The Meaning Of Khorouga

The above series of thoughts and events often occur. As such ,last weekend I thought fuck it. You’re going out and will ignore the dark voices in your head and just dance around all night with a grin on your face. If you can’t beat them, perhaps it’s time to join them. Due to the political unrest in the country, most events were cancelled and most clubs shut their doors for the weekend. However, knowing that people were after a bit of good, old-fashioned monkey time, a friend of mine pulled through like a shining light at the last minute with a party at the club house of the 6th October compound in which he resides. Result!

I arrived in high spirits and was ready for shenanigans that lay ahead. I start drinking, as one does. One whisky turns to two. Two to three, as one does to let loose on a weekend. The guests start to show up en masse, as the noise makers take to the decks. Before I  know it, it’s a recognisable sight. People laughing, dancing, clapping. Suddenly, I had an epiphany. Yes, this is what it’s about. I understand now. Escapism in its purest form. No need to microanalyze the idiosyncrasies of human behavior. It’s all about  feeling the music, letting go and just being submissive to the fantastic mood and party surrounding me. Everything’s going to be alright, Waleed. I start high-fiving everyone I see. The stars are out, the moon is full and shining bright upon me like a spotlight as if to say, “Well done, Wally. tonight is your night. Good things are are coming your way. Everything’s going to be alright, kid.” I offer gratitude and thanks to everyone around me for being such great people. I feel confident and clear-minded. I’m king of the world!

I see an ex-girlfriend out of the corner of my eye. I had seen her earlier that night, but chose to ignore her as our last encounter was less than pleasant and we hadn’t spoken  in months. With my recent epiphany, my new found happiness and appreciation life,  I think to myself: Hey, it’s all water under the bridge, Wally. Everyone is happy and you can be happy too. No bad feelings here. No need to hold any grudges, the world is a beautiful place full of laughter, kindness and joy. I approach her and the following completely incoherent conversation occurs:

Me: Hey, how are you?

Her: *No response*

Me: Music isn’t too fucked up, hey?

Her: What? You’re not too fucked up?

Me: No, no, the music isn’t too fucked up.

Her: *Gives me a look that’s a cross between perplexity and  bemusement*

Her: What exactly do you mean by that? What is classified as fucked up music? What are you saying???

Me: Ermmm

I then proceed to do an awkward over-enthusiastic dance, without really finishing that sentence. My brain starts to wonder to a dark place. Confusion starts to fill my brain and pour out of my every orifice. I look around the dark club house. What is this? Why is everyone so happy? What are these uncontrollable grins on their faces? Humans are so fickle, unpredictable and precarious creatures. I start to feel disillusioned. I walk off, to send a VERY important e-mail….