Expats. Episode 3. Networking party

Part 2

We join our four characters as they enter what appears to be a rather opulent event. Set in the restaurant and bar area of a newly renovated 4 star hotel. Everything done to European design taste including the owner who although overweight was hiding it well in his tailored Boss suit. A large glass of beer grasped in an inflated hand was providing the necessary lubrication to greet the guests. As further people arrived and more liquid confidence flowed into the big man he became ever exaggerated in movement as if performing on stage in a theatre production. Excited that his vision and hard work was paying off, “build it and they will come” and they were. A combination of UNESCO heritage rating, gentrification, weak local currency and cheap flights were making this city a must visit destination for those who were looking for something alternative and exciting.

Once inside our four dissolved into the crowd each following a different compass point.

“How's it going Buddy I haven't seen you in a while” the greeting came from a tall middle aged American who stood out in the crowd with the wearing of a leather cowboy hat. He must have read “The game” thought Brad as he worked on a reply. Although a small city, expats tended to stick to their routines, half early risers frequenting cafes and half night birds frequenting the bars, and never the twain shall meet except at these sort of events observed Rudyard Kipling.

-I have been working on my internet business developing a smart phone app that will detect ones mood just with the utterance of the words “Good Morning” upon awakening. Voice recognition is the future.

“Interesting",- said Cowboy thoughtfully. "What happens once your mood has been detected?".

-Well in this interconnected world all the smart technology you interact with during the day will be sensitive to your feeling and communicate accordingly.

-Just like humans do now,- said Cowboy.

-Exactly! said Brad proudly, I am presently crowd funding.

Cowboy who fell into the camp of late risers was not one for crowds so politely made an excuse to slip back to the safety of the bar where cowboys hang out after a hard day in the saddle.

Nike was busy entertaining himself playing a game where he made up different professions when asked what he does for a living. Tonight his occupation was University lecturer of philosophy. "That must be interesting",- responded the lady he was in conversation with. "Not really",- replied Nike, -'teaching stupid kids who think they know everything is not my idea of fun". "A strange philosophy for a philosopher",- thought the lady and proceeded to move her attention to another conversation.

Nike also drifted on. When confronted with the usual question this time he was in the rocket science industry,- “ You know that Eastern Europe had some achievements in the past, my role is meeting with specialists and visiting archives. All secrets that they had before now availiable at libraries'.

Moving on again Nike this time replied to the F.A.Q that he's a writer, working on a book covering post-socialist countries who understood that capitalism is the only workable model. All that maternal leave is ridiculous. 'I would never hire a woman knowing it was only a matter of time.'

He went from person to person and enjoyed the expressions of awe on their faces. The more he talked, the more raised eyebrows, the more fun he had.

Our other Brit Adrian enjoyed travel stories with a couple of Dutch guys so wasn't aware of what's going on with other mates.

Peter, our local friend, was the only one who wasn't enjoying the party. The drinks were too expensive, his mates seemed to be entertained with the other guests.

He felt out of place in this corporate environment. Ironically he felt like a loser for not having a 9 to 6 office job. Even a decent passive income was not enough. Society's opinion made him feel miserable for not fitting in with convention.

After a few tries to start conversations he gave up. Every time receiving a “pity” look when explained he's unemployed. As if he had just said he was homeless or had the plague.

In a bad mood, he decided to leave the party, feeling almost offended by the fact that his mates seemed to be having a good time. So he left without saying goodbye.

Meantime Brad left in the company of Americans and few local ladies to continue on in another venue, where drinks were less expensive.

Nike made a hasty exit when a few of the previous people he had made conversations with started to talk to each other and he overheard his name mentioned.

On his way out he grabbed Adrian by the arm and led him to the door. At first, Adrian was irritated to be interrupted from quite an interesting conversation about Kuala Lumpur, but when Nike explained the reason they both laughed. People are ready to believe anything as long as you are confident in yourself and keep a poker face.

Next Episode http://steemit.com/life/@dovetail/xpats-episode-4-blockchain-talk