Xela New Years

Not since high school (10th or 11th grade) have i had such a new years eve.

I began the night with a simple dinner at ´home´with a Xela friend of mine. Her boyfriend was otherwise occupied so she called me.

After dinner and dropping her off at her apartment, I wandered the city looking for action.

Leonard Cohen once said ¨the place is dead as Heaven on a Saturday night.¨

I am not sure he was speaking of Xela on New Year`s Eve but I would not doubt it.

At around 11:00 pm or so, I passed by all the bars and clubs near el centro. Most were nearly empty and some were closed. I wanded in to La Parranda, one of my usual dance spots. I was able to find an empty stool (or 15) at the bar. I did not count but i am guessing there were 20 or so people there at 11:30. At 11:30 on a typical weekend night, there would be 150 or so.

I started a conversation with the couple next to me (from BC Canada). The woman used to be known as Jessica or Elizabeth (I didn´t quite get it and I did not hear the guy´s name) but a few weeks ago she changed her name to Raven. I am trying to think what my traveling name should be.

We talked to the owner. he assured us that the place would be packed at 12:30. Most people spend the 0:00 with their family.

There was no 2008 countdown at the bar. We were not certain when it was 2008 until we heard the fireworks. Christmas fireworks were something and I am not sure how they compare to the New Years´ones. from just outside the bar, i could not see too much but i could hear the noise. And the noise seemed to continue for a good 15 minutes.

Back in the bar, it was still empty. 12:30 came and went without the big crowds.

At 1:15 or so, I looked around and saw that there were 100+ people n the bar and a line out the door. I do not know when they came or where they came from but they all seemed to come at about the same time.

I stayed at the club until after 2:00and then hit another club, where my dinner companion was working. Her club did not open until 12:30. After not dancing for an hour or so, I headed home. 2008 was here and I was a bit tired and I still felt the loud music ringing in my ears.

in 10th or 11th grade, I spent midnight NYE in a car on Route 690, heading from one part of Syracuse to another part. I forget who was in the car. Since it was midnight and we were in a car and on the highway, I am sure it was a couple of knuckleheads like myself.

Next year will be different. I am sure of it.

bjm 1/3/08