23/3 – Major milestone passed.

After some 12 years of training, without any major success or progress, I have now finally succeeded.

The catastrophic attempt about 9 years ago, when my very sporty friend and party companion for the evening, provided me with a very memorable challenge in attempt to improve my skills, is not yet forgotten – but at least less typical for my present abilities. On the question what I’d like to drink that Saturday night at the student bar, a very important three-letter word of the reply got totally lost. Instead of hearing “Anything, as long as it’s not in a cocktail glass.” My dear and happy mate went straight to the bar to order “Anything, as long as it’s in a cocktail glass.” Five minutes later, the complete drink, with about one centilitre exception that did actually enter my mouth, had been poured over my chin and dark grey sleeveless top. Not only was it a complete waste of a drink, but juicy drinks running down your neckline does not look very attractive, nor does melon size stains on your clothes. Someone else will have to fill you in regarding the rest of that night...

Since then, several attempts have been made with various tactics – being in totally sober condition, less sober condition, trying the slow-mo drinking speed, the one gulp strategy, one hand, two hands – not even using a straw seemed to help at the most desperate moments. With an approximate average fluid intake of about 50% for all the drinks I’ve tried to drink from cocktail glasses up until last week, I did not have very high expectations for the Vanilla Vodka, coconut water and menthe drink I was served at the veranda of ZaZa. But I made it, for the first time – ever. Not a single drop went anywhere but in my mouth, nothing on my t-shirt and nothing on my chin. All clean. Ok, the drink lasted for quite some time and I was like in my own little world focusing on the task. But I made it. Finally.

Since we’re on the subject of recreational substances, I thought I’d check out Lapa last weekend. And the Caipirinha lady is still as devoted as last year. A bit of upgrade of the signs and straws. Skewed handwritten and plain black ones have become colourful printed and yellow with paper pineapple decorations ones. But same place, same smile and most importantly, same beautiful drinks.