Went to an early evening drinks party to say goodbye to old friends returning to New Zealand after a family holiday in Cape Town. They sent out an open invitation to those who knew them from the days before they emigrated and waited to see who would come. There is a story that goes: If you live in Pretoria and you invite 20 guests to a party, 20 will arrive. If you live in Johannesburg and invite 20 guests, 40 will arrive because they all love a party and will bring someone else along. If you live in Cape Town and invite 20 guests, they will all accept the invitation, but between 5 and 10 will arrive, as they will wait till the last minute in case something better turns up, and then just not arrive. This sounds a bit harsh, but is unfortunately true, and difficult if they are being catered for, so we have to be very flexible with the supply of food and drink. In our defence (as I am also guilty of this Cape Town behaviour), it is usually to do with the weather. If it's good, you don't want to leave the sunset on the beach and if it's bad, you don't want to be on the roads.
It is testimony to the popularity of the hosts that the turnout was extremely good and friends from 30 years back showed up. A tremendous camaraderie filled the room, with school photos being flashed around and catch-up stories peppered with shouts of laughter created a buzz that lasted long after the party ended. How easily we forget those we spent so much time with in our youth, as Life takes over and everyone becomes busy with raising families and pursuing careers. And how quickly that friendship picks up where it left off, as I am sure everyone who was there will agree.
We probably all left the party feeling our lives had been enriched by the reunion and with good intentions of doing it again soon.
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