In boarding school, we all understand the many endless weeks of routine, a commanding bell, no mum or dad and not even ‘progy’ with friends at any time we please, no ice-cream outings or any hot parties to attend or to crash.

We are super anxious awaiting the 2nd greatest day of the school term (of course 2nd to the term closing day), the visitation day, mostly called by its abbreviation, V.D. No one can ever believe the excitement that surrounds this day!

At Riviera High School, just like any other boarding school, the preparations are simply amusing. First of all, one week towards this Sunday, as usually is, our minds are at battle with concentration.

For example during class a teacher in serious dictation of notes might say "I need some pieces of chalk and a duster…” and a very "attentive” student will quickly shoot back "chocolate and pizza?!? Teacher, at this time?” and after a short moment of laughter, the teacher has no choice but to clarify his statement before he/she begins to look like a giant joint of beef in their students eyes!

Besides that, we have the catalysts that go to work as soon as we get to the dorms; always thinking up a new way to excite the situation. They get everyone prepared for that very celebrated day. Funny enough, they seem to have more relatives than usual during this time.

Sometimes you’ll be quite surprised hearing someone behind you calling "cousin! Will uncle (referring to your dad) come on Sunday? I can’t wait to see him” and you’ll smile back thinking to yourself,” I don’t even have any cousins in this school” hilarious! But since you understand the reason for the excitement, a one-week cousin won’t do you harm, you’ll gladly welcome them.

There is this other amusing phenomenon… every student looks gorgeous for the visitation day. Even in uniform! Speaking for myself, I do have a particular pair of pretty ear studs I only used to wear for special occasions and I’m sure we all have that special day accessory (it’s ok to admit).

So of course I wear them for visitation days. But sadly for me, one got lost as I gave endless exaggerated hugs to the tonne of visitors but "hakuna matata”, those are soon to be replaced.

It seems like a great deal has been invested in the ‘V.D’; pretty earrings, classy belts for the boys, some borrowed watches, unusually white socks with black shoes(almost silver)  and most probably the full bottle of powder and another of perfume!

All in all, the excitement comes down to the question… "How are the reports?” that’s when we all know who had a great day or who didn’t…those whose make up stays on till the very end of the day, have surely enjoyed.

Those who haven’t, you just know it melted away with the greatly dreaded question!

The author is a student at Riviera High School.
hozatash@yahoo.com