The Beerfestival for the Blind

The Beerfestival for the Blind was a fundraising event sponsored by the KZN Soceity for the Blind, where my friend Charles serves as Fundraising Manager and sometimes slightly loaded beerfest MC.

It was held at the Crusaders Rugby Club in the North of Durban this past Saturday evening. Several different varieties of beer were available to the attendees as were curry, borewors and other typical SA event food. The price of admission included a chance to hear live music performed by the Blarney Brothers band. Don’t be fooled by the name they don’t actually play much Irish music. But I’m SURE they are available for weddings. Heather (who can always be counted on to appreciate cheesy tunes) and I thoroughly enjoyed them – at least when they sang songs we knew anyway.

There was a good turn out and a fiesty crowd, which included the presence of some rowdy rugby club regulars and spirited table-top dancing. Indeed a good time was had by all.

I Won Money at the Track!

Gee, that’s something I’ve always wanted to say! The happy event occured this past weekend at The Durban July extravaganza which is basically a big horserace that happens annually. But it seemed like most of the people there came for the party that happens afterwards (and pretty much the whole time while the horses are actually racing).

Its quite the SA event, and people come from all over the country for it. Part of the appeal is the chance to dress-up in one’s swankiest or most outrageous outfit, and there are several fashion shows throughtout the day as well. Large and/or obnoxious hats are also looked upon favorably at The Durban July.
Although my outfit was by no means spectacular I feel I made up for this by putting money on a horse, named Eyeofthetiger, who won the main race of the day. I bet on old EotT due to the Rocky reference and because he had decent odds. The decent odds and the pittling amount of my bet (R20 – minimum was R10) meant that my payout only ended up being R54, but boy was it exciting to see that horse cross the finishline in first place!

After the race Heather, Eric the Canadian and I celebrated in the VIP party tent which we somehow managed to unwittingly wander into. Eric and Heather got in a big fight, made up and almost immediately afterwards were photographed together by a newspaper photographer because they had inadvertantly worn matching outfits.

But no arguing friends or having my American accent mocked by a drunk and cheeky Englishman could dampen my spirits at the fabulous Durban July.