Saturday Night Fever

21 Years - Let's Celebrate!

The South African's Brother turned 21 last week! So, saturday night was time to celebrate! Loz and i went off to the Adelaide Oval, all dressed up, and i was surprised to see so many people that i knew! I'd figured that i'd only know one or two people, but i immediately saw the familiar faces of the South African, Married Man, Married Man's wife-to-be, Tiny Tim and the birthday boy's parents. Everyone was happy to see us, so my fear of being alone in a corner all evening was quicklu reduced. Yay!

We heard some great speeches from both the South African's Brother's friends, and those of his father (as it was a party for his 50th too). I learnt a little too much about the birthday boy, and all of the mischief that he's been up to in the 21 years leading up to today. When it got to midnight and was time for us to hop on a bus into town, i couldn't move my head without shiny plastic 50's and 21's falling out of my hair - they'd been decorating the table, but Married Man found it funnier to scoop them up and put them in my hair (two days later and i'm still finding them all over my room).

We all headed over to Marble Bar and scored places in the VIP line - no waiting for us! Loz managed to get it (which we were rather pleased about, her being only 17 and all) but left soon after about half an hour, as she wasn't feeling too well. I was on the verge of cutting out too, having a fever and a cough... but decided that i was having too much fun! I made friends (quite a feat, i was very proud of myself) with some of the South African's friends - namely greg and francis - as well as spending almost the entire evening in the presence of Tiny Tim. With my wallet being replaced by the South African's and his warning his friends to 'look after me' every time he stepped away, i was having a grand old time. There were a few breaks where the South African and i were sandwiched between those who were... well, less sober than others, which was amusing. Tiny Tim and the South African even had me dancing, which is a rare feat. Even in the state he was in, the South African gave me his approval - apparently my dancing is no longer laughable, which i am ever so pleased about! Despite Tiny Tim being shorter than me (a pet hate), we spent most of the evening together, dancing, mucking around, reminding each other of the ridiculous thing we've seen each other do. Eventually, only myself, the South African, Tiny Tim and one other boy were left and, around 3.30am, we called it quits.

Unable to find a taxi outside, we walked alllll the way down to the Hungry Jack's on Rundle. A long way in the freezing cold, let me tell you! Barely able to feel my fingers, but pleased that my feet weren't killing me yet, i alternated my poor digits between Tiny Tims hand and the South Africans armpits. I must say, we looked very bizzare. Eventually we reached our destination. After a quick stop-off for food, we waited forever for a taxi. The boys refused to believe that standing in the taxi-queue would be faster than trying to steal one from the opposite corner, so spent twenty minutes trying. Finally, one of the boys suggested waiting in line and they greeted the idea like it was brand new and fantastic (apparently girls don't have good ideas. hmph).

Just before we managed to get a taxi, however, i was greeted by a disturbing sight. Right next to me a fight broke out and i jumped out of the way of the boy who'd just been smashed in the face and was falling to the ground. Startled, i shrieked. The poor boy was now on the ground, another guy slamming his foot into the side of his head. Blood everywhere, the guys hauled me into our waiting taxi and as i looked back, all i could see was the guy on the ground with his head in front of a taxi wheel. It was all i could do to pray that the taxi wasn't going anywhere. I scoured the papers the next morning, for signs of someone getting hurt. Back in the taxi on the way home, however, the boys didn't find it quite as distressing as i did, saying that the guy had asked for it, joining in with the taxi driver's laughter. I was stunned to see them so callous about the whole thing. It worries me that there is so much violence on the streets of quiet old adelaide... but i guess boys just have yet to learn a better way of sorting out their problems...

The taxi ride wasn't long, but i was exhausted and my panadol supply was wearing off, so i was soon dozing on Tiny Tim's shoulder. I finally got to my place around 4am, saying a hurried good-bye and finally dipping into the contents of my wallet for the first time in the night for some of the taxi fare. Then it was off to bed for me! Exhausted, i don't think i woke up until almost 1pm the next day! Serves me right for staying out late when i was sick... so much for my early night! But, i had heaps of fun, as i always seem to do when i'm out with that group. Plus, it's fun being the only girl and being looked after!

Annie