I've been here under a week and I have already captured a beautiful thing called a "hangover." I'll have to explain a few things about day five here before I can properly get to the results of my fun, so I'll start first with how University runs here during Orientation week in Newcastle.
There are four colleges on campus: Evatt, Edwards, International House and Barahineban. I live in the last college. It's considered by most to be the quietest college on campus since it promotes independent living the most. Indeed, most of the rooms have their own kitchen, bathroom, bedroom etc. The other colleges usually share a kitchen, bathroom and sometimes a bedroom too. While that's not my cup of tea, it means that the other colleges do a lot more group activities. There is always a pool party going on beside my college at Edwards Hall (or, as we Uni kids call it: Teds). International House is always up to something, if not partying at nearly all times of the hour. And... Evatt... well, I don't know anyone from there yet but everyone says they are crazy.
Stereotypes aside, I've mentioned that I like my college and that other colleges are really friendly too.
Yesterday, I got a knock at my door at 11 am. You can imagine how surprised I was since I had not met many people in the college. It turned out to be the lovely guy who hooked up my Internet for me and who is somewhat of a college leader for Bara. I'm pretty surprised he didn't just turn around and walk away when I opened the door because I was still in my pajamas and looking a little worse for wear. To top it all off, I was quickly embarrassed by this fact and was acting a little weird because of it. This was our conversation:
Sam: "So, we're going into town to get costumes for tonight. Wanna come?"
Me, Squirming: "Costumes?"
Sam: "Uh, yeah. For tonight. There's a party."
Me: "Party?"
Sam: "Yeah. Back to School Party!"
Me: "Back to School party?"
Sam: "It's where you dress up in school uniforms and party. We're going shopping for the costumes. Do you wanna come?"
Me: "What time?"
Sam: "In fifteen minutes?"
Me, awkwardly hiding behind my door: "Ok. Where do I meet you?"
Sam: "Front room. Fifteen minutes. See you soon."
(Me laughing awkwardly while closing the door and followed by a lot of scrambling to get myself looking presentable in fifteen minutes).
... As you may have picked up, I think I only responded in questions. This added to my already flourishing charm in case you were wondering. Regardless, I went shopping with Sam, his friend, Jeff, and the other Canadian girl living in Bara. She's from the Yukon. It was nice to socialize with another Canadian but I also had fun talking with Sam and Jeff.
Sam found the best costume too. I guess everyone in primary school or high school wears a uniform. Sam chose to go as one of the girls, so he found a pleated plaid skirt, polo shirt and a hat with side flaps to go with it. The last article of clothing may sound weird but it's something every student has to wear. The idea is that it protects your head and neck from the sun. A good idea, of course, but still ridiculous in its own right.
I found a tie and shirt to complete my outfit and the others found some gems too. I should have bought this particular tie (it was made completely from bird feathers and was rock hard because it was cast in some sort of finish) but I chose to do a classic school-girl look.
The party itself was a lot of fun, of course. Besides the few I had previously met, I got to mingle with what seemed like the entire college. Everyone dressed up and we played games like 7-Up (they call it "heads down, thumbs up") and Duck, Duck, Goose (Well, we attempted to play it). These primary school games were all done with a twist: that twist being with "alcohol."
Now, here's where it gets a little hazy. I guess I had gone through a bottle of white and was ready to call it quits when some guy in a black jumper (sweatshirt for you Canadians) demanded I stayed. I did not recall meeting him or telling him my name but he seemed pretty determined to get me to stay and so I did. That was my mistake.
They got me to play a drinking game and I was either losing a lot or winning. I don't know what you call it if you're drinking a lot. Whilst this was happening, I had this guy named "Raul" from Saudi Arabia sit on my lap often and smother the side of my face with what I think were kisses. (Don't worry, Bryan, it wasn't reciprocated or invited). Simultaneously someone was drawing on my arm and leg with a permanent marker. I should say it was pretty interesting trying to get a penis in permanent marker off of my leg in time to make it to a compulsory orientation meeting.
I got out of there pretty quick after that and for good reason because I realized I had to wake up in seven hours for a full day of orientation and tours.
I have read this post over and feel like I must say something to reclaim my "reputation." Australians... and for that matter, Saudi Arabians, are crazy! Long after I left, they kept the party going. As a result, most of them had just woken up for the BBQ lunch. And in an ironic moment, I realized that the "tables had turned." Now they were all standing around in their pajamas looking tired, sick and unkempt.
I had fun. I hope to not have that much fun again for some time. And I've been told once school starts, there will be far fewer parties thrown. Amen. I don't think I can keep up with these Aussies.
The rest of my day is going to be spent reading Jane Eyre, cooking a delicious and nutritious meal and drinking a lot of water. I think everyone is heading into town tonight and I might tag along but shall remain composed and graceful. At least that's the plan...
Cheers!
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