Maastricht University Introduction Week. Quite possibly the biggest week of my life (so far..)
Never before have I met so many international students, forgotten so many names, partied so hard and slept so little. It's been a rollercoaster ride and I've loved every minute of it. As I think back on the week that has been, of exploring cobblestoned streets, making snow angels, dancing to bizzare Dutch music, shopping for dinner with friends and scoring goals in floor hockey, I can't think of a better introduction to the beautiful city of Maastricht, the Netherlands.
Perhaps the best way to illustrate my time as an exchange student is to describe to you my night of Cantus, the traditional student game in the Netherlands. Cantus is latin for 'singing', and involves the singing of songs and drinking of beer under the watchful eye of the Praesidium, or president, who dictates rules that must be followed in order to avoid punishment.
Seated at long tables, watering cans full of beer were placed in front of us but could not be touched until permission was granted. The president would make a toast, and then order the group to drink 'Ad Libitum' (as you please) or 'Ad Fundum' (till the glass is empty). When the drinking stopped, the singing would begin. We were given a booklet with words to such classics as 'It's Raining Men' and 'I Will Survive,' and everyone stood on the tables belting out tunes and dancing along.
It was forbidden to drink while the singing occurred, and anyone who broke the rules had to receive a punishment.This involved going up to the front to drink a beer mixed with cream, garlic or fish sauce as quickly as possible. I was careful to avoid that one!
It was an hilarious night and a lot of fun, all the exchange students got really into it. Groups of nationalities would spontaneously break out in song, and I'm proud to add us Aussies got in a rousing rendition of 'I still call Australia home!' There will be a couple more Cantus nights while I am here so I'm already looking forward to the next one!