This is always a fun time of year for Taipan. As a grand dame of the market but with no job to have to get up for in the morning, I feel free to make the most of the fine hospitality on offer while catching up with some of my old stalwarts but trying to avoid being stuck next to the boring treasury official from whatever client needs to be buttered up this year.
With the parties coming think and fast before Chinese New Year I was happy to get through this season with no more damage than a few bleary eyed mornings and the odd telling-off from TaiTai. But it seems the temptation to play to the crowd was just too much for some folks.
One well known tippler was obviously full of the joys of spring. At one black tie event he surprised some onlookers by demonstrating his training routine, dropping to the floor and starting to do press-ups. Prowess proved, he then challenged the guest compere to a competition.
Very sensibly, the guest declined and made his exit, leaving our ironman to his own devices. But while our friend's competitive streak may have been disappointed there, he certainly wins Taipan’s award for imbiber of the year. Kung Hei Fat Choy!