Not an ad. Just a nice picture of a cold beer. 

I was thinking about this while I was walking home from a friend's house on a chilly Wednesday night in Den Haag. I've always wondered why people go out for drinks to a bar when they can easily go to a nice restaurant and eat there - or stay at home, drink your alcohol in the comfort of your living room. Obviously, this came from my very naive view of drinking - I come from a country which is definitely not big on drinking. I drink, but only on social occasions; although I have to say my alcohol (and coffee) intake had gone up very steeply since I moved here. So, here's my theory. 

1. Restaurants are expensive

A cheap take-out style restaurant costs at least EUR 6 and the place isn't really cozy. If you're looking for a nicer ambience, the food must've costs over EUR 15 plus the overly priced drinks. I suppose where I come from (where I eat out a lot) you can easily find a restaurant of your budget and still enjoy a pretty nice ambience. Generally, food prices are cheaper back home. They pay man power very well here - especially when there's human in it: operating, cooking, serving. 

2. Cafes? They close at 5 pm. 

At least most cafes I find. Maybe they have longer hours during the summer. Impossible to get a good study place after 5! Back home, they open until 10 pm and probably are open again at 7 or 8 am. 

3. House Parties can get loud 

They live in flats with possibly thin walls. It drives the neighbors crazy. In Indonesia, neighborhood parties are common but houses are separated in quite a distance so it's really not that bad. 

4. You can't drink alcohol outdoors! 

There's a law. You might get arrested. Is there a law in Indonesia about drinking outdoors? There is definitely social, intangible laws towards drinking. Strange looks and nasty judgments. Not everyone who drinks is an alcoholic, you know! 

5. The last resort? Bars! 

When I came here, I was apprehensive towards bars. However, I began to enjoy it now. As long as you know your alcohol threshold, don't drive home afterwards, stay no longer than midnight (to avoid the drunk people), go with friends you're close with - it's just like any other gatherings. Plus, alcohol is so cheap and relaxing. Sinful, but rewarding. 

Always,

Hana