Ash's European Adventures: Nikki Turns 20!!!

Hey all,
A few weeks ago, I booked our trip to Scotland. Paid for our flights, and our accommodation. And after all was booked and paid, I realised I had planned this little trip to Scotland over Nikki’s 20th Birthday! I felt like such a perfect arse (watching too much Friends). So while I was away in the land of the Scots, Nikki was in good old London – on the 5th of August - working. I was so disappointed to not be there with her on the day she leaves her teenage years (the ones I know she loves so much) and to celebrate her graduation to adulthood (but who are we kidding?). Even though I couldn’t be there for her birthday, we still went out when Adam and I got back, and we hit the town for some birthday celebrations.

(Nikki and Lucy)
It was just a small group of us. The first night we went out was with Lucy and some of her friends from Australia. They were good company. As it was a Thursday night, we began walking to find something, and unlike Australia on a Thursday night, every thing was closed. The only thing open was this little gay bar called The Quebec just near Marble Arch on Oxford Street. We ended up having a pretty good time. Lucy’s friend was chatting up an old guy, and though very juvenile, was quite funny. We didn’t stay out too late (being about 3am), but had to speed walk home as we were busting to use the loo. It was a good 45 minute walk back to the hostel.

(Me, Nikki and Lucy at the Austrian Bar)
The next night was a little more relaxed and probably more fun. We went to a little Austrian bar just down the road from our hostel. They were playing proper Austrian music and the bar maids were wearing what I assume is proper Austrian attire – quite revealing. When me and Adam arrived, Joey was already drunk, but in good spirits. We sat down and it was much more intimate than the previous night – was really just a great night out. It was just Adam and I, Nikki, Joey and Lucy. We got the cameras out and had fun taking silly photos, and Joey was happy to speak to anyone in the bar (of course!). We all ordered obscene amounts of beer, and as the bar was closing, and no one could finish their drinks, they all poured their beers into Adam’s 1L jug (and kept topping it up) – which he polished off in about 20 minutes. And Joey and Lucy had a beer sculling contest – sorry Joey, but you know Lucy won. You just can’t beat us Aussies at drinking! I’m glad Nikki had a good night. After the bar we went back to the hostel and drank some more there. It was a really pleasant – and very drunk- evening.

(Adam and Joey!!!)
For Nik’s birthday, I thought very hard about a gift. I though perhaps some jewellery, like a bracelet or ring or something – but then I thought she’s bound to break or lose it. Then I thought maybe a souvenir from Scotland, but she’d probably lose that too or make no use from it. So I took the practical approach and got her some essentials from Primark. T-shirts, tank tops, and some underwear. Should do her well!