I could only do this in Ecuador. The day before finals. Instead of studying, my host mother wants me to join the party she has organised for her friends. Candlelight, food, and lots and lots of wine.
I tell myself I can look through my notes after the dinner. I mean, till what time could it last? These ladies are more than fifty, sixty years old. Besides, what could possibly happen? I’ll get a bit tipsy. I can handle that. Anyways, I can handle way more than them. I am young and I am European. They are known to be better drinkers.
The party lasts until after midnight. I’ll use the altitude (Quito is at 2800 m above sea level) as an excuse for me being more than just a bit tipsy. My notes? I can’t even remember where I left them. Straight to bed.
Luckily, I remembered to set my alarm clock. Even though I get up around six every day, this time it seems too early. And a headache. That was to be expected. I can’t find my notes. I guess this is going to be the first exam in my life without having a clue what it will be about. It´s my agriculture exam. The last sessions were about sustainability. And something about compost. Oh, and I remember some ways of how to reuse animal shit.
All students are waiting in front of the classroom. I am staring at the floor. My head hurts like crazy. Fingers crossed. I prepare for a disaster. There he is, our agriculture professor. He opens the door. Whilst all students get into the classroom, he doesn´t let me and my best friend pass through the door. I must look confused. He tells: “You two have been such good students. I don’t think it is necessary you take the exam. So off you go”. I try to say something back: “Well, thanks, … that’s very nice of you. I mean, I did study very hard. But I guess, if you insist... yes, thanks”.