Day 10 (LaTrobe University) - Bendigo, Victoria Australia

Today in two words: hot mess. Let's start at the beginning…Res Fest started today - which is where a bunch of activities are put on by the Student Leaders for everyone living on residence. I had to once again sacrifice another orientation event to finish Outdoor Ed Orientation. This is when I felt like I was at Central again - just by the way the University schedules a bunch of activities and events on the same day. The Outdoor Ed sessions held today were probably the most interesting for me. The first session covered the equipment needed and used on the many trips we go on. As one who has nothing and knows nothing, this was perfect for me. It was a little overwhelming trying to grasp all the details of good equipment needed, but the worst part was hearing how much everything costs, so much money!

For the last half of the day we went canoeing.I was able to learn how much I suck at canoeing…j/k, I already know that I suck at canoeing! Chris, the professor who took us out, was really cool. He uses a good mix of joking around to keep you on your toes while he teaches, but the best thing that I like is that he seems so REAL. I love REAL. The first thing we did when we got to the lake was put on our PFDs (Personal Flotation Devices = lifejackets). We then got in a circle and linked arms. Chris then instructed us to walk into the water to test the "wetness" of the water. Once we go in where we couldn't touch, we then had to link legs. It was so off the wall and fun. After that we had to do front flips into the water, once again to make sure that the water was really wet. Finally, we actually started canoeing, learning the very basics: how to paddle and how to rescue someone if they capsize (and yes we all had to capsize and be the rescuer). After canoeing we received the most important training - how to properly load the canoes on a trailer using only ropes. It was pretty exhausting being out in the sun all day, but here's where the day got interesting…

Tonight was my first night going out to a club with the hallmates. Being poor Uni students, we decided to walk downtown - which is a solid 30min walk. When we got downtown it was bustling with nightlife. I'm still not used to people walking and socializing downtown late at night. There were people - old and young - all over having parties in all different types of buildings with djs and live bands. We finally arrived at Universal - the most popular club for Uni students. When we got to the front of the line there was this electronic box-thing stuck to the side of the building where a security guy was sticking IDs in. I was told it was for keeping count of who's in the building in case of fire, or something about keeping track of people in case someone starts ruckus, then they can keep them out - who knows.Anyways, I handed the security guy my license and he says something, a mumble of some sort that I couldn't understand. Next thing I know he unhooks the barricade-chain thing and tells me to step out. Another security guard comes up and says that I can't go in because I have "trainers" on, and that I will need to change my shoes before I can go in (because I always bring a change of shoes with me when I go out). I'm so confused. I look at the guy next to me who's wearing these dirty slip-on moccasin shoes. I say, "So those shoes look better than these?" I'm completely baffled, most guys in line are wearing these dirty raggedy slip-ons, and the security guard explains: "We stopped allowing trainers 12 months ago. You look like you're about to go for a run or go to the gym. You need a pair of dress shoes." I said, "Dress shoes, I don't get it." Guard, "I know, it's kind of a dumb rule because you probably paid $50-$60 for those (ummm…try twice that, these are brand new high quality walking shoes) when these guys in line paid $20 for those. Sorry." What. The. Eff. I tried telling him that I went to clubs in Cairns with them and I was fine, that did nothing. And of course I was the last one of the group to be in line, but Amanda stayed behind and offered sympathy and asked if I knew how to get back to the halls. I'd figure it out.

I had been trying to pay attention as we walked downtown, and it was basically three turns so I figured I could walk back by myself. I did well, made it outside of the downtown area, and then I was completely lost. Option 1: This is my "walkabout," so I should explore and attempt to find my way back on my own. Option 2: Get a taxi…but I'm not exactly sure on how. So after I attempted to find my way back and became disoriented (there were so many roundabouts, they all looked the same) I caved and decided to get a taxi. What's $10 in exchange for a guaranteed safe transport ride back? Next step: find a taxi. There were actually a lot of taxis driving around, but I was told you can't just "wave one down." I followed them back downtown and thankfully a taxi stopped right in front of me letting someone out. I got in, gave the directions, and looked down and saw that the fair started at $6.40 - OUTRAGEOUS! (I found out later that the fare jumps up after midnight) Dammit. And now he's taking me right past the point where I gave up walking. If only I had just walked a little further in the darkness I would've seen a landmark and had my route. Anyway, the cab ended up costing $12. Now I'm out $12 and got nothing in return, while my hallmates are partying…SOB. I learned a lot that night…the most important being that I needed "dress shoes."

Lingo Learned:
Trainers = Tennis Shoes (or for the east coast people, sneakers)