11.26.06
Happy Pithering Stag Weekend
A friend (I think it was Tim Forshew), once said to me that drinking makes you more intelligent. This is because the bad brain cells are destroyed by alcohol, and therefore you end up with a better good to bad cell ratio. In fact a different friend this morning developed the theory further, saying that brain cells are a bit like a wild herd of animals. The herd only goes as fast as the slowest beast, but since the slow ones are picked off by predators, the herd is kept fast, lean and mean. I therefore draw a conclusion, that excessive drinking allowed me through the IQ test during the ThoughtWorks interview process. It probably explains why so many of my new colleagues, enjoy as I do, the occasional aquisition of a few social bevys. I particulary found this out in India in TW’s immersion process. I met some great chaps out there. I loved the ‘penthouse’ party apartment we were given, but it’s the people I shared it with, and the people that we couldn’t keep away that really made India a fantastic, memorable experience. Well, the people and the taylors, got to give a nod to the fantastic taylors. P N Rao and ThoughtWorks have a very much loving relationship.
Whilst on the subject of drinking, is just me (probably), but does anybody notice that the next day, during or after the inevitable hangover, one is gifted with a clarity on life? It’s a bit like the saying ‘you can’t see the woods due to the trees’, and drinking allows you to elevate yourself to a good viewing platform. The mists of lifes various paths and background ‘stuff’, is cleared. Or maybe, just maybe, I’m still intoxicated from the night before. It’s possible, I wouldn’t rule it out. Anyhow, I’ve been a bit stressed over the last week, probably because I’ve had to organise the Stag do. Today I’m feeling happy, I’m very much looking forward to my wedding, to seeing my partner return from her hen weekend, and I have given consideration to the fact that I’m really enjoying my current assignment at TW. I’m enjoying coding in Python with Django. Whilst using these tools for spiking purposes, I love the sheer productivity you get. Initial impression is that the Django guys have done a good job. The project is also great fun to work on, it’s a good team, and the subject matter is of interest to me.
So, what have I come here to blog about? Having already taken a couple of tangents so early in this entry? Well, I wanted really to blog about my stag night. I had a great time, and I’d like to thank my home friends, university friends, and family for coming along. We had a pleasant time at the Coalhole on the strand, Livebait at covent garden, Spamalot (which I’m not sure is very good – probably the booze taking a toll, and the couple of naps I took during the performance, but I never really got to grips with the plot), then on to the Coach and Horses in Soho, then a meal at the French House in Soho, and then various drunken staggerings around other venues. The only thing that perhaps did not go so well, was the stripper that was booked for me without my knowledge.
Apparently, the best man phoned up some seedy place in Soho, and asked for the biggest, most ugly, hariest woman they had, and this person / creature should come immediately. Well, we should have thought this may happen, but 2 things went wrong. Firstly, I was at this stage a bit worse for wear, and I kept walking off and getting lost. Various people would have to come and find me to escort me back to the table. Ah I apologise, a bit of context would be useful. We are eating in the French House, having hired out the upstairs room. Anyway, the second problem was that the French House staff, upon encountering this unearthley professional, took one look up and down and flatly refused entry. Now with a conundrum, my best man Steve, decided we should move venue so that our party could have their entertainment. So, the next place we went, the same things happened. I would get lost, and the stripper would not be granted entry. In fact this pattern repeated itself 2 or 3 times. We kept moving round Soho with an incredibley ugly stripper in tow.
Meal number one was fantastic. I had an incredibley large platter of seafood at live bait. Others elected for the fish and chips which they reported back was also very good. I wanted kick off proceedings in a lively manner, so I ordered a bottle of Chassagne Montrachet, which I found disapointing, especially for the price of 66 pounds. I know this particular wine can be very strong at times, but I’ve had a couple of Montrachets that come out like petrol. The next meal at the French was lovely. I shared a Chateaubriand with Steve – lovely. I also had a chocolate tourte and cheese. Drinks included a bloody mary, which was a highlight of the day, a bottle of Puligny Montrachet, and a couple of bottles of port. All things considered I would recommend the French House to those fancying a meal in Soho.
Well. thanks to those among the group, it was a pleasure to see you all. I’m maybe a little disapointed that when we got back none of you, bar Phil, ate any of the chilli I had prepared. I know there were maggots inside the jar of chilli-powder, but not got into the food. Next time make more of an effort please.
