew about the political problems the philippines have as well as its experiences with natural disasters through the years: the earthquakes, the floods, the volcano eruptions, etc. it was very humbling to know how other people see the philippines apart from your own very eyes. i learned a lot of things just by striking up a conversation with people i know, and hardly know for that matter - each time offers a whole new perspective to this world i knew. quite an eye-opener.

anyway, towards midnight, the doctor from iceland (i forgot his name) seated beside me turned to me and said, "do you think there will be some singing or dancing tonight?". i was taken aback quite surprised. so i asked him back, "would you like to lead the singing?" - and boy how he laughed hard. he smiled and said no. and then he addressed the british-irish guy sitting across the table, " is this the way most british have a party? quiet? no singing? no dancing? no crazy things?" the british-irish guy simply nodded in agreement and said, "i believe so." that is when it did struck me - all throughout the evening, we either mingled and strike some conversations or just sat there, had our food and drinks, had our laughs, join in the games and simply enjoyed each other's company. no booming music - just intimate and casual discussions in every table, with old and new faces all the time. i just realised now in afterthought that i may have changed tables to join in some other friends for some conversation or two.

you see, every national celebrate in different ways - i know for one that scandinavians are quite loud when they celebrate someone else's birthday ... that would be complete with all the fanfare - party hats, balloons, singing, games and dancing - and i am talking about an "adult" party! and this hold especially true with some other countries - but this particular party is all about just hanging out together and enjoying each other's company ... sans the funfare.

oh well, in any case, i left the party quite satisfied. i learned a thing or two about myself (or maybe a lot more than i should) and that i have learned to appreciate that joy and value of good conversations. and with me, i carried a couple of invitations for more get-together parties with old and new friends alike. what is certain though is that i'd probably accept a mid-summer bar-b-que party at another friend's house next week - i'm all by my lonesome, remember? it's going to be a great treat to look forward to. and if i may say so, it's the bristish-irish's family i've been invited to - i've known his wife for a long time and she's a great gal ... we'll sure have real fun!