HOF: What Are You Wearing Right Now - Part IV (starting May 2014)

[SYCSYC]

Haven't post here in ages ...

 

[SYCSYC]

 

[Caustic Man]

Well now, drinking for diplomacy is different. I've had some interesting times on too much Rakia. Ouzo can go pound salt.

I was in charge of a unit in Sarajevo adjacent to ISAF HQ in 2001. We were in a "village" with all the other NATO folks including some non-NATO nations like Ireland, Sweden, Finland, Romania and Bulgaria. Anyway, with over a dozen nations represented there was always a farewell/arrival party every weekend or so. Everyone was obligated to show up with their national liquor. Jack Daniels, Ouzo, Rakia, Aquavit, Vodka, Grappa, Schnapps, etc. It got pretty rowdy as you might imagine.

The Scandinavians were merciless. I thought the Brits and Germans were could hold their own but the Finns, Swedes, Danes and Norwegians drank us all under the table. They even beat the Romanians who made their own hooch and would give you a small Romanian flag if you still had your eyesight after drinking two shots.

 

[bloodybrilliant]

Pure linen summer outfit.

 

[Claghorn]

From sometime last week and from yesterday

(sleeves need to be shortened)

 

[smittycl]

Well now, drinking for diplomacy is different. I've had some interesting times on too much Rakia. Ouzo can go pound salt.

I developed a liking for Aquavit even though I'm a brown spirits guys. Pairs well with smoked salmon hors d'oeuvres and inebriated Scandinavians.

It was fun watching the Greeks and Turks proudly extol their own stuff and slander the others. Turks are pretty cool but very prickly, at least their officers anyway.

 

[Caustic Man]

Maybe you just got a prickly group. I'd hate for the world to judge all Americans on the behavior of Cavalry officers.

 

[DiplomaticTies]

I was in charge of a unit in Sarajevo adjacent to ISAF HQ in 2001. We were in a "village" with all the other NATO folks including some non-NATO nations like Ireland, Sweden, Finland, Romania and Bulgaria. Anyway, with over a dozen nations represented there was always a farewell/arrival party every weekend or so. Everyone was obligated to show up with their national liquor. Jack Daniels, Ouzo, Rakia, Aquavit, Vodka, Grappa, Schnapps, etc. It got pretty rowdy as you might imagine.

The Scandinavians were merciless. I thought the Brits and Germans were could hold their own but the Finns, Swedes, Danes and Norwegians drank us all under the table. They even beat the Romanians who made their own hooch and would give you a small Romanian flag if you still had your eyesight after drinking two shots.

I've been drunk in the name of diplomacy too. But, as was noticed earlier in the thread, there is only one people that can beat us Nordics in drinking and that's the russians. I've been to russian dinners where vodka was the only beverage served. After a while you feel all your senses leaving you. Sight, hearing, smell, not to mention the sense of decency. They play in a different league. Drinking is not a social thing, it's a commitment.

Of course these are only generalisations based on my limited experience. Dont know if we have any russians on SF that wants to weigh in?

 

[DiplomaticTies]

Spoiler: Detail

Jacket: Caruso
Shirt: Inglese
Tie: Charvet
PS: Vanda
Pants: Berg & Berg
Shoes: Lobb

 

[smittycl]

I've been drunk in the name of diplomacy too. But, as was noticed earlier in the thread, there is only one people that can beat us Nordics in drinking and that's the russians. I've been to russian dinners where vodka was the only beverage served. After a while you feel all your senses leaving you. Sight, hearing, smell, not to mention the sense of decency. They play in a different league. Drinking is not a social thing, it's a commitment.

Of course these are only generalisations based on my limited experience. Dont know if we have any russians on SF that wants to weigh in?

As a former military guy my professional interactions with Russians are nonexistent. We were always advised that, if encountered, never drink with them.

 

[smittycl]

Maybe you just got a prickly group. I'd hate for the world to judge all Americans on the behavior of Cavalry officers.

Cavs dudes are slightly weird in any environment. Stupid hats and spurs... I served under 1st Cav in Baghdad (10th Mountain brigade under their command). Great Americans but silly desert Cav boots right out of Gucci catalog.

 

[Caustic Man]

Weird traditions and fatties. Not a good combo.

 

[Alocin]

I have no experience with drinking for diplomacy but I wholly attribute my drinking abilities to being made up of three ethnic groups who are known to put alcohol away, the Irish, the Russian, and the Palestinian. I know homemade vodka and Arak very well. Arak is essentially another version of Raki with similar herbal properties and generally no less than 110 proof, at least not what we drink.

Needless to say I am expensive date if I decide I want to get my drink on.

 

[Yaumegui]

From sometime last week and from yesterday

(sleeves need to be shortened)

I like very much the second suit. Could you say which brand it is ?

 

[Yaumegui]