Making a Splash

Week 3: 7/05/2012 - 13/05/2012

A good way of making friends in a new country is to get involved in organised Expat social events. My colleague Becky introduced me to Expat Mingle, a monthly event, and on Tuesday night we made our way to Chinoz in Bangsar to meet some random people. I met some interesting people, exchanged some numbers and hope to keep in touch with some drinking buddies.

 Meeting some Yankees at the Expat Mingle

One guy I had met previously was Marcello. Marcello is Italian. He's so Italian it hurts. His favourite phrase is "Smash Up!". This can be used with the following meanings:

1. A tough rugby match

2. Fighting

3. Drinking heavily
4. ....and possibly going grocery shopping with his wife, for all I know!!

Anyway, Tuesday Night + Marcello + Free Flow Guinness = SmashUp.

We only narrowly avoided heading to the Whiskey Bar at Silly O'clock in the morning. Wednesday was a challenge for sure.

Friday night I ended up hanging out at another condo pool sharing a few beers with the internationals I'd met the previous week. I was having a little paddle on the wading shelf of the pool, when Lydia announced that if I remained that close to the main pool she would push me in. How jovial I thought.... moments later SPLOOOSH!!! Me, my clothes, my wallet, my two phones and my beer were immersed. Bloody Germans.....

As if one encounter with Marcello wasn't enough for one week, I went out to celebrate his Birthday on Saturday night, at a party arranged by his wife Choi, also on behalf of Birthday Boy Gavin and Birthday Girl Helen. We had absolutely great food at Pinchos, followed by a trip to the Whiskey Bar, a beer mat flipping contest, followed by ending the night at everyone's favourite, Havanas (Bristol people, I have found my new Po Na Na!!!).  

Smash up with Birthday Boys Marcello and Gavin

Oh, and on Sunday I bought an iPad.

(both phones now back working btw).