Tuesday 20th September 2022

I was invited to a surprise birthday party for one of the doctors I have been cooperating with. It was held in a function room in one of Colombo’s five star hotels, so I imagined a party of maximum 50 people.

When I arrived bang on time at 19.30 as stated on the invitation, I was the 7th person in the room along with 4 members of the band, and seeing a room with ten tables for 8 people each with beautiful decorations and table décor like for a wedding.  I got a little uneasy; I was on my own, and I didn’t know anyone apart from the birthday girl and her husband and daughters.

However, the room soon started to fill and by 20.15 it was nearly full. At 20.20 we heard that the birthday girl had been getting angry as was being driven around the city from place to place so as not to guess what had been organised for her.  Finally appearing at about 20.30 in complete shock; there were family members, school friends, work colleagues – all blended in what ended up as a lovely occasion celebrating her life and achievements.

Her husband and her girls made her proud. She was utterly stunned by the surprise.  The food was delicious (cold and hot buffet and numerous of deserts), with only water and juice to drink – no alcohol.  I ended up sitting at a table with health professionals I have been acquainted with in the past, and meeting a new person with whom I had lots to talk about regarding education. 

Steve collected me at about 22.30 on his way from work and he was made very welcomed and even given dinner.

Another experience for me to remember forever.

Rennie