* Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Götz von Berlichingen
**Another article written for a university paper. It is perhaps a reiteration of much of the previous post. I remarked at the weekend that when one lives in a city for a prolonged period, one creates a life there. Upon departure, one leaves a shadow of that life. It does not disappear. It re-animates upon return. I hope this will be true upon my return to Angleterre.
On a rather out-of-character[1]
whim, I boldly booked ball and plane tickets for the Maurice Blackburn Notre
Dame Sydney Law Society’s annual ball. Quite a mouthful; and indeed the food
was good, but this is somewhat jumping around.
By way of context, I am recently returned to Fremantle after
a lovely year in the suave city of Sydney. The foundations of firm friendships
were laid, and the opportunity to build upon these was not one to be lightly
dismissed. YOLO, YOYO, carpe diem -
whichever you may follow, be sure to follow faithfully.
Upon my return, it was immediately apparent that I had made
the correct choice. The sun shone. A Paddington tailor, in the midst of
relocating to the Strand Arcade, gifted me a handmade, heteroclite handkerchief
of a pocket square (in my haste I had forgotten to pack one). Excellent
cocktails were available at AUD$12. Such fun.
I had the good sense to enter a raffle for a round of
cocktails with the President of the NDSLS, Eden Christopher, and three friends.
Although belated by tiresome traffic, we entered the charming Shangri-La Hotel
at the Rocks, bee-lining for the lifts. At floor 36, we entered 2010’s Bar of
the Year,[2]
the New York-inspired Blu Bar. Reconnecting with friends over an espresso
martini, whilst overlooking the glorious harbour at night is an activity I
highly recommend.
Following this, we ear-poppingly descended to the ballroom
for the main event. A charming space greeted us: crisp, white tablecloths,
silver service and the bubbling effervescence of excited and partly inebriated
chatter. Drinks à gogo;
bread rolls helpfully present.
The night opened with speeches. Mirroring the changes in
Fremantle, the new Dean Professor
Michael Quinlan spoke first. Chaplaincy Convenor Patrick Langrell said Grace.
Finally the President, a reluctant public speaker, referred to the recent and
tragic passing of much-loved student Chris Drake, whose parents were in
attendance. It was a reminder of the closeness of the community at our young
law school and how privileged we are to attend, be it west or east coast.
With the
formalities over, the aforementioned food was served and it was topping. Particularly
pudding, but then, in that department I am rarely disappointed. The obligatory
Macklemore inspired many a honky to take to the dance floor. This included the
doyenne of the Sydney law school’s administration, Roszanna Hazlewood, who was
in fabulous form. The wonderful event put on by the NDSLS included a decadent[3]
photo booth, where many forgotten moments could be recalled the following
under-the-weather day.
Many thanks
go to Eden Christopher and the NDSLS for having me to such a delightful night.
To any so considering, Sydney is definitely worthy of a whirl.
