A bearable hangover...

...is one that follows the best celebration.

Looking back at photos, every single person is smiling, grinning, laughing. Happy! People from Poland, South Africa, England, the US. People who've come from Croatia, Germany, Holland. Different languages, customs and even religions. All these people came together to celebrate one thing – the union and marriage of two wonderful people.

And I have to say that two wonderful people brought together their wonderful family and wonderful friends. Different people, sharing a common love for these two people and united in celebrating our traditions and languages – even the Catholic service was held in Polish, English and Latin! – not to mention the abundant and delicious array of traditional Polish foods served throughout the night. Even the national flower of South Africa on our tables did not go unnoticed. For a small moment in time, we made this world a better place.

Now, I don't think it was just our fabulous personalities and a special occasion that brought such big smiles to our faces. I suspect that the 75 bottles of vodka for the 85 guests at the wedding may have had a small part to play.

For once in my life I didn't touch the wine that had been carefully selected and sourced, with difficulty, and stuck to the national drink. Vodka.

Straight vodka. Honey vodka. Cherry vodka. A whole new concept in mixing ones drinks!

This unassuming alcohol quietly and quickly elevates you to a new level. Another celebratory toast and again, another step towards being invincible. In no time at all the music is rocking. You own that dance floor! Oh yes baby! I am happy. I am free. But, all too quickly, we've stretched our limits and this hero hits zero.

Now we all know that there is no such thing as a good hangover, but this particular hangover was worth every flinch of pain, because, in a little place called Ustroń in southern Poland a wonderful, happy group of people were together, sharing in wishing Nic and Magda every success in their new life together as husband and wife.

Na zdrowie - Cheers!

"What not to" do at a wine tasting

I arrived at Cannizaro House for a wine tasting of a selection of wines from Revelstoke, a wine boutique in Raynes Park.

It was that magical light you get just before sundown, where everyone is lit up with a soft warm glow. The rolling lawn disappeared into the trees and the little birdies chirped happily as they prepared themselves for the night. Totally romantic! We enjoyed our initial bubbles alfresco on the terrace until the cool night air pushed us back into the tasting room.

The beautiful Cannizaro House is home to 34 acres of park.

Inside, 35 wines from all corners of the globe were lined up waiting patiently for our attention and judgement. We arrived late so were a little behind the curve and the swing of things, but we made quick progress through the numbered wines, through the bubbles, whites, rosés, and reds... swirling, sniffing, slurping, spitting and by the sound level in the room, mostly swallowing.

Across the room I had clocked this rather dashing man. Whew! I watched from afar as he progressed around the room with his friends. Nice smile. Lovely laugh. Definitely a man to take home to mommy!

By the time we were ready for the reds a hot debate was taking place as to whether number 32 or number 34 was the wine of the evening. I noted Mr Take-home-to-mummy at the table and so, on approach, I enthusiastically asked him what his number was. He grinned his cute grin and replied that people usually ask him his name first before asking for his number!

Oh yes... the ground really did open up and swallow me whole as I died a quick and painful death, whilst all those around us laughed hysterically at my little faux pas.

I never did get his number, and with all the distraction I'll never know if number 32 or number 34 was the wine of the night.