AMSA Convention 2007

Convention was a super fantastic event, with wonderful talks and speeches in the mornings by many really inspirational people, such as Cunxin, one of the top ballet dancers in the world, Tim Cooper, Chief brewer from Cooper's (one of the owners too!), Helen Caldicott, an extremely convincing woman who swayed us to see the banes of nuclear power, Sally Cockburn, a captivating media personality who tries to increase public awareness of medical matters, Duncan Chessel, twice Everest conqueror and avid extreme sports adventurer.

The speakers entertained, captivated and dazzled us with their life-stories and amazing experiences (especially CunXin, who grew up in severe poverty-stricken conditions). Like Helen Caldicott, who is working internationally and trying to pursuade governments such as the US and Australian government regarding the detrimental effects nuclear power has on our environment and health, they inspired and truly moved us with their passion.

They had workshops too, and I went for a suturing one, where I practiced my sewing on a pig's trotter (without the attached pig).

The night events were fascinating and exciting, with 5 costume parties (I went for 3), a day of wondering around Rundle, savouring the tantalising delights of cusine from all over the world, and a gala ball, which was a strictly black tie event.

Themes of the costume parties included a night at the cabaret with Moulin Rouge, a night of can-cans, bohemian styles and french flamboyance.

Dressing up was really fun, and Bee made me a handsome looking bow-tie (I'm still really impressed at how she did it). Everyone wore top-hats, feather boas, lacy skirts, garters and more.

The next night was African Safari, a night of tribal and wildlife splendor, with people dressed up as animals (yes, there were guys with weird giraffe-head plush toys, crocodile headmask, and other weird stuff), tribal warriors, hunters (me:p), and more!

Bee came for this party! She looks really pretty in her leopard outfit and facepaint! And we had fun dancing to the not-so-nice-techno-music-because-techno-is-hard-to-dance-to-and-is-really-annoying-if-they-play-it-for-four-hours-at-a-go-like-how-they-did-at-this-party music.

Magic school Bus was a night of reminiscence, brining us back to our school days of cheer leaders, wild aspirations, and strict teachers. Weirdly enough, I saw a 'Borat' at every event starting from Moulin Rouge - a guy in borat's bright lime green swimsuit, a very daring costume (and indecent too!).

The last night was a Gala Ball, which was circus-themed. We had a gala dinner at the convention centre, with free-flow of white and red wine, champagne, beer, dancing clowns, juggling stiltwalkers, and a funky jazz-band providing live music.

Next year's Convention will be held in Melbourne. Am really interested to go!

IMMUNITY

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