Screeched In!

I am now officially an honourary Newfoundlander!! Last night we went out to get me screeched in. We went down to George Street, which I think I've mentioned before. Christian's Bar was supposed to be the oldest and most famous for screech-ins, but when we got there, the sign said they only did them wed-sun!! Gah!! Very disappointed...however, we got pointed down the street to another, much more sketchy bar called Trapper John's. We got in and asked about the screech-in thing, the lady behind the bar said they were waiting for some people to get there and would be screeching in a small group of us in about a half an hour. So we had to sit there and wait. Chris, Aaron and Rebecca and I just had to pass the time. Not a good way for me to go into the screech thing. I just sat there getting more and more nervous. We all had to print out our names for the certificate and donate five dollars to the children's hospital, which was fine. Finally, at about 11 or something like that, the lady began the screech in. There were four of us in total, me and three other guys. We had to stand at the bar and introduce ourselves and where we were from. Me, Melissa Parks from BC, and the three guys (whose names I can't remember) who were all from Calgary. I said "Ha!! I came further than you did for this!!" It was funny. I got to wear the had, which you'll see in the pics when I get home. Then we all had to repeat the oath, which was basically Newfoundland slang (which I'll never remember) that translated to "May you have good wind in your sails and a long and happy life" or something close to that. Then we all had to take a shot of screech (burned ALL the way down) and instead of kissing a cod (which they didn't do at the bar we were at) we had to kiss a Puffin's ass!! Very funny watching those guys pucker up!! Then we all got our certificates and were free to go. I made those Calgary guys get a picture with me so you can all see that later. Must say though, we didn't get screeched in until around 1030 or 1100, and I hadn't eaten anything since around 500...and you all know me, I don't really drink. Well, that screech burned all the way down, then instantly warmed me from the inside out, and I was dizzy!! Not spinning and stumbling dizzy, but I could feel my head spinning whenever I turned it. Weird feeling....So we had to go somewhere and get some food after. We all ended up going to Subway for sandwiches, with an addition of the other Chris. Lots of fun, very cool experience.

Anyways, today we went to the Rooms, which is the museum here in St. John's. I got some pics for everyone to see later. Now i'm just waiting at Chris's house for him to get back from a work meeting. Then we're having turkey sandwiches for dinner and going to see Spider Man three tonight. It's my last full day here, and I think it's going to be the most relaxing. Tomorrow I'll have to be at the airport for 12 or 1230 because my flight leaves at 2. Sigh...It's been oodles of fun so far, but I must say that I'm so very excited for London!! First play on may 11, Chicago!!

Oh, and as a side note, today we went to a place called the Bagel Cafe. Very cute, tiny little cafe, that served almost anything on a bagel as well as a whole bunch of other good stuff. It was very cosy, very different from anywhere I've ever been before.

Miss you all, Love you lots!!

Melissa
PS-Mom, Dad, I love you and am sending you a giant imaginary hug!!