Oh boy, what a splendid celebration this was, the annual St. Patrick’s Ball in Jakarta (www.stpatricksjakarta.org). My friend Uli from Germany came with me to enjoy the fun. We sat with some of my Australian friends on table No. 39, four couples and we two Germans, almost as last year just that my wife fell sick and I was, so to speak, with a male companion only. For Uli it was the first St. Patrick’s Ball ever. But being a country boy himself, he adjusted quickly and felt at home in no time. I met quite a few friends and acquaintances and we all had a good time.
The dancers were spectacular, the speeches boring, the food very good, the people in a jolly good mood, all dressed up and in their best outfits, a pleasure for the eyes and senses. There was white wine from Spain, and red wine from Western Australia.
Gun cuireadh do
Chupa thairis le
Slainte agus sonas
May your cup
Overflow with
Health and Happiness
I was sure that I would remember the brands until the next day. But something must have gone wrong. I danced at my hearts content until about three thirty in the morning with some charming and beautiful lassies from all over the world. When I hit the hay at home, I had already forgotten all about the wine, but boy, we had a jolly good time….
The German “contingent”, two old friends!
The Man from Mosel River 
Twas grand indeed, and a couple of German laddies made it all the grander