After a hard day’s work, we used to gather at our club in the evenings for relaxation and to be away from the cares of the world over the cups that cheer. Those evenings were most enjoyable, educational and diverting. Some indulged in idle gossip or discussions on current events. Some others played billiards or table tennis or chess or cards. There were still others who enjoyed their cups in solitude. A club member, who had served in a Sri Lankan Embassy abroad, said that their Embassy parties were poorly attended, as the invitees were fed up with ‘orange juice’, as no liquor was served. He added that this ambassador never took his wife to any diplomats’ parties or get-togethers. One day at such a party, the wives of some diplomats staged a revolt and forced the ambassador to bring his wife to the party!