Kiwi HoeDown

So, the place where I am doing my Masters research, ESR (Environmental Science and Research), had their midyear function on Friday. It was an American Cowboy/Western themed event complete with costumes (called "fancy dress" here in NZ) and a line dancing entertainer/instructor. It was very comical to see what a Kiwi's view of the American West entailed.

The main food at the event was an assortment of fried nibbles (some of it seafood and some Asian spring rolls, etc.), hot dogs with fried onions, and donuts. One of the line dances we learned was the hustle (done to Achy Breaky Heart), one was the "Hokey Tokey" (like the Hokey Pokey, but with a slight twist), and one was an actual country type dance with a circle of people grouped in fours that required quite a bit of coordination (no small feat for some participants who had started liquid festivities a bit early).

All in all, it was great fun, with great (albeit NOT country) music and dancing. I even won a raffle prize of a four pack of Coca-Cola, although I sadly did not win the costume contest. Apparently everyone thought that I was Pocahontas as that is the only American Indian female that Kiwis are familiar with. There were about 6 other Indians among the cowboys, but the costume award went to the saloon madam, as it should have.

I was the only "Indian" with face paint.

Gangsta, kiwi, pirate, cowboy...yo!

The Forensic Science Masters Student Crew.

Line Dancin'

The winner of the costume contest minus her feather boa.

Yeehaw!

:) Jen