I had the fortunate privilege of being invited to a house party on Friday night just gone.

It was in a small town, about 50 kilometres east of Melbourne – A place called Healesville.

The east side of Melbourne is famous for its open and green terrain… this is the area from which a lot of Victoria’s finer wines come from. A popular area for the Sunday drivers with the Mercedes and BMW’s due to the open and windy roads.

50Klms is a long way to go to a party you may say – and I know this is true, but I would not have it any other way. Small town people are the best.

We were invited to this party through a friend of ours – his name is Marty, and he became our friend, because he is from Healesville, which makes him a friendly guy. He was just some random at a dance party last September, we both smiled each others way, got to talking. And the rest is history.

I’ve not walked into a party for a long time where everyone was having such a good time. As soon as we walked in, my brother and I were copping stares from the punters – evidently, we were the only ‘outsiders’ and it must have been a bit strange for these country people in their hoody tops and moccasins to see such impeccably groomed young men such as myself and my brother. That was a joke. We had no particular reason to stand out, but we did, because everyone there knew each other really well – except us.

We didn’t really feel uncomfortable though – whilst people were looking at us, we did all we could do, smile, and wait to be introduced! Marty was an excellent host, for the first half hour, we were migrating from group to group and he was making sure that everyone knew that we were with him, and that no harm was to become of us. I really appreciated that, because there is nothing worse than a party where you don’t really feel welcome.

These small town people were really accommodating. As soon as the fact had been established that we were ‘cool dudes’ the party was on. Guys and Girls alike were approaching us in comfort and starting conversations, talking and acting around us as if they had known us for years – I can never remember a city party I have walked into and felt this comfortable – even when I know 90% of the people.

They had this disposition that we were a mate of their mates, so therefore, we are also their mates. It was absolutely fantastic… As you would make you way around the party the girls would dance with you and the guys would say hello, no inhibitions whatsoever. The guys with the bongos sitting around the fire were great as well… just happy to share a laugh and teach you a trick or two on the hippy drums.

As a city kid (who frequented the country town of my mothers birth) , I was guilty of dismissing anyone who lived outside of my comfort zone as a country hick who didn’t know anything except how to drink beer and drive utes… I am somewhat ashamed it took me 21 years to work out that isn’t the case at all. I actually admitted this in a drunken/stoned/high state… I yelled out to a group of about 30 ‘villies’ and told them I used to hold them in contempt… there were a few boos at this point… but it quickly turned into cheers when I said I was fool and that I loved them now!!!

I met these people for one night… but they really open up to you, as they are a trusting and happy people - I feel like I am one of them, and I really look forward to the next party.

I wish you could walk around in the city, and people would still stop and say hello. Why are country people almost always friendlier than anyone from the city? I would consider myself a friendly person – I try and smile at people I see in the street, but usually people just avoid eye contact. Do city people have something to hide? Or are they just to busy for life and its obvious benefits.

There has to be some Utopian city where people still say hello, and smile?