Bechtel Christmas 2004

Voted “The Best Fete of the Christmas Season” for the past three years by guests and Bechtel people alike, the Hilton ballroom and entrance was dressed overall for an Adventurous Journey Around the World on Friday, December 5. Bechtel is “a company that sees opportunity in every challenge and a solution to every problem” — in constructing “two LNG plants ahead of time and below cost” .  . . to quote the passport issued to every guest. ( We might wish the company had solutions to a few other problems here as well.)

Started by Warren A Bechtel grading railroads in 1898, under his direction the company grew to be one of six to build the Hoover Dam in 1931. His son Steve succeeded him in 1933 with the determination that Bechtel could build “anything, anytime, anywhere” — they did and to this day, they do in all seven continents, and, of course, Trinidad. In 1960 Stephen Jr became CEO, 30 years later Riley Bechtel took over the helm of the family firm which, among other ventures, is helping to rebuild the infrastructure in Iraq. As is traditional with the Bechtel Christmas fete, we had to sing for our suppers. My friend and I were lucky, being seated at the United Kingdom table (with a colour photograph of Stonehenge on our menu). We had no problem singing “We Wish You Merry Christmas” in English.

It took a little time — and a lot of laughter — for Nicky Crosby and Errol Fabien to persuade those seated at the Greek, Japanese and Chinese (among other nationalities) tables to sing “Merry Christmas” in those languages while the Hawaiian table brought the house down when, instead of singing, they had to do a “hula” to the tune “Merry Christmas” before they were allowed to proceed to the buffet tables. In keeping with the theme of the ‘03 Christmas fete, the menu was international, starting with Scandinavian Seafood Salad with Fresh Dill and Cream. Next we travelled half-way round the world for Thai Chili Beef Salad with Capers and Onions. It was but a (relatively) short voyage to China with Red Bliss Potatoes with Cucumber, Bean sprouts and Red Onions. Then we sailed back to Scandinavia for Smoked Salmon, steamed ahead to Spain for Frito-Misto Seafood, whizzed around the Cape to India for Pork Vindaloo, and back through the Suez Canal to Jordon for Roasted Honey Glazed Chicken with Pine Nuts and Onions.

Standing on the banks of the Canal the natives must have wondered as we voyaged back to Thailand for Stir-Fried Seafood with Ginger and Basil, then turned about for English Prime Rib Roast with Yorkshire Puddings. We crossed “The Pond” to the USA for Candied Yams and Potatoes with Brown Sugar before inching our way through the Panama Canal and across the Pacific to Japan for Stir-Fried Garden Vegetables, finally doubling back round the Cape (and some very stormy weather) for Fried Rice in Trinidad. I leave you to work out our itinerary for the desserts: Florida Key Lime Pie, Tira Mi Sui, Chocolate Yuletide Log, Traditional Trini Fruit Cake with Brandied Cream, Passion Fruit Cheese Cake and Fresh Fruit Salad.

After dinner came a cross-talk impromptu comedy act; Nicky Crosby reading out such prize winners as “The lady with a safety pin in her dress,” “The person who travelled furthest to get to the fete” (Cedros won that one), “Man wearing contact lenses,” “the lady with a tattoo.” Winners picked their own prizes from the pile of wrapped boxes on the table beside the MV Bechtel, while Errol Fabien guessed what might be in the boxes — a key to a silver grey Mercedes Benz in the Hilton car park perhaps, or a trip to Paris for two? The fun and games were succeeded by Imij with music for dancing that swept yours truly and friend home — with thanks to Bechtel for a grand Christmas fete.