Dangars Falls (29.06.21)

By Nic Wilson

consumed by moss

Armidale NSW, 2019 website / instagram / blog

Sadly, today was the final day of the conference. As the hours passed, I realised that I wasn’t ready for it to end. I tried to appreciate every last minute. After a lovely breakfast with some of my wonderful Classics friends, I made my way to the main lecture theatre for the plenary session, presented by Lynette Jensen: “Lego Classics: Serious or Superficial?” As a big fan of the Lego Classicist, it was fantastic to hear about how he started, and about the broader impact of Lego as a medium in presenting Classics. 

After the plenary session, we all enjoyed another fantastic morning tea before the final day’s panels’ began. These are the last two sessions I attended: 

I thoroughly enjoyed each and every paper. I’ve always been fascinated by Augustus’ moral laws and the AWAWS (Australasian Women in Ancient World Studies) panel certainly made me think I should investigate a topic or two related to the reforms as a side project in the future.

The Death and the Underworld panel was a very fitting way to end the conference. Although I couldn’t get a seat inside, I thoroughly enjoyed the talks. As a huge Doctor Who fan, it was interesting to hear such a well-thought-out comparison between ancient and modern (pop culture) interpretations of the afterlife.  

My view for the final session. I was able to move for the second paper and see inside - just!

And so the panels ended, seemingly as quickly as they began. All of the attendees joined together for one final afternoon tea, in which a very special announcement was made. At the conference, OPTIMA offered 3 prizes for postgraduates who were giving a paper. Those who entered were judged on the quality of their argument and their presentation, and...

The wonderful @marybeard won first place!

The smile says it all. I’m so proud!

It was the perfect end to the conference. I went back to my accommodation on a high, elated to have been part of such a wonderful event. Though it was sad for it to come to an end I met some wonderful new people and strengthened friendships I made at Amphorae XII last year. I am lucky, also, that I’ve been able to enjoy an extra night in Armidale due to the lack of flights which connect to Hobart, so I topped off the day with dinner and a stroll through the town centre with @cavedraconem and @katnerys-targaryen  

And now, with my bags packed, and the hour getting late, I must head to bed. The journey isn’t over quite yet, though. I have a 7.5 hour layover in Sydney tomorrow. I may or may not have an adventure planned already ;)