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8 Places Around The World I had A Little Too Much… (Alcohol)

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Sometimes I wonder if my mental techniques of remembering places I’ve visited are a little weird. I usually recollect moments by the books I bought or movie theatres I attended. Sometimes, it’s about the people – strangers even – that I encountered for a few minutes or restaurants I ate at, or farts I passed while bunking in the same room with friends (go back and read that again. You read it right the first time around).

Of course souvenirs – such as my shot glass collection – are visible reminders. Still, I wonder if others link their travel memories to obscure happenings like I do.

A little while back, during a family event, one of my younger cousins had a little too much to drink for the first time. As his friend carried his unsteadyΒ self to bed, we sat out giggling – it’s allowed to be mean when the family is concerned – and my sister happens to mention, to my mother, that “aren’t you glad we never did something like this?”

That got me thinking. In case of my sister it was probably right, but as for me, could it be that – to paraphrase an iconic dialogue from Usual Suspects – I had pulled the greatest trick ever by convincing the world – my parents – that I never had too much to drink?

While I am not proud of any of these moments, they do stand true. Now, as a husband and father, I am also glad that I never took my drinking beyond a limit and whenever I did cross it, I lucked out that nothing wrong happened to me or anyone around me. I did always make sure, even when I was drunk, never to drive or misbehave, and I’m glad and thankful for having that much sense even in an uninhibited state.

Over the years, my preference for drinking alcohol has matured into being something I enjoy and cherish for taste and not something that needs to be done to “fit in” or look cool.

My cousin woke up with a mighty hangover the next day and with little knowledge of what had happened the previous night. Even though I doubt he reads my posts, this one is dedicated to him, because moments like this do happen, but it’s up to us not to make them a common occurrence.

Also, Mom and Dad, in case you do read this, now you know the truth.


wine-bottleHotel Drago, Lago di Garda, Italy
– The very first time in my life I had wine. I might have had a sip or two earlier, but it was during a fall trip from college that I had my first ever proper glass of wine or five (glasses of wine).

A group of us had descended into a relatively cold and rainy Italy, staying in the beautiful Lago di Garda region, exploring essential cities Likes Venice and Verona. The wine was in the air, and it was a time when I coined the term “unpacking” – inside joke. You can see I’m still proud of that.

I had purchased a pack of three wine bottles and with no plans to carry them back had organised an impromptu “get together” in my room. It included informing my trip roommate – with whom I did not get along – that I needed the room free as I planned to speak with my girlfriend – imaginary – for a while. Yes! I know it was a stupid excuse and I know he knew that it was just an excuse but I was young, and he couldn’t care less.

As I had one glass after another, I still remember getting light headed. If you’ve had wine, you’d know that it hits you when you least expect it, but because I was in my room and because it was a small party I never went past beyond tipsy.

What I do remember is lying in bed, half asleep, when my roommate came back. I had my eyes half open in fear as he stood there mumbling, looking at the empty wine bottles, for a good 10 minutes.

I don’t remember precisely when sleep took over me, but it was only after I made sure that my roommate was snoring.

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SchwΓ€bisch GmΓΌnd, Germany – A sleepy little town some 45 minutes by train from Stuttgart is also where I spent some of the best years of my life. It was here where many ” “firsts” happened and one of those was a “blackout”.

As it happened, I had been awarded a leadership award that very evening in a dinner and ceremony organised by the college I was studying in. My friend, on the way out, had managed to “borrow” two bottles of wine – I say borrow because we returned the bottles. That they were empty bottles is a minor non-significant fact.

We had then proceeded to the student union building to watch a taped telecast of the Oscars. The last thing I remember was sitting down with a bottle of wine in my hand and then…

It was the next morning, and I was in my bed.

It remains a mystery to this day what happened. My friends laughed when they realised I had blacked out. They never gave me the full story, but thankfully I didn’t do anything that drastic or embarrassing – like that one guy who was found in the showers after having shat in his pants.

It was, however, a scary moment in my life, not knowing or remembering anything, and I made sure that it never happened again.

cocktailsOutside TGIF, New Delhi, India – Probably the most embarrassing instance for me happened at the very place where I grew up. The Priya complex in Vasant Vihar – where TGIF was at one time – is where many days were spent watching English movies and eating at Nirula’s (a local fast food chain). Situated near my high-school, it was the most obvious destination for any and all after-school shenanigans.

Thus, it was also the perfect place for a small reunion. A bunch of us got together for an afternoon drink session which as the name suggests consisted of more drinking and minimal eating.

While I didn’t even feel tipsy at the time of leaving the restaurant, I might have taken maybe 10 odd steps before everything I had consumed in the past two hours came out, in full public view, right there for everyone to see, during the daytime, with the sun still shining brightly.

The problem, I figured, was that on top of not eating, we had had a few different cocktails, and unknowingly I had mixed-up my drinks. These drinks ranging from vodka to whiskey to tequila felt that instead of mingling in the depths of my stomach it was better to be adventurous and explore the outside world through the only way they knew – which was the same way they had entered my body – my mouth.

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Amorgos, Greece – This is the one where the weather came to my rescue. Actually, it wasn’t just me, but as we had been celebrating a wedding on the day, one too many Ouzos had been consumed. But, with it being hot and humid, everyone had been sweating profusely and thus, as a result, the alcohol lost out to the weather.

Still, once the married couple had gone back to their room after the reception – to do whatever it is that newly married couples do – a bunch of us sat by the pool and played truth or dare, only to realize that no one had the energy or mental capacity at that moment to perform any dares.

So, we sat late into the night sharing stories, some casual, others personal, and I might have revealed more than I usually do about myself – nothing exceptional, just that I’m a relatively reserved kind of a person usually.

The good part about it thought was that since we had all had something or the other to drink, in addition to the weather, the wedding activities had left everyone brain dead, enough that I don’t believe the conversations from that night registered in memory. It was a lovely bonding session – that sounds dirty – but sadly details of which were forgotten quickly.

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Gurgaon, India – My liquid drug of choice – once I had reached the official drinking age… in Europe – was tequila. Besides the taste and the entire ritual of having shots with salt and lime, I always enjoyed the quickness with which it finishes. I’ve never been one to linger on with a glass in my hand β€œ savouring” my drink – until I started to appreciate wine that is.

It was very much in my city that at a friend’s wedding – It’s always weddings, isn’t it – I ended up having 14 shots of tequila. I had the stomach for it, but the big revelation on this day was that tequila – or rather, excessive amounts of it – has a graver effect on my emotional state.

When someone for some weird reason scolded me – apparently they thought, mistakenly, I was responsible for getting someone else drunk – all I could do was cry. Yup! Not the full-blown tears pouring through my eyes kind of crying but the “what did I do?” “This is not fair”… Blah! Blah!! Blah!! Kind of whiny crying.

This is what I got for loving tequila all these years. Humph!

birmingham-whiskeyHard Rock Cafe, Birmingham, England – New Year’s Eve and I was in Birmingham with my wife – of one year – and best friend, and we had got ourselves seats at Hard Rock Cafe – now closed – on Broad Street.

It was the right kind of getting drunk where everyone was just happy, and we danced and welcomed the New Year cheerfully and happily.

The one other reason I remember this moment in my life is because an hour before midnight there had been a bomb scare and everything came to a standstill for 15-20 minutes on the entire street. Nothing happened, and soon everyone was back to enjoying the night away.

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Fuengirola, Spain – It was as simple as my friend claiming that a particular shot was so strong that two would knock me out completely, but even four didn’t. You get the idea right, that if it’s not weddings, it’s shots that are usually responsible for everything that goes down in my life.

I was in no state to drive back for sure though and ended up getting picked for a lap dance by a visiting performer in the club of which I remember very little – except the fact that it did happen.

Still, the drinking wasn’t bad enough to make me want to go skinny dipping in the pool at midnight – or maybe that’s an experience I missed out on.

Darn!

beer-bottleSandvika, Norway – My first visit to a Scandinavian country had been full of experiences; walking across the Monet Bridge, witnessing snow fishing, walking on frozen fjords, and eating shrimps for the first time.

Being in the cold can be very deceptive especially when you’re drinking. The warmth that alcohol gives the body makes you forget its effect on your brain.

It was during a house party during the trip that I was encouraged to make drinks for everyone as I had been bartending at the University the last couple of years.

The problem though in such cases, unlike when I am actually working, is that I tend to taste the drinks a lot more than usual and as a result mix-up a lot of drinks.

As I wobbled back, hand-in-hand with my friends for support, a sudden awareness descended upon me, that while I might have been tipsy, my friends and their friends were probably more drunk as they walked on the empty streets, late at night, singing retro songs, on the top of their voices, and giggling at the most mundane of things.

I now look back at that night and simply smile.

That’s it then. No real big revelations or juicy and spicy gossip to dwell upon. However, you now know a few of my β€œsecrets”, and that’s always the first step in getting to understand someone better.

69 Comments

  • Sonia
    Posted 29 January, 17 at 6:53 PM

    It’s always ok to drink a little too much in Germany πŸ˜€ You seem to have had the best time in India! Is that cos friends and family are there?

    Reply
    • Post Author
      Ticker Eats The World
      Posted 29 January, 17 at 7:22 PM

      India is home so yeah I’m a little carefree when here. Thanks

      Reply
  • arv!
    Posted 29 January, 17 at 7:12 PM

    14 tequila? Looks like you won the competition! πŸ˜‰
    This is an interesting post since I haven’t come across any on this topic. People generally refrain from talking on this topic!

    Reply
    • Post Author
      Ticker Eats The World
      Posted 29 January, 17 at 7:17 PM

      Yeah, there are a few topics I wouldn’t discuss so openly but drinking isn’t one. It’s life and these are but a few where I’ve gone overboard. As for the tequila, wasn’t a competition but it helped that I didn’t have any other drink.

      Reply
      • arv!
        Posted 30 January, 17 at 12:22 PM

        It takes a lot to discuss and talk about these “difficult” subject. More so, where it involves other people -friends and family! πŸ™‚

        Reply
        • Post Author
          Ticker Eats The World
          Posted 30 January, 17 at 7:13 PM

          That’s why I went with the no names policy and since I was the one getting drunk in all the cases, it was easy. Still, I totally get your point.

          Reply
          • arv!
            Posted 31 January, 17 at 1:35 PM

            It sure makes for an interesting read πŸ™‚

  • Soraya @ Hello Raya
    Posted 29 January, 17 at 7:58 PM

    Omg this is absolutely hilarious! It must have been a funny, yet emotional post to write as you recollected all the times you’ve had that little bit too much to drink. But WOW to down 14 shots of tequila is incredible! I can barely make it through 1. And the whimpy crying? Well I don’t blame you after 14 shots haha!

    Reply
    • Post Author
      Ticker Eats The World
      Posted 29 January, 17 at 9:29 PM

      Thanks and that was a while back so I’m it sure if I’ll be able to handle that anymore. Still… good times

      Reply
  • saraessop
    Posted 29 January, 17 at 8:56 PM

    I’d say that your mental techniques of remembering places you’ve visited by the books you bought, movie theaters you visited or drinks you’ve had – are a bit -unusual. I’ve never read a post on this topic before. Sounds like you’ve had some nights you don;t remember!

    Reply
    • Post Author
      Ticker Eats The World
      Posted 29 January, 17 at 9:30 PM

      Something new then… good, that’s what I was going for.

      Reply
  • givememeatloaf
    Posted 29 January, 17 at 9:31 PM

    FARTS! Lol, this is a great post.

    Reply
    • Post Author
      Ticker Eats The World
      Posted 29 January, 17 at 10:08 PM

      Cheers and I’m not proud of those but sometimes you can’t help it πŸ˜‚

      Reply
  • Hendrik
    Posted 30 January, 17 at 12:40 AM

    Hehe, what to say… obviously you chose the perfect places to get drunk… Wine in Italy, Beer (should maybe have been instead of wine) in Germany, some hard stuff in cold Norway – perfectly fine and actually a good part of the game πŸ™‚
    To be honest, this makes travelling and discovering eve more amazing, since you are able to get to know some other sides of the places you visit.

    Reply
    • Post Author
      Ticker Eats The World
      Posted 30 January, 17 at 7:08 PM

      Yeah and I had a fair share of beer in Germany but that day it was wine I guess. Thanks

      Reply
  • Sydney Fashion Hunter
    Posted 30 January, 17 at 3:05 AM

    I’m never one to judge ones memories but farts lol (and yes I did read it again!). I love wine and I have had waaaaaay to much to drink in many places around the world. I don’t collect shot glasses but I do have an impressive collection of Hard Rock Cafe glasses from all corners of the globe (currently sitting at 50!) and I have drunk the cocktail from every single one. No need to slow down too much now you are a husband and father!

    Reply
    • Post Author
      Ticker Eats The World
      Posted 30 January, 17 at 7:09 PM

      Thanks and I have a Hard Rock and Planet Hollywood shot glass collection. Unfortunately both of them aren’t as popular now.

      Reply
  • Probe around the Globe
    Posted 30 January, 17 at 5:04 AM

    What a fun way to remember your travels by! Usually when I drink a bit too much, I do not recollect everything as well. LOL. Great memories though

    Reply
    • Post Author
      Ticker Eats The World
      Posted 30 January, 17 at 7:10 PM

      Thanks. I normally go quiet and there’s a lot of introspection during that time, but somehow I do manage to remember bits.

      Reply
  • leahshoup
    Posted 30 January, 17 at 8:10 AM

    hahaha what a different way to remember places you’ve visited! I really enjoyed the honesty in this post, it was super comedic! I’ve probably had the most to drink in Spain as I studied abroad there in college πŸ™‚

    Reply
    • Post Author
      Ticker Eats The World
      Posted 30 January, 17 at 7:12 PM

      Most of my adventures were during my college years so I can totally understand. Thanks… I was going for comedy in the post.

      Reply
  • olesyalu
    Posted 30 January, 17 at 10:48 AM

    Haha this is a great post. And yeah 14 shots of tequila? How is that even possible?

    Reply
    • Post Author
      Ticker Eats The World
      Posted 30 January, 17 at 7:13 PM

      I didn’t drink anything else and it was more over a period of like an hour and a half so enough time to settle in.

      Reply
  • Bonita
    Posted 31 January, 17 at 7:43 AM

    Interesting way to remeber places you’ve been to!You are a hilarious story teller. I remember destinations by food and the people. Nice cheeky post!

    Reply
  • TogetherInThailand
    Posted 31 January, 17 at 3:07 PM

    Really enjoyed reading about your memories and funny stories! I like how you tell the story and a lot of parts where I chuckled a bit πŸ™‚ Like when you described how the mixed alcohol didn’t want to mingle in your stomach and wanted to explore the outside world…that’s fantastic writing LOL

    Reply
    • Post Author
      Ticker Eats The World
      Posted 31 January, 17 at 4:49 PM

      Thank you so much. I try and add humour as much as possible whenever possible.

      Reply
  • taissnow
    Posted 31 January, 17 at 3:09 PM

    Really enjoyed reading about your memories and funny stories! I like how you tell the story and a lot of parts where I chuckled a bit πŸ™‚ Like when you described how the mixed alcohol didn’t want to mingle in your stomach and wanted to explore the outside world…that’s fantastic writing LOL

    Reply
  • Lady Anne Bitamor Abit
    Posted 31 January, 17 at 7:40 PM

    OMG! Sounds like you had the time of your life on the road. I never got drunk while traveling, but for sure, I wouldn’t miss the beer in Germany and wine in Italy.

    Reply
    • Post Author
      Ticker Eats The World
      Posted 31 January, 17 at 8:57 PM

      Yes, although this was over the years and it always while “travelling” still interesting times…

      Reply
  • gokulr27
    Posted 1 February, 17 at 1:13 AM

    14 shots for tequila….you got me there. I am not sure If I will even bother to count after the first five. These are the real funny memories you need in life.

    Reply
  • Samantha Sparrow
    Posted 1 February, 17 at 12:33 PM

    Really enjoyed reading this post – thanks so much for your honesty! I had many experiences like this in my younger days, especially in Barcelona!

    Reply
    • Post Author
      Ticker Eats The World
      Posted 1 February, 17 at 2:25 PM

      I think the younger years are best for such experiences. Now I’m in bed by 9 πŸ˜‚

      Reply
  • Mango Lady Diaries (@mangoladydiarie)
    Posted 2 February, 17 at 10:47 AM

    Hahaha! Now that’s called fun. The fun of getting the first taste. Really enjoyed reading your post. Hope you will write one post of your “too much” experience in India one day πŸ˜€

    Reply
    • Post Author
      Ticker Eats The World
      Posted 2 February, 17 at 10:54 AM

      Thanks and there’s some humorous stuff in the Humour section of the blog on similar lines.

      Reply
  • Cassidy Slockett
    Posted 3 February, 17 at 2:08 AM

    Great post! I have this one friend… yeah… we could totally do a post like this together. Thanks for sharing :’D

    Reply
  • sg
    Posted 4 February, 17 at 4:07 PM

    What a fun article! Goodness I’m glad I haven’t done one of these, could be a bit embarrassing! I can’t believe you got too drunk in Scandinavia though – that place is so expensive when it comes to alcohol. Fun read.

    Reply
    • Post Author
      Ticker Eats The World
      Posted 4 February, 17 at 4:54 PM

      Thanks and as for Scandinavia, it’s was a house party, the hosts owned a couple of bars in Oslo, the alcohol was free, soooo… 😏

      Reply
  • Caitlin Stewart
    Posted 5 February, 17 at 5:57 AM

    I am cracking up!!! Most of those places aren’t any places I would have guessed are great places to get your buzz on! Except for the Hard Rock in England. I mean, the Brits know how to drink!! I guess the wildest place I’ve ever drank is Cabo San Lucas, Mexico!

    Reply
  • Kim-Ling
    Posted 5 February, 17 at 11:55 AM

    14 shots of tequila!?! I’m surprised you remember anything after that! You’ve clocked up some great cities and stories! I had a little chuckle that you got picked for a lap dance in Fuengirola. That almost happened to my husband (although, he would’ve needed a few more shots to get up on stage!).

    Reply
    • Post Author
      Ticker Eats The World
      Posted 5 February, 17 at 1:47 PM

      About that, I wasn’t expecting that and they do it in parts, like it’s done in-front of everyone – all eyes on you and the lady – and in a professional way and they themselves pick the person they want to “sit”. Different experience for me.

      Reply
  • nomadicfoot
    Posted 5 February, 17 at 11:13 PM

    I never drink but this post looks great for people who drink. nice post.

    Reply
  • Jennifer Ryder Joslin
    Posted 6 February, 17 at 8:42 AM

    I’m impressed you remembered all of these times! Overindulging definitely can happen, especially with some many different drinks to try around the world. Too funny that this is how your parents may find out that you’ve been drunk before-they had to have figured, right? haha

    Reply
    • Post Author
      Ticker Eats The World
      Posted 6 February, 17 at 6:55 PM

      I honestly don’t know. I mean i’m a pretty simple guy on most days, so maybe I did fool them…till now.

      Reply
  • vishalgmr1971
    Posted 6 February, 17 at 9:18 AM

    You reminded me of TGIF, which used to be my favorite place when I lived in Delhi. I remember, after our flights we used to go to Priya to watch movies and food/drinks at TGIF. Fond memories. Loved the place.

    Reply
    • Post Author
      Ticker Eats The World
      Posted 6 February, 17 at 6:54 PM

      That’s cool so you know the place and the vibe it used to have. Not the same anymore though.

      Reply
  • Carolina Colborn
    Posted 6 February, 17 at 10:30 AM

    Yes, that makes us know another person better. Nothing to be ashamed of. Everyone, me included, had too much in one place of another!

    Reply
    • Post Author
      Ticker Eats The World
      Posted 6 February, 17 at 6:54 PM

      Thanks Caroline, and I agree, everything we do teaches us something or the other.

      Reply
  • DIY Travel HQ
    Posted 7 February, 17 at 7:53 AM

    Haha, I can definitely relate to this! Some of my favourite travel memories are of big nights out that could only happen on the road, or should I say the memory of a memory… I’m surprised you could remember this much! Your mates must get a kick out of hearing these stories in person!

    Reply
    • Post Author
      Ticker Eats The World
      Posted 7 February, 17 at 10:28 AM

      Yes and it’s a little different side to what they are used to seeing so…

      Reply
  • Sandy N Vyjay
    Posted 7 February, 17 at 9:50 AM

    All the places seem like ideal setting to have just a wee bit more.As long as you have a great time, it does not really matter.

    Reply
  • travelwith2ofus
    Posted 7 February, 17 at 3:07 PM

    You had me laughing throughout the entire article until I realized that a lot of these are similar to the situations I have experienced. Although not abroad, but at home and definitely when younger.

    Reply
    • Post Author
      Ticker Eats The World
      Posted 7 February, 17 at 3:10 PM

      Thank you and glad you could laugh with me (or at me, but hey I wouldn’t know) πŸ˜œπŸ˜‚

      Reply
      • travelwith2ofus
        Posted 7 February, 17 at 3:14 PM

        With you! Now you know. Lesson learnt at age 22. Never mix drinks. Right! lol … What about you?

        Reply
  • Nisha
    Posted 7 February, 17 at 10:18 PM

    Ha Ha! I can see that every time you’d been lucky and have lived to tell the tale. Perfect places and perfect company and a couple more is only in order πŸ™‚ πŸ™‚ Hic Hic Hurray!

    Reply
  • mags
    Posted 8 February, 17 at 9:08 PM

    That’s my kind of travel, drinking around the world. I have to tip my hat to you for 14 shots of tequila. I love tequila, but that might kill me!

    Reply
    • Post Author
      Ticker Eats The World
      Posted 9 February, 17 at 10:06 AM

      They were over a small period of time and not in one go but yeah maybe all the dancing and what not helped lessen its effect.

      Reply
  • Anita
    Posted 19 April, 17 at 5:56 AM

    How amazing is it to have wonderful memories with your friends and family…and drinks! It’s what I wished I had during all of my travel adventures, someone to get drunk with or have those hangover stories. I started taking selfies of myself drinking my first drink in that country.

    Reply
    • Post Author
      Ticker Eats The World
      Posted 19 April, 17 at 11:40 AM

      That’s a great idea, first drinks sounds like a nice plan and memory to keep. Thanks

      Reply
  • Christopher Mitchell
    Posted 21 April, 17 at 11:27 AM

    This is hilarious! I could definitely have a few of these posts myself haha! I definitely don’t blame you for that in Italy, Germany…or, well, anywhere!

    Reply
    • Post Author
      Ticker Eats The World
      Posted 21 April, 17 at 11:39 AM

      and it all happened spontaneously, like I never planned to get drunk, so yeah good memories.

      Reply
  • Trippin' Turpins
    Posted 22 September, 17 at 3:53 PM

    LOL… I can’t remember all the places I drank too much!

    Reply
  • Soraya Nicholls
    Posted 31 January, 18 at 2:03 PM

    This is absolutely hilarious! What a fun way to reflect on your travels through the places you had a bit too much to drink!!!! Btw Congrats on the Leadership award….and ohhh how kind to return the bottles (EMPTY) after borrowing them hahaha. I am sure your shot glass collection definitely sends you down memory lanes with a lot of giggles. So funny that you also had a drunken experience while bartending for your friends so you were trying a lot more drinks! Great post, I really enjoyed this read!

    Reply

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