My 1 year drinking challenge

Listen, I have a confession to make. Don’t judge me.

My name’s Shaina and I’m a non-alcoholic.

“Hi, Shaina”. 

For NAA (non alcoholics anonymous) we’d chat about being the first to drink only 1 beer and pass out on a strangers couch, or the night we didn’t binge drink and could totally remember everything. 

Lame and left out (just look how much fun those people are having in the picture):

As a result of my non-alcoholism, I also suffer from severe *FOMO (fear of missing out); in a world where almost everyone in every culture likes to drink, I feel like I am completely missing out. 

It’s down-right embarrassing that I live in the alcohol blessed country of South Africa, which has a long history of epic wine and beer ranking with the best in the world and don’t drink any of it.

The crazy thing is, I know nothing about Chenin Blanc or the difference between a Pinotage and a Rosé (Rosé is pink, come on!).

I’m lost in a world of sobriety and frankly, it’s time to get educated. I’m over being sobre (you don’t hear that one often, hey?). I don’t want
to be left out of flavours and cultural experiences any longer.

The not so challenging challenge:

For my 28th birthday, I am declaring a year of booze brainwashing. In order to understand food and culture, I must also understand how alcohol pairs with it; use drinking as a means of cultural connectivity.
 
No more FOMO for me, just a quest to taste.  If you have suggestions, I want them. If you know of an event, I want to know about it. And, if I’m completely off about my perceptions, tell me… nicely please. 

So, here’s to a year of beer (and wine, and whatever else). Bottoms up! 

And, if all else fails, I’m sure they’ll be some interesting pictures on Facebook.
 
*(Fomo – fear of missing out)

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