Not a free supper in sight

“We have all been invited for dinner at the Palace of Westminster tomorrow evening,” the organizing secretary joyfully informed us. Our schedule was affected by the news, so I wasn’t quite thrilled about it. About fifteen years ago, a few of us had traveled from New Delhi to London for an international medical conference held at the Royal Society of London. Since it was a package vacation, we had already sent the travel agency our fair share to cover our lodging and other costs.

Before long, each of us got a printed card from a “Lord,” who was supposed to be our host for the conference’s “grand reception.” Our names were scribbled on both the cards and the envelopes, indicating that it was a personalized invitation to the members’ dining area. Only those invited were allowed in.

I agreed to attend with my friends, as I didn’t want to miss this special event. All invitees were required to wear black bow ties and national attire. Reluctantly, the men in our party purchased the bow ties, seeing them as an extra cost in a strange land where everything was expensive by Indian standards.

We got off our bus close to the Parliament. We arrived at the location, where armed police officers and security guards were stationed, after about a furlong of walking. We had to wait a long time in line to be put under biometric monitoring. We had a thorough screening to make sure we didn’t have any prohibited goods on us. We were then taken pictures and issued a visitor’s permit, which we had to have around our necks the whole day in order to get access.

The Lord escorted us into the structure and showed us the public galleries. After showing us around the House of Commons, he told us that the party with the most members in the House constituted the government, which was made up of prominent members of the major political parties who worked there and suggested legislation to be passed. Then he led us to the House of Lords, explaining that here was where the laws that were being considered were formulated.

I surveyed the area to see if there was anything to eat. A few waiters carried platters in a crowded area. We scarcely noticed the nibbles that seemed to be on these platters since they seemed to disappear before they could reach us. I thought, ‘Never mind the munchies, we’re having dinner. A further hour went by, and several of the attendees were looking forward to supper. Then word got out to us that supper would only be given to those who could afford it.

That completed it. One by one, the participants departed the premises without consuming any food. The coordinator presented a terrible image. He was really sorry.