So that was it then as far as Africa Night in 2009 is concerned. Even if we were the best scriptwriters in the world, we could not have written a better, more exciting and suspense filled end to Africa Night in 2009. In the end, the December edition became a story of love, disappointment, perseverance, joy and disbelief. We can not begin to go into the details of this cliffhanger ending to the year’s ending Africa Night. We wouldn’t know where to begin.
To be perfectly honest, we were expecting the gloomiest Africa Night ever. From the moment we saw the weather forecasts for the day, that it was going to be touch and go. It was going to be the coldest day of the year so far with temperatures predicted to hit -12 degrees with heavy snowfall. Anyone who was going to come to Africa Night would have to be a brave person because of the predicted slippery roads and the blizzard. If 50 people were going to be present, we were going to be very happy indeed. You only had to look outside and see the 15 cm (and rising) snow to know people were going to be discouraged from going out this day/night.
Apparently we keep underestimating the resolve and determination of the average Africa Night patrons. One by one they just kept dropping in, many dressed (as previously requested) with a “touch of red”. Red was meant to symbolize this festive season of love. A lot of love was in the air at this Africa Night. At the end of the evening, we had more than a full house! Funny was the fact that everyone who came in thought he was just the only one taking high risks to come to Africa Night until they saw that many others like them did not want to miss their monthly Africa music fix. The personification of this had to be Jaymee (pseudonym) who drove all the way from England, bracing the snow and the long traffic jam at the channel tunnel in France just to join the fun. She was disappointed and apologetic that she couldn’t arrive on time to partake in the Xmas diner ahead of Africa Night! Jaymee, we take a deep bow for you! People like you are the reason we go on with Africa Night.
We can look back to this as being the most successful Africa Night year ever. Next year will be a very strange year, but we are looking forward to the challenges ahead. One thing is certain, 2009 will be the last full year that Africa Night, the nomad, will be spending at the present location. We have to look for a new and bigger location for our show in 2010. We will keep you all posted.
We just want to round off this piece by thanking all of those who have contributed their bits and pieces to making Africa Night bigger and better every year. We wish to specially thank, our Dutch bloggers Amavee and Vivian, Abdou and Yaya (our ever present friend and helpers), the ever welcoming ladies at the door Monique, Linda, Jane and sometimes Anna. DJ Aziz also deserves a special shout out. He has stepped into the big shoes of Africa Night deejay and made them his own, seemingly without much effort. When Rotterdam joins in the fun from March 13 th 2010, we will all be there to make sure Africa Night will keep entertaining you.
Discover the joy of African music & dance!
