Birthdays

The day we are obliged to celebrate. The day that stresses out ones families and friends. The day that little kids look forward to. The day that 17 year olds simply cannot wait for. The day that elderly people dread and lie about. The day that celebrates the culmination of 52 weeks or 365 days. What day am I talking about you ask? The day is: Birthdays.

What is all the fuss about? This day is one which whether we love birthdays or not, we have all hated at some point in our lives. Society tells us that once a year we should celebrate the date of our birth with family and friends alike. As a young child you live for these days, as its ‘cool’ to be old. With age comes: strength, growth and respect, things we crave as a young child. Not only will you be bigger and stronger but the prezzies you get are the main reason for your unnecessary bursts of excitement. Children aren’t really interested in growing up. All they want is; that remote control car or the latest PlayStation game. The happiness of the birthday is measured by the quality of their gifts and not by the moments that surround it. As we get older our happiness can be measured by somewhat different means.

As a teenager growing up all you want to do is turn 18. Being 18 gives one a false sense of adulthood as we can finally do things we always dreamed of doing as a young kid. We can go to the cool night-clubs. We can drive a car. We can sing “18 till I die”. We can even consume the social lubrication that is alcohol. When you are 17, you count the days down to your 18^th, it becomes the highlight of your adolescent years. The next big birthday after that is 21, but before you get there you have the small matter of turning 19 and 20 to get out the way. These birthdays usually involve a lot of drinking and dancing. We celebrate for the sake of celebrating. Society tells us that birthdays are meant to be celebrated so we immediately tell ourselves: “it’s my birthday, I must get drunk”. As young people we will gather together, booze in hand and party, using our birthday as an excuse for our intoxication.

21 is another big birthday, in the birthday world. When you turn 21 you are now an ‘adult’ according to society. Instead of just gathering the mates up for a standard party, we make this one a little more formal. Although the concept is the same as every other party you attended after your 18^th (get drunk and go crazy), it is somewhat different. Instead of getting drunk and partying with our friends we get drunk and party with our friends and our family.  There will also be speeches involved where people close to you will share stories about you to the rest of the party as we laugh at your expense. After this birthday, the ‘fun factor’ of growing up subsides dramatically. As we move through our twenty’s we are forced to become responsible and face some daunting life choices that we’d prefer not to. This is the time period where we are forced to grow up and embrace adulthood, whether we like it or not.

The thing that makes my brain do summersaults when it comes to birthdays is the concept of presents. I feel that this is the most impersonal concept we indulge in as a society. Why should one receive gift on their birthday? Sure it a celebration but so are a lot of things. I don’t buy my friend a present every time he passes a test that he works hard for. I don’t buy my dad a present when the Springboks win a rugby game. I don’t buy sister a present when she passers her driver’s license. These are all celebratory moments why shouldn’t we set aside a day and celebrate them like we do birthdays? There is nothing more infuriating then trying to find someone a unique and special birthday present.

The whole ‘present thing’ really makes me question birthdays and their true meanings. When we are young children they are days which we look forward to. Presents are a vital necessity. As we get older our interest in thoughtful gifts fades away as we’d rather spend this day throwing up in the toilet of a nightclub. Presents are a bonus but not a necessity. Furthermore as the years surpass birthdays become mundane inconveniences. Presents are appreciated but not really wanted. My point is that birthdays and they hype that surrounds them should be calmed down. We should use these days to celebrate our lives with the people we love. I do realize how cheesy that sounds but it is the truth. I feel that as a society we have become obsessed with the materialistic tangible products that come hand in hand with days like the one I’ve been speaking about. Our happiness is influenced more by the gifts we receive than by the people who buy us those gifts. Sure, birthdays are a day to celebrate, but don’t cry when you don’t get that designer handbag you always wanted, smile and love the person who went to the trouble to get you that ‘not quite as cool’ jersey from Woolworths. On days like these, it truly is the thought that counts.  

Forries

Established in 1852 Forrester’s Arms remains one of the most happening and ‘must be at’ places in the beautiful city of Cape Town. Forrester’s Arms or Forries as its more commonly known is located in Newlands, which just so happens to be a stone’s throw away from the respective Rugby and Cricket stadiums in the area. Due to this convenient venue placement Forries often finds itself flooded with post match celebratory fans that are thirsty for some of the golden water or ‘beer’ as it’s more commonly known.


There is always something happening at Forries, no matter what day it is. This fine establishment is often packed with a diverse range of people. There are those who meet at Forries for a casual, business meeting. These meetings usually involve at least one of the respective parties having to make that dreaded but responsible phone call: “Babe I’m drunk come pick me up.” Incidents like these are the norm as people get carried away with the festive atmosphere. Then there are the students. These are some of the Forries regulars that return week after week to indulge in the festivities that Forries has to offer. These students are traditionally, some of the more poorly behaved of the Forries guests, however, their presence is entertaining and largely responsible for the incredible atmosphere that exists within the Pub. Finally there are the families. These groups of people form the backbone of the crowd that situates themselves at this establishment week in-week out. Particularly on Sunday, families flock to Forries to enjoy a casual beer and a welcome Sunday lunch. The parents keep themselves entertained with their banter and conversation. While the kids entertain one another in the small play area towards the back of the pub.


What separates Forries from any other ordinary pub in Cape Town are 2 things. Firstly, the food. Secondly, the vibrant outside atmosphere. When one things of traditional pub food you might not help but think of things like: pies, fish and chips, and perhaps a roast. What makes Forries stand a little bit taller than the average pub is its diverse, yet incredibly intriguing and delish menu. This diverse menu boasts a number of classic meals. From your traditional pies and roasts; to the more popular burger and pizza options. The Forries menu truly does have it all. One often finds with restaurants who have a variety of food options, their food isn’t always up to scratch. This is because the cooking staff are always busy with so many different dishes that they can’t really devote the care and attention they need to on every meal. This is not the case at Forries, as the food is of a high-standard. Whether it’s a pizza, a burger or even Fish and Chips: the food prepared is superbly done and is enjoyed by the Forries locals. The vibrant outside atmosphere is another reason why Forries, for me is unique to any other Pub in Cape Town. Most Pubs are obsessed with being the go to ‘watering hole’ for local sports fans in the area that they forget entirely about the atmosphere. Many traditional Pubs tend to be dark, dingy places. Forries however, attributes itself with a beautiful outside area that is perfect for any of the diverse customers. During summer time in particular there are few venues where I’d rather spend a casual afternoon.

On the whole, Forries is a great Pub/ Restaurant. Whether you looking for an ice cold draught with your mates; or a relaxed Sunday lunch with the family. Forries is the place to be. In my mind it is the best pub in Cape Town, and is unrivalled in terms of the drinking and dining experience it offers. It is a great pub, with an even better vibe. It rightfully earns itself the tag as; the most ‘must be at’ establishment in Cape Town.