The mission

Thursday lunch I received the news that Eric wanted to have a small party with one goal in mind. From then on the afternoon seemed to drag as I was eagerly awaiting this party. I had just gotten home exhausted from teaching when I got the message go to TB immediately. As I arrived I saw that Tyler and Eric were having a good time. Just after me Nam arrived, and informed us some other friends where at another restaurant. We made the arrangements to meet them later.

The next place was called Truyen’s and the owner is a wonderful guy. When he saw us arrive he went all out to find accommodate us in the restaurant. It was packed; filled with laughter, loud voices and the aromas of food. We got ourselves a table and the others arrived. The beer started flowing fast and furiously and along came the food. Not long after Hendrik arrived with a surprise; a black bag.

Enough beer had been consumed and customers leaving the restaurant that the owner Truyen pulled out the guitar stashed out the back somewhere and asked Eric to play a ditty or two. The air was now filled with the sounds of drunken singers singing loudly to Beatle and Stone songs. Everyone was having a blast, and the excitement proved to be too much for the black bag and Hendrik’s surprise was revealed; a bottle of JW whiskey.

At Truyen's restaurant

At 11 we felt we needed to get home so that the guards wouldn’t be too upset with us yet we felt compelled to stop at the shop to get some more whiskey. In the room Eric and Truyen continued to play music.

Eric playing the violin

We all occasionally stopped for drinks.

Truyen and I

Teddy and I were sharing the feeling. I realised it would be the last time I see him, as he was off to Sweden next week to complete his PhD, and will return after I have left. Carrying on the feeling when it was time to go we stopped by my room and took some photos. In our state we must have thought it was artistic to sit in front of each other’s flag.

Teddy and I

And after 9.5 hours we completed Eric’s mission for the night, completely shoused.