The Insead Winterball
Last Saturday, the Winterball was held at Château des Condé, a large, looming castle in Vallery, about a 40 minute drive from campus. The Winterball, a formal affair, is a smaller and more intimate gathering than the Summerball, to which alumni are invited.
The organising committee put together a wonderful event. Even the rain, which fell like light mist all through the night, did not detract from the lush surroundings, unless of course you decided to arrive without a coat, which many did. 'Tis not called "Winterball" for nothing!
The location was stunning. From the Moroccan riad room, where the first rounds of champagne were served, to the enormous main ballroom with the stage for the DJ and dancers, the surroundings were fantastic in every sense of the word. The food, always touch-and-go when such large crowds are involved, was actually quite good.
So there you are, dressed to the nines, eating and drinking with all of your friends, and you think to yourself, "This may be the last party that I'll attend here," and certainly the last party where you will be as dressed up. You end up having better conversations with your friends, promising that you'll keep in touch and visit regularly. Lucky sincerely hopes that the future will perform to expectations; he already misses everyone and he's not even left yet.
The end of the ball came all too quickly; as a designated driver, Lucky transported a couple friends home and picked up another lad en route who clearly wanted to go back but didn't have a ride. The guy asked to be dropped off at the parking lot on campus, but after seeing him asleep for the whole drive back Lucky thought it prudent to drive him home. Once bitten, twice shy. Safety first, friends.
As he drove off the chateau grounds, a glance in the rearview mirror showed the huge stone walls, shining through the morning mist, disappear from sight. The vivid memories, however, will remain.
3:17:08 PM 
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