My First Party in Dublin Was Eventful

In the autumn of 2013, I spent days and nights just looking for a job and, mostly, places to stay. I had no money for rent but what I lacked in cash I had to make up for in creativity. In my quest to find the most affordable way to have a roof over my head, I came across the Brazilian Facebook group Classificados. I advertised myself as the person who will pay your rent while you are on holidays while I had no idea it was called it ‘subletting’ and that it was commonly forbidden.

The Brazilian community seemed to like me. I got a few rooms but I got more Facebook friend requests. I was invited to parties, but I kindly said no. I didn’t want to love Dublin more than I already did before I knew I could stay. I promised myself, only once I got a job would I go to one, let my guard down and meet people.

And that’s what I did.

For two months, I went out once, at The Dragon, around 7PM, only to find out that Jinkx Monsoon was on a couple of hours later. After that, job-hunting and searching for my next temporary home. All day, from 7 AM until 11 PM. Some days I sent more than thirty job applications. I only allowed myself thirty-minute breaks for a hookup if my nerves were about to break. All this while I had Britney’s ‘Work Bitch’ blasting on repeat for two full months.

And it worked. I found a job. Just before my money ran out, Accenture hired me. The tears dried, my parents gave me money for a couple more weeks so I could afford rent and buy some suitable clothes. And the Friday I signed my contract, I decided I deserved to go out for my first drink. Well, I had no money for drinks really, so I accepted a cute stranger’s invitation for a house party. It sounded free.

I didn’t want to look desperate so I went two hours late. My new friend, who for the purposes of this post I’ll call Thiago, was at a friend’s birthday. At an apartment somewhere near Parnell. There was no lift so I climbed the stairs all the way up to what felt like the fifth floor.

Thiago opened the door with a smile.

‘Sorry for my friends,’ he said, ‘they took a little more G than they should.’

Two bodies, well, two unconscious people were shaking on the floor like vibrators that were left one. I can’t possibly tell if I remember correctly, but their mouths must have been foaming and they looked as if they were being electrocuted.