Didgeridoos, Spears, and Boomerangs

5.11.2012

Friday. Today we had Aboriginal class. We had a discussion for the first half. Although I could not tell you what we talked about. The second part of class was a lot more exciting. We learned how to throw boomerangs and spears from this guy named Ross. Ross was cool. He makes boomerangs, didgeridoos, and lots of art work. And he was selling some of his work.

I bought some souvenirs. Including a didgeridoo for Dad. (So spoiler alert Dad, you’re getting your didgeridoo). After that, we had a bit of a lunch break, then we reconvened for about another hour. We talked about some fundamental differences between America and Australia. Like our national anthems. And of course the entire class sung the national anthem and it was all very patriotic.

After class I stuck around campus. The ASC staff are doing what we call “Family Nights”. Each staff member (there are 4 of them) hosts one family night with about 10 students. The group could do various things like get together and have dinner, possibly an activity. I don’t really know. But anyway, my family night was tonight with Michelle.

Since I was just hanging around campus, Michelle invited me to go shopping with her for taco supplies and to come to her apartment a bit early. So Tam and I both went with Michelle to the grocery store. We had quite an adventure figuring out how much food we needed to by for 13 people. (and we way over estimated on some things).  Michelle and Tam were impressed with my shopping cart organization abilities. i.e. putting a like items together and putting the tortilla chips on top so they wouldn’t be crushed.

When we were checking out, the clerk was very helpful. He had been eyeing all of our groceries and come to the conclusion that we did not have enough lettuce or onions or soda and that we had forgotten the jalapenos. I thought it was all a scam to make us buy more. But Michelle totally went with it so I guess if that was his intention it worked.

After shopping, we went back to Michelle’s apartment and quickly helped her set up. Nothing like vacuuming a staff members apartment to make you feel closer. Michelle was also really impressed with my ability to set up for a party. All I did was move the table into the corner and set up all of the seating in a kind of circle around the living room. But she was impressed with my forethought and says that I need to give lessons in hosting.

We got started cooking the meat, and soon enough the rest of the group came. We ate way to much food and played catchphrase. We then moved on to just chatting and it was overall a really fun night. I had service placement in the morning so I wanted to leave somewhat early. I left with Katie and Kristen to catch the 9:29 bus, that didn’t come until 9:52. But who’s counting?

I had to carry around the didgeridoo I had bought earlier and I got a few weird looks. The bus driver asked me if I was going to play it or use it as a weapon. I told him neither and promised not to cause him any trouble. It was slightly embarrassing to be walking about the city on a Friday night with a large, heavy, stick. But I will admit, I felt very safe walking home.