Party time (7.11.08)

They say that Erasmus Exchange is all about having parties. Hm, maybe there is a grain of truth in it, but I must admit that our life here is not extraordinarily party-like. Of course, when compared to our neighbours and another Erasmus students.
If you want to use all the discounts that come with the Erasmus Card, you will find yourself spending the first days of week in the following pubs:
Monday: party in Ride Club
Tuesday: meeting in Down Under
Wednesday: party in Loco
Thursday: party in Prater Dome
Plus lots of parties organised by students in Student Houses, at your friends’ friends place, meetings in various pubs and other events organised by Erasmus Exchange Office. I know people who spend each evening at a party. There are some who always go to Ride and Loco, each week. There is a cheap trick that attract them – from 7 to 8 p.m. free drinks are served. And then the prices are not as high as in other pubs. But the place is overcrowded. Uncomfortable lack of space. No way to dance, no way to talk. But you can sing – there’s Karaoke in Loco.
I visited both pubs once only. And I don’t think I’ll come back there in the nearest future.
All the parties and almost all the Erasmus Events have one in common. Photographers from various agencies take photos of people having fun. They give them a card with web site and then you can browse your pics in the net. Or download them for free. Quite a good idea.
Our party life started a month ago with Erasmus Welcome Party. In Palace Aschenbach, which was built at the times of Joseph II. Now it houses a pub, full of magnificent paintings and gorgeous chandeliers located in three rooms. The dancing floor is in the biggest one. Of course – the place was overcrowded again. But it doesn’t really matter. It was my first party in such an unusual decor. Almost like in a museum, with all the columns, golden decorative items... nice.
The next strange party place was a ship. It is situated on the Donau Canal and has been transformed into a pub. This time – without fancy paintings and extravagant decoration. But it was quite attractive anyway.
However, nothing compares to the parties thrown in Student Houses. So far I’ve been to four. In most cases they’re organized in special common rooms, but a kitchen is a good place, as well. And playing music extremely loud is a routine, too. So that even those, who don’t want participate in a party are somehow forced to attend it. And then the awful mornings come... With an extremely filthy kitchen. Recently our neighbour slept on a kitchen sofa, after the party of course. And he failed to smell the burning toasts that he had prepared for himself before falling asleep. Well, nothing will surprise me anymore.
The best party room in our Student House is the floor number three. And in the whole Pfeilheim (3 Student Houses on Pfeilgasse) the building nr 3 is said to host the best parties. Well, I don’t know, haven’t been there yet.
And I haven’t visited any non-Erasmus pub.I mean, the one when avarage Viennese spent their time. But one day I’ll catch up on that, too.
The top of the tops was the yesterday party in the city hall. Organised by the mayor for the exchange students. To get there, we had to collect special invitations from the Erasmus Office. And of course, we had to wear smart clothes. But it was really exciting. The ball room is gorgeously decorated with columns , chandeliers, paintings. What’s more – there were two tables full of delicious food. But it was gone quickly. As soon as the mayor finished his welcome speech. Unfortunately, the menu didn’t include much vegetarian food, so I had to limit myself to few salads, sweets and fruit. Anyway, there was a real fight for food and soon only drinks were left. About 10p.m. it seemed to be over – dishes and tables were being collected, and cleaned, the music was gone, as well. The time passed really quickly, I met a lot of friends, which was not easy, as there about 800 guests came.