IMPORTANT NOTE: We are leaving his page in place for historical reasons and because it provides a glimpse of Aristasia "on the ground". However, we are no longer giving interviews to newcomers in London or anywhere else. The starting point for becoming an Aristasian is now Virtualia. Only after proving themselves as enthusiastic and comitted Aristasians in the Virtual world will girls be granted a "real-life" interview. Click below to learn how to enter Virtualia.
So what did you think? “Aristasia is so fantastical and wonderful that it could not possibly exist in real life”? Oh ye of little faith! The age of miracles has not passed. Aristasia does exist.
There is an Aristasian Embassy just outside London. Some of you will have seen Aristasian events in television programmes such as A Weekend at Miss Martindale's. Some of you will have read about the life and events of an Aristasian District in the novel Children of the Void (currently out of print — but we're working on it). Be assured that while some of this material is slightly fictionalised, it is substantially true. There is a real Aristasian life, and you can be part of it.
Aristasia welcomes visitors who are seriously interested in learning about and experiencing Aristasian life.
So what is Aristasia-in-Telluria like? It is organised into Districts. The District is the fundamental unit of Aristasian government. Each District has District Authorities and a District Governess, though in the ordinary course of life one does not often meet either. You, as a visitor, are extremely unlikely to see them. The District consists of a group of Aristasian Households. The household, or hestia is the fundamental building-block of the District and of Aristasia as a whole.
At present only one District is open to visitors: the District of Avendale, which is geographically located in and around London. Your first visit will be either to an event in London, or (more usually) to the Aristasian Embassy which is situated just outside London. Generally speaking, your first visit will be an informal interview — really just a chat over a cup of tea to let you meet one or two of us and let us meet you.
Then,
if we all meet each other’s satisfaction, we shall proceed (possibly on
the same occasion) to an Event. Aristasian events are of various kinds. We have
cinema showings, cafés and cocktail bars, outings and picnics, tea on
the terrace, parties and other events. But the central event is usually school.
All new Aristasians in Avendale District become members of Avenbridge School.
There are various reasons for this. Being together in uniform gives a marvelous esprit
de corps and helps new girls to become a part of things very quickly. Also,
entering a whole new world, there is quite a lot to learn, and a school is an
ideal place to learn it.
It sounds like a big thing. You are probably asking: “How much commitment will it involve?” The answer is, in the short term very little; and in the long term as much or as little as you choose. As a visitor, your only commitment is to behave like an Aristasian while you are in Aristasia. Don't worry, you will learn how to do it. That is partly what school is for.
Becoming a more committed Aristasian is a long-term process. You may or may not want to take that path. Aristasia is, in any case, very selective: though if your desire is sincere and you are prepared to work very hard, you will probably be accepted. That is a matter for the future. At present you will only be a visitor.
One may be an Aristasian on many levels, from the casual visitor to the fully committed Aristasian. this is known as the doctrine of Concentric Circles. If you decide to continue attending Aristasian events you will move in a level or two from the outermost circle, but you will still be within the outer ring. Many, if not most, regular Aristasians stay on an outer circle, enjoying Aristasian events and friendship without taking on full Aristasian nationality and commitment. We make a distinction between full Aristasians and Friends of Aristasia. This site is called Aristasia Friends, because it is intended primarily for Friends of Aristasia.
If you do decide to become a full Aristasian subject — and you won't be encouraged, or even allowed, to to do this until you are really ready — you will be joining a family. A rock-solid community of households with a strong ethos of solidarity and mutual support, whose watchword, like the Musketeers, is “one for all, and all for one.” You may be joining an Aristasian household or setting up your own, but all the duties and all the privileges of a subject of the Empire will be yours.
On the other hand lots of events and fun and friendship take place on the outer circles; and you will very likely find your true place is there. You will be just as welcome.
If you would like to arrange your first interview, or ask any questions, please write to us. It could be the most important thing you will ever do.
One last point. may we respectfully suggest that you pluck up courage and do not put it off? So many girls now happily involved in Aristasia say: “Oh, I saw the documentary years ago, and I really wanted to call, but I was just too nervous. I do wish I hadn't wasted six years being too shy.” It really happens, and it happens often. Aristasia is a big thing. We do take it very seriously. You will be entering another world. On the other hand, we are just a rather amusing group of girls having jolly fun. We never eat any one, and the most you have to lose is a journey and an hour’s conversation.
We don’t mind how old you are, where you were born or anything else. The only criteria are that you must be genuinely female and have a genuine interest in Aristasia. That is all.
You've dreamed the dream. Now live the reality.
IMPORTANT NOTE: We are leaving his page in place for historical reasons and because it provides a glimpse of Aristasia "on the ground". However, we are no longer giving interviews to newcomers in London or anywhere else. The starting point for becoming an Aristasian is now Virtualia. Only after proving themselves as enthusiastic and comitted Aristasians in the Virtual world will girls be granted a "real-life" interview.Click below to learn how to enter Virtualia.
