The zip is quickly undone as I refile through my purse searching. Come on, I know it’s there somewhere. When I finally manage to dig my ID out I clutch onto it possessively. Teetering towards the entry in our heels I hand over my learners permit to a burly looking bouncer. A nervous flutter of apprehension fills me while I wait to see if he’ll let me in.
It happens every time. And my ID is 100% legit too so there’s no need to worry about that.
Same thing happens to me when ticket inspectors ask to see my myki. Ridiculous I know! Plus, I’m a girl which means I’m pretty much guaranteed entry. He barely glances at it before handing it back as we walk in the doors ready to dance.
Thick smoke fills the beer garden making us choke as we queue to get a drink. We’re there a bit late so “let’s get something strong to catch up” we agree. That’ll be “2 ABC shots!”
Mmm, definitely a great idea I think as my eyes water and I cough and splatter like an idiot.
I do not remember it being this strong the last time I had one!
When I’ve gotten over the initial shock of burning absinthe, I take in my surroundings. Yep, pretty similar to how things usually are at clubs. For girls it seems to be the tighter dress the better with killer heels to boot while the guys dress casually in jeans and a tee.
Once again the room is swamped with moving bodies and hot as a sauna. People are up on the podium dancing and having a laugh. As long as the music’s good it’s a recipe for a top night out.
A definite plus of being 18 is going out without any parental supervision. As good as some of the 16ths I went to were, clubbing’s got the upper hand there. It was actually all a bit of hard work sneaking around at 16ths, although at the time we all felt amazingly cool.
Teens would come to parties with big bags concealing their limited amounts of alcohol. One party I went to a boy practically cried when he discovered his precious vodka bottle (almost empty) was missing. The girls would always refuse the food offered to them by well- meaning parents who likely suspected their drinking. And the boys would eat and drink to their hearts content. And let’s not forget the smoking. Cigarettes certified coolness.
There were the random hook-ups, new couples and the end of relationships all down to these nights out. Come to think of it, that much hasn’t changed at all. Only that the hook-ups are more random and you’re likely to never see the other person again, avoiding the awkward “Oh my god, what was I thinking! Wish those lights had of been brighter…now I’ll have to see you again every time it’s one of our friend’s birthdays.”
At both clubs and 16ths there’s always people being sick after having drunk a little too much. A stick-thin platinum blonde vomiting into a rubbish bin sure looks flattering. Or the guy who thought he could handle a few drinks chucking all over himself and anyone within a 30cm radius. Although as long as they don’t spew on me I’ve got no problem with it!
The one ‘downside’ of clubbing would just be the price of entry and drinks. Honestly, $15 for a shot?? Better be worth it I think as I choke on ABC disgustingness.
If I had to give newbies some advice this would be it:
1 // Bring plenty of cash
2 //Make sure you’ve got your ID
3 // Keep yourself hydrated with water
4 //Don’t mix too many drinks unless you like feeling sick
5 // Bring a hair-tie because it gets HOT!
6 // Invest in compact foundation in case your makeup sweats off
7 // Seriously- wear comfortable shoes unless you plan on drinking till your feet are numb. Go for platform suede shoes so you don’t end up with blisters and cuts {I need to start taking my own advice!}
8 // Look out for your friends and have FUN!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Olivia Windsor is a first year Professional Communication student at RMIT. She’ll read any good book she can get her hands on faster than it takes for its sequel to be published.
Olivia belongs to the world of performance, dancing classical ballet, jazz and contemporary since the age of five. As such her closet is overflowing with tutus, sequins and sparkly leotards.
She loves exploring Melbourne’s bustling city life and sampling delicious sweet treats. Oh and she thrives on good quality coffee. Follow her at https://twitter.com/#!/oliviawindsor
