My first Thursday night drum and bass outing went smashingly well. Eddie and Pavel showed me the ropes of the scene at Phoenix Landing.

Although I didn't think I was a huge fan of drum and bass and don't know much about it, I had a fine time taking in the music and wiggling a bit on the dance floor.

I met some friendly people and observed many more.

I have to say I'm glad we stopped at the Middle East to get ear plugs – it's nice being able to hear things the next day.

I opted out of the ritual vodka shot and chose Guinness instead. It tastes like bitter, silty mud with some foam on top.

I had a Red Stripe later to cancel out the Irish with some Jamaican.

As a lightweight vegetarian, those two were my limit...

above: Eddie doing handstands. I wouldn't attempt it: I've been dropped on my head enough times.

The question is, will he regret being photographed doing handstands?

probably not.

Even a fancy-pants camera like mine has difficulty focusing in very low light. I try to manual focus through the tiny viewfinder but often end up with shots of sharply focused walls and blurry people. I suppose if it happens enough I can claim it's intentional.

I'm used to being the one who starts to fall asleep around 11 when out at a bar or club, but this time I didn't even notice the time until the house lights came on.

For a young old-fogie like me, it was a blast. But I'd give the night a B+ only because I haven't yet grokked the dancing etiquette and thus didn't get to bust many moves with the wiggly drum and bass girls.

Next time...

I noticed the next day that I have some bruises on my side and lower back from my camera constantly smashing into me.

oops! Next time I'll wear a nice padded fanny pack to protect my sides.

Plus, I hear the ladies love fanny packs.