Wednesday 24 April 2013

There is Strong Shadow Where There is Much Light*


* Johann Wolfgang von GoetheGötz 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.


[1] No references available.
[2] http://www.shangri-la.com/sydney/shangrila/dining/bars-lounges/blu-bar-on-36/.
[3] See The Inbetweeners film.

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