It’s the final First Thursday of 2021, which means that you’d probably want to make the night unforgettable – and not unforgettable because it’s the night you lost your keys, got locked out of your apartment and had to go with your tail between your legs to your neighbour explaining that the person trying to pick the lock to your door was actually you.
As much as First Thursdays is a time to let your hair down, embrace the cultural hot pot that Cape Town undeniably is and enjoy the City putting its best foot forward in all aspects, from art to music and the many glasses of wine in between, it can also be a recipe for the kind of night you look back on with a disgruntled sigh – if you fall into the clutches of a few common mishaps.
Well aware that COVID-19 is still in place, this list comes at your own precautions (mask-up!) and hopefully serves as a menu for the future when we can all enjoy First Thursdays safely and freely.
Here are some common First Thursday mistakes to strategically avoid
1. Get to where you’re going earlier as if your boss giving you a raise were meeting you there
Bringing bosses into your First Thursdays might not sound compatible at first glance, but that fear of being late certainly is. First Thursdays and a closed can of sardines are almost synonymous. Things might get packed, especially for those who equate First Thursdays with club culture. If I had a rand for every time the majority of a First Thursday was spent waiting in lines, I’d probably have enough cash to give Eskom a head start on fixing their crisis, writes Cape {town} Etc’s Ashleigh Nefdt.
Now, if being spontaneous is your thing, but vicariously living the club life through the booming music you’re only dancing to in the queue isn’t, then pick your street, Bree, Long or wherever your dancing boots are called toward and get there early.
Alternatively, step up your organisation and make bookings for guest lists. Pro-tip: If a club isn’t responding to your calls, DM them.
2. Set budgets like you’re the government trying to cut corners
The woes of First Thursdays often come when we look at our bank balances the next day and think: “but why?”. The specials are tempting. The gin and tonic deals are a bargain, and we do love some of the world’s best food at kinder prices. However, in the twisted logic of lovely things, sometimes we end up spending way more because all those half-priced cocktails do tend to add up to what you normally wouldn’t spend if they weren’t half-priced. Set your budgets, stick to them and flourish financially.
3. If you plan on drinking, don’t forget that tomorrow is still Friday
First Thursdays give the fabulous illusion that it’s the weekend instead of a precursor. Those in the know are well aware that Friday can easily be forgotten as an actual working day after a First Thursdays bend. If you do still want to be somewhat wholesome on the forsaken Friday after First Thursdays, get your charcoal tablets ready, fill all your water bottles with lemon water and set yourself an alarm for when you need to leave to get to bed. Your wine indulging, art gallery loving or inner disco dancer infused with tequila shots self might despise you for reigning on their parade, but your Friday morning 8 am self will thank you.
4. If First Thursdays is your time to relish in foodie culture, bookings are your best friend
It sounds obvious, but for those who believe that being a walk-in is a part of the dinner experience, I humbly ask you to think again. Turn into Karen, make a booking and a backup booking and do not be deceived by how empty a restaurant looks at first glance – as many of the tables are likely reserved. Especially with December’s influx of travellers from far and wide, our restaurants are likely going to be buzzing.
5. Make resolutions of all things First Thursdays that you’d actually like to conquer
Sometimes the real blunder of a First Thursdays mission isn’t what you did do, but what you didn’t. Pick your niche. Art galleries are booming. Restaurants are flourishing. The dance scene is alive. Maybe this time you’re tired of restaurants and want to test the waters of some gorgeous art. Or maybe the artist wants to paint their body against the backdrop of dance. Switch things up, do something you haven’t and note everything you’d actually like to do beforehand so that you don’t get roped into going with what everyone wants to do, or what you usually do.
6. Remember, everyone is taking advantage of the magic of First Thursdays
Not to be a Debby-downer, but opportunists love First Thursdays as much as you do. As you marvel at the city’s vibrance, don’t forget that crooks are marvelling at you, your wallet, your phone and maybe that pastry you lovingly bought at a good price. Stay vigilant, understand the assignment and remember that it’s First Thursday, not Disneyland.
Additionally, the most infamous crook of them all, COVID-19 is still on the prowl, so pick your vigilance.
Also Read:
Three local creatives collide and create magic – see it this First Thursdays
Picture: Pinterest