Boys Club

Lifestyles Of The Rich And Famous

On friday night, it was the inaugaral father-child dinner at the Adelaide Club. Dad invited me, because i'm eighteen now and therefore 'old enough' to be introduced to the fancy world of the Adelaide Club. Dad had meant it to be special father-daughter bonding time, but really it was time for him to see his mates and make me dress up in a fancy dress to be dignified and the perfect daughter... but i did it, even though it wasn't my cup of tea at all and i'd just worked an entire day with fifty children. Plus, my hair was absolutely crazy and, in my little-bo-peep dress, i looked appalling. Not according to my mother, though.

When we arrived, they knew dad on sight so we didn't have to wait and get checked off the impressive guest lists. We walked in, my cowering nervously behind my dad as i scanned the room and saw men in penguin suits and women in expensive dresses. I was one of the youngest there - my dad is older (almost 59) and most men his age have children in their 20's already, at least. So, awkward in my age, my costume and myself, i stood politely with dad as he talked fishing and wine with the boys. When i was introduced or spoken to, i responded politely and with all the right smiles or laughs. Then it was time for tea.

Dinner consisted of tiny portions of pretentious food. A cube of garfish for an entree and something on a bone (chicken? duck? they didn't put it on the menu in english) for main. Desert was a lime tart. Yummy. It was a bit difficult though - there were three forks, three knives of peculiar shapes, spoons, four glasses... i was very confused. I solved this little problem by watching the others at the table for the correct utensil. I even managed conversation with the daughter of a family friend who i was sitting next to; i think she took pity on me and we talked travel. I'd been to india and she wanted to work in a hospital there, so we even had something to talk to, hurrah!

There was a long time between courses, as well as awhile where dad went off to talk to a bunch of friends (abandonning me!!). Then we headed off home, as dad was tired.

Overall, i did survive the evening. However, i was slightly disillusionned by the Adelaide Club. Granted, it'd gorgeous and it has a sort of elegance about it that is often missed in today's society. Even so, it's elitist and somewhat self-serving. The club has all of this money but does nothing in the way of fundraising or anything. The people are stuffy and egotistical. I was appalled when dad muttered in annoyance about a waiter who had her hair in a ponytail. I asked him if a bun would've been better, but he said that no, the only way to wear your hair was short and she should've cut it. Ridiculous! It just seemed a little wrong. I never realised that the AC was the big boys club of adelaide that was exclusive and elite to the degree that it was... i really don't think it's my scene. In a way, that pleased me - with everything that i do with church and in life, i don't think i'd be comfortable in a club where all the money went right back into the club. It just didn't seem right.

Still. It was a lovely meal and was good to see dad for a change. I'll probably go again next year if dad wants me too. But i dont think i'll become a regular (i can't even if i wanted to - i'm a girl, i'm not allowed in usually!).

Annie