Writer observes late-night chaos at Fig Garden

Around 2 a.m. on a Friday night not long ago, Belana in Fig Garden Village wrapped up a night of dancing, schmoozing and drinks for the college-age crowd. Passers-by easily viewed activities through the glass windows, making Belana the ideal place to be noticed.

The other late-night spot, The Elbow Room, had been closed for a couple hours. Several police vehicles were parked around the building, as were taxicabs, all waiting for the mob to stagger out. For all the people who appeared to be inside, there were not enough vehicles parked outside. Those waiting to pick people up were asked by a security guard not to loiter in front of the doors and to step off to the side.

“I know you! We went to junior prom together! You were my date!” yells a teased-haired female, stumbling, as she gropes for a hug.“And he wore a duct-tape suit!” People weren’t listening to her. Later, she stopped in the middle of the parking lot to shout, “Hey everyone! Everyone listen! I’ve got something to say!” She then broke into a fit of laughter and said no more.

Finally, last call came. After a few moments, sour expressions showed up on people’s faces and they began to quickly file out. According to various sources, a stink bomb had just gone off.

“She called me Juan,” said a guy named, alas, John. He attempted, unsuccessfully, to get the number of a woman he had been courting that night. He later admitted to a reporter that he didn’t exactly remember the woman’s name either, but didn’t seem to be bothered by that aspect. He was just glad to be seen with her.