As Africa Night goes, this was one classical edition. The music was good, the weather was perfect and the guests had lots of fun. Traditionally during the summer vacation months, we always have a full house. So we were confident that this edition was not going to be different. However, we were curious as to what effect the Dutch government’s decision to ban smoking in all cafes and discothèques will have on Africa Night. In the event, the owner of the venue came up with a creative way of giving the smokers a chance to inhale their needed doses of nicotine! He just built a tent for the smokers.
As for the attendance, until around midnight, we thought for once we were going to be proved wrong in our guestimation. The hall was still nearly empty at a time when it should have been almost full. But we needed not to have worried. Between midnight and 01.00 hours, if you blinked an eye, you would have missed the hordes of people coming in. In the end the hall was very full without looking full! This was because the crowd had 2 different places to stay – the main hall and the smokers paradise!
Some people come some people go. Sometimes the people who make the most impression are the ones that stay the shortest. Joep is an example of those who need just a little time to make a lasting impression. Joep came to help us at the Africa Night in October 2007 at a time when we were short of hands at the door to take care of the coats and jackets of guests. For such a young guy (actually he is still officially a boy!), he just took care of business like he has been there for the past 10 years! He needed no orientation. He just worked like he was having fun. And fun he did have. It was always such a joy to see him there working and smiling and dancing whenever the situation permits. He became such a part of the setup that when he couldn’t come to the June edition of Africa Night, everybody (not the least the guests) genuinely missed him. When he came back during the July edition people were happy to see him again.
Some do not realize it yet but Joep has graced Africa Night for the last time as a helper. He is going on to greater things; in pursuit of his educational potentials. He will be going to a vocational university in another city. Yes; university! I think some who are reading this and know Joep will be thinking, “He is such a young guy to go to college”. You better believe it. He is one intelligent 16 year old! On behalf of the Africa Night crew, we wish Joep all the best in college. Africa Night will surely miss you. We hope you’ll pop in once in a while to share in the fun.
Discover the joy of African music & dance!
