Where not to party tonight

Want to start 2011 in the company of the right people, at the right place? Read on to know how

There's no question under the sun that Google can't answer, right? Try looking up 'Where not to party this New Year's Eve' and the popular search engine will draw a blank. But no need to worry. MiD DAY always has answers to the questions that really matter.



So watch out for a few tell-tale signs and you will end 2010 with a bang and enter 2011 in the pink of health. Before going to a nightclub, ensure that it's not a pick-up joint or a drug den and chances are you'll have a fun but peaceful time, with fewer possibilities of cops dropping by. And also, don't overdo the make-up.

Bad call
"I was partying at this lounge in a star-rated hotel with my boyfriend. He went to the bar counter to get us drinks. It was very crowded, so it took him a while to come back. Since it was my first night out, I had no clue about club culture. So probably I had dressed too revealingly and even my make-up was loud.

"While I was standing in a corner, a man who was almost my dad's age, came up to me and asked if I wanted to spend the night with him. I was so shocked that I returned home immediately. Later, my friends told me that the venue is a pickup joint, and most of the people who go there have the usual expectations.

I didn't blame the man; I was at the wrong place at the wrong time. I should've picked my venue right. It isn't fun to be approached like you are a call girl, unless you actually are one," 19-year-old Sakshi, whose night out on the last day of 2009 got spoiled.

Safety first
It isn't right to objectify women. But when you go out scantily clad and your gestures are inviting, perhaps inadvertently, then you should be prepared to take some of the blame when men around you start getting ideas after a pint or two. After all, men have always lagged behind on the road to evolution.

"Safety of patrons is of prime importance to us. And for that we've made proper arrangements. So we'll be gifting pepper sprays to our clients," said Tejwant Singh Lamba, owner of Global Village in GK II. Amnesia at Tau Devilal Stadium, Gurgaon, which will have live performances by DJ Sasha, DJ Matt Darey and DJ Rekha, will have three layers of security which each individual will have to pass through before admission to the stadium ground.
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Amandeep Singh, who runs Double Decker at South Extension, said: "Apart from extra bouncers, CCTV cameras and strict instructions to throw miscreants out of the venue, we're also doing a profile scrutiny of the attendees." While these popular hangout joints are ensuring security, personal safety is your responsibility too.

No parking
Also if you are going for a date in the afternoon, don't be a cheapskate (or even if you're a nature lover) by taking your special someone to one of the Capital's resplendent gardens.

Unless of course you are open to displays of your mushy acts (in case you get 'lucky') on Youtube, or worse still find it selling as a 'dirty' CD in the dirtier environs of Palika Bazar. So Lodhi Garden, Buddha Garden and the cosy nooks of Garden of Five Senses are a complete no-no. Also, eunuchs and goons frequent these places. You might end up spending more than you had bargained for.u00a0

We know you earn well, can spend an entire month's salary on one night. But perhaps you shouldn't, because prognosticators tell us that in 2011 employers will still continue to have the 'one cheque a month' policy for all workers, whether your collar is blue or white. Also drink as much as you want but don't sit on the driver's seat. Believe us, backseat driving can be fun.

Better still, book a cab in advance or opt for joints that are offering pick and drop facilities. If your dad is cool enough, hire his driver for the night. Another option could be to book a room at the venue itself. Party hard and once you're done, take the lift, go up and get some rest. Your family can use the break anyway.

Home and dry
Fog generally plays spoilsport on New Year's Eve. So why not party at someone's home? It's safe, hassle free, light on the wallet and private. Plus, you don't face those traffic snarls and you can always stay where you are partying, get to know the host's family. If you are in high spirits, don't reveal too much of yourself, literally or metaphorically.

Even quiet and early dinner dates are not a bad idea, especially if you haven't had those mushy conversations with your partner for long. Nothing beats the meeting of two souls over a candle-lit dinner. Reads like one of those SRK moments, right? And just in case your date is coming back with you to your place, use condoms. You wouldn't want to celebrate father's day next year, would you?