Me: You only turn 21 once.
D.: No. YOU’ve turned 21 three times. That’s mental!

I’ve turned 21 three times now: a pre-birthday bash, the official birthday, and a belated birthday. Can safely say I’m very fortunate, very loved and very honoured. Multiple celebrations are way too cool and have imprinted my 21st very deeply in my memory now.

I’d like to thank all my mates for all the effort (time and money) they’ve put in, Ted Baker, my liver and Birmingham’s good side. I think some tried really hard to make me forget about personal troubles. A home-baked chocolate cake, party hats, giant balloons in your face, and shiny birthday banners — the perfect cure to anything!

As our tastebuds were getting a little bored from the usual Italian fare, The Oriental was the restaurant of choice for the night. Situated by the wharf in The Mailbox, it was quite decadently decorated with a great ambience and very kind and attentive staff. We probably went a little too far with the starters and very many bottles of wine, such that the main course was a bit of a challenge when they were finally set down on the table. Our table was very taken with the wonderful menu. Spoilt for choice. I highly recommend going onto their website first if you intend to pop in for a visit as it is so extensive and varied over Thai, Malay and Chinese cuisine, you won’t be able to figure out what you want only after about 30minutes I reckon!

Not to worry, however, since major drool-age pushed us into ordering quicker than you can say ‘quick’. I was so hungry at that point my ribs were hurting. Not to mention I had been battered the night before, my feet were aching, my knee was scabby from falling over because of my new ALDO heels. What else? None of us had really eaten all day. Wonderful! Peking duck pancakes, a Thai platter of starters, wine and a Singapore Sling. Then, plates of Cointreau Flambéd Red Snapper arrived, a Sweet Orange Duck, Pork with Ginger & Spring Onion, Sweet & Sour Chicken, not forgetting some noodles and the ever-lovable egg fried rice.

By the end of the meal, I was zinging with joy - never feeling so happy and relaxed. Despite all that food I’d eaten, I was literally bouncing off the ground with each step. Walking down the canal towards Brindleyplace to meet the rest of the gang for drinks, I suppose we were the loudest, jolliest and craziest group of people. Next thing we know, Steph’s practically ordering us to pull a Thriller pose in front of some random Thriller posters. No problem there, as you can see.

Last stop, Brindleyplace. Got into Pitcher & Piano without an ID. How? you ask. Simply flashed my ‘21′ badge after my mate had explained it was my party and got an ‘ok’ and a smile from the burly bouncer. Everyone’s awfully nice and understanding when you’re 21. Geee. I think everyone in the bar was tolerating these crazy yellow balloons as well. It was hilarious.

Great banter. Many rounds of gin & tonic, B55 and Screaming Orgasms (a chocolate alcoholic cocktail) and the night rounded up very pleasantly. Woke up the next morning, surprisingly, with not the faintest throb of a headache! But feeling knackered, Steph and I pulled through and trudged to uni to spend 4 hours in the library slogging hard at a desk. The magic of the night had worn off a little but with the massive number of photos we’d taken that night on 2 cameras, I’m relieved to know it’s all preserved in them. Best night of my life.