ARTSA Popping the Cherry

My table career started early in 2019 when I joined Windhoek 34 as a guest. I was inducted as a member in October 2019 and ever since then I was thinking to attend an ARTSA, but could not attend due to work responsibilities.

This year I was fortunate enough to get leave and with a last-minute registration, I was on my way to ARTSA 2023.

I joined Walvis Bay 36 on the WESTVAN and the 2,000km journey to Modimolle began. We were a total of 4 ARTSA virgins onboard and the “GEES” was amazing.

We arrived in Windhoek the evening where we met up with the central tablers that was heading in the same direction. After a rather short nap we left Windhoek at 04h00. The road was long and no place to buy food. Luckily for Danie, we eventually arrived at a McDonalds as he was starting to look like a happy meal. My stomach was starting to devour my liver form the hunger :D.

We finally arrived at our destination at 23h30 after a long and tiring day for a bit of rest before ARTSA began. I joined the 4th ASSCO as peanut gallery was very interesting, to see how meetings was done at exec level. Way more efficient then we do at Area level, we should take this and make our Area meetings and council meetings a lot more efficient and enjoyable.

The opening was lit with GREAT vibes, music, regalia swops and awesome people. This party was definitely the highlight of the weekend. I felt that the next morning with a type of hang over I haven’t had for a long time. #Worth it!!!

With the intense hangover I joined the forums which very insightful especially the decisions that we need to make at the AGM the next morning. The hangover was soon forgotten when I picked up where I left off the previous night, at the food tables event. I still think that our potjie was the most delicious there. For some reason, everyone wanted to go home early that evening, but I think it was well needed to get in some rest from the road and the themed party.

We woke up Saturday well rested and ready for the AGM and the Gala Dinner the evening. Yet again, the AGM was efficient and done before we know it.

I had mixed feelings when the evening came to an end as I had an absolute blast at ARTSA and I knew that I will be heading home back to my loved ones the next day.

(Un)Fortunately I had a flight back and did not have to drive on the bus all the way back. As the slogan at Windhoek 34 goes: “ALLES!” and that is exactly what I gave at ARTSA 2023.

The fellowship, the laughs, new friends and the knobbel games were out of this world and something that made the journey unforgettable.

I implore every Tabler to try and experience an ARTSA for themselves. It is far better than any words can explain. You learn a lot more about what it is to be a Tabler and get to meet lots of likeminded gentlemen. I would definitely do it again.

By PJ Badenhorst