Last night was absolutely priceless and an occasion where soaking up the moment was far more important than photography.  

Having dined at King of the Mambo, Rennie took Mum and the children home whilst I went on with Dad to meet up with friends at an English pub, The Manchester – serving Spitfire and Bishops Finger ale if you know to ask!

Two close Sri Lankan friends couldn\’t make it, but a Turkish Kurd, a Czech, a Nepalese and an Englishman met up with Dad and me for a few beers, a lot of natter and many laughs.  We started to meet up on the last night before my Turkish friend\’s wife and children flew home from their holiday – so his last night of independence, and the name of our WhatsApp group was born!  It was interesting to learn that in Nepalese and Turkish culture you don\’t drink with your father, even as an adult – so my friends enjoyed adopting Dad and were highly impressed that he\’d come with me!

Not as impressed as I was with what came next though; having arrived at about 8:30pm and once again been the last customers to leave just before midnight, Dad came with us to Curve bar – opposite Café Français where we\’d had lunch – rather than being dropped off at home.  More happy conversation and a few glasses of Shiraz later, and we toddled in through the front door at 1:25am – Dad still going strong!

He was up with the larks, too – and no hangover.

A very special, priceless occasion.

Steve