Ok this morning I left for my nine oclock class and was struck with a very large and insubstantial train more commonly known as wind. A horizontal tornado, if you will. It was very difficult to make any forward progress at all, and it switched directions frequently. Luckily, my playing of SNES Donkey Kong games had prepared me for this.
Yeah.
You know how in DK Country Two you can play as Dixie? And you know how she's got that hat? And you know how it never falls off?? Pure fiction, my friends.
The lovely Colchester wind, which is apparantly stronger and more devious than the wind of the Donkey Kong jungles, snatched my hat away. I chased after it, but it was too high for me to reach, and when the wind died for a moment, it deposited my hat on the roof of the Accomodations Office.
The office didn't open til ten and I had to get to class, so I left it. In class (Modernity), we talked about Yeats. After class I asked Clare about exams, and if I was expected to know everything from Autumn term as well. She got this horrified look on her face and said "Oh no, I hope not... but I don't see how you could take the exam and not know..." But she didn't really know and told me to go ask Hazel, which I did right after class.
Hazel said that no, I was not expected to know the Autumn things, and the the Exams Office was well aware of my status as an international student, and I would get a different exam than the others in my class. Well good. I hope it actually works out that way...
I went to the Accomodations Office next and asked them if there was any way I could get my hat down. They said to ask at the information desk about finding someone with a ladder. So I left the office and circled it, looking to see if the hat had blown down. It had not, or if it had, it had also blown away. So I went back up to my flat, knowing I could see the office roof from the kitchen.
The hat was no longer on the roof. I mourned it as lost and went to take a nap.
I left for Early Modern Culture early so that I could sign up for the Stonehenge trip this Saturday, but when I got to the table, the line was long. Really long. I stood in it for about half an hour and realized I was late for class. So I left it. I'm glad I did - this class takes attendance and counts participation. And we talked about cannibalism and the zombification of Irish people in British media in the 15th century.
After class, the Stonehenge table was gone, so I suppose that's that. I went to the bookstore to pick up the last of the textbooks I need: George Perec's Life: A User's Manual, which sounds pretty promising. I went back to the dorm very sadly hung up my scarf, thinking that it looked rather lonely on its hook, and really, a hat is needed to jusitfy having a whole separate hook for wintery accessories.
I sat down to check my email and received one from the Accomodations Office saying that my hat had been recovered!!! What??? How?? Oh well!
I went back out and picked it up with many thanks. It had been found by the employee entrance around 2:00. We are happily reunited... and I still have no idea how the Accomodations Office knew who to email. Ah, life's mysteries.
I sat down to read some webcomics and eat some Skittles.
Ok Britain. Seriously. What's up with the purple candy? Why does it all taste terrible? I thought Skittles was an American brand! Man. Maybe it's me. When I get back to America I need to eat some purple candy.
Some webcomics, some chatting, and then dinner. Leftover tomatoe soup was helped along considerably by the presence of a grilled cheese sandwich, which the Brits called a fried cheese sandwich, which is actually more accurate.
Tonight I booked flights. It was very frustrating, but Lisa and I now have flights to Rome! We are working on getting a hostel next, and then Phantom of the Opera tickets for when I go visit her in London.
That is all I have to report today. Tomorrow: Laundry and research
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
80,000 different folds... take my word for it
Today I went to a computer lab and printed out my first essay so that Martyn Waites, Essay Specialist, could review it. British paper is weird, and the default is double-sided printing, which is good because it saves me money... but the paper itself is loooong. In my American version of Word, the paper was about nine pages. It is six in the British version, on British paper : P
The essay meeting went really well. Martyn is a pretty young guy (I was expecting an old dude), and he showed me how to do things more Britishly. I'll be rewriting that essay probably tomorrow, and then writing my Yeats one on Friday. Argh.
I grabbed a quick lunch from the convenience store on my way back to the dorm, because my next class was in about an hour. It was this croissant stuffed with sausage and carrots and potatoes, and it was yummy : ) I did some school reading and then went to the art gallery where the writing class was meeting.
We were looking at words as art.
I think artists must get very bored to come up with some of these things. One guy took twelve Oxford English Dictionaries and folded each page a different way, coming up with some 80,000 folds total.... that's what the sign said anyway, i didn't count. We decided to take the artist's word for it. Another artist took the periods from two different computer fonts - Bodoni and New York - and blew them up til they were the size of... hmm. something really big. Bigger than your head. Like, a foot and a half across. And that was it. Two periods. Turns out the Bodoni is pretty lopsided.
After class I went back to the room and did my reading and chatted a bit. Dinner was tomato rice soup that, despite being campbells, was not as good as what you get at home. Phil announced that her hockey team was coming over for "drinking sessions" (and loud rap music apparantly) so I took a quick shower and locked myself in my room... That is where things stand now.
The music seems to have quietened... maybe things will get done around here : P
and maybe the hallway won't smell like vomit when I wake up. It's important to stay optimistic....
The essay meeting went really well. Martyn is a pretty young guy (I was expecting an old dude), and he showed me how to do things more Britishly. I'll be rewriting that essay probably tomorrow, and then writing my Yeats one on Friday. Argh.
I grabbed a quick lunch from the convenience store on my way back to the dorm, because my next class was in about an hour. It was this croissant stuffed with sausage and carrots and potatoes, and it was yummy : ) I did some school reading and then went to the art gallery where the writing class was meeting.
We were looking at words as art.
I think artists must get very bored to come up with some of these things. One guy took twelve Oxford English Dictionaries and folded each page a different way, coming up with some 80,000 folds total.... that's what the sign said anyway, i didn't count. We decided to take the artist's word for it. Another artist took the periods from two different computer fonts - Bodoni and New York - and blew them up til they were the size of... hmm. something really big. Bigger than your head. Like, a foot and a half across. And that was it. Two periods. Turns out the Bodoni is pretty lopsided.
After class I went back to the room and did my reading and chatted a bit. Dinner was tomato rice soup that, despite being campbells, was not as good as what you get at home. Phil announced that her hockey team was coming over for "drinking sessions" (and loud rap music apparantly) so I took a quick shower and locked myself in my room... That is where things stand now.
The music seems to have quietened... maybe things will get done around here : P
and maybe the hallway won't smell like vomit when I wake up. It's important to stay optimistic....
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
So apparantly Monday nights around here are when all the partying happens. I woke up this morning to the smell of vomit and air freshener. Someone had thrown up just outside my door - like, a foot away from the bathroom. Phil said that at least Chris had made it to the toilet but apparantly this other guy, whoever it was, was not so considerate. I really dislike my flatmates.
I packed up some books and went to get lunch somewhere that didn't smell disgusting, and did some reading in the library. Then I went to Tesco to by some disinfectant spray and air freshener to get the smell out of my room. I spent the rest of the day falling asleep over class reading and planning my next essay.
Also, I had my first encounter with British peanut butter today.... it's not as good as American peanut butter, but bearable when eaten with pretzels. The best way to describe it is as a vaguely peanut-flavored paste. I bought the one that had mostly the same ingredients as American peanut butter, but... fail. Ah well, now i know.
All in all, a rather uneventful day. Tomorrow I've got an essay meeting and one class.
The end.
I packed up some books and went to get lunch somewhere that didn't smell disgusting, and did some reading in the library. Then I went to Tesco to by some disinfectant spray and air freshener to get the smell out of my room. I spent the rest of the day falling asleep over class reading and planning my next essay.
Also, I had my first encounter with British peanut butter today.... it's not as good as American peanut butter, but bearable when eaten with pretzels. The best way to describe it is as a vaguely peanut-flavored paste. I bought the one that had mostly the same ingredients as American peanut butter, but... fail. Ah well, now i know.
All in all, a rather uneventful day. Tomorrow I've got an essay meeting and one class.
The end.
Monday, January 28, 2008
About to cannibalize my shoes for the laces...
Well, my booklight has broken. It was very nice while it lasted, but now I'm back to having to get out of bed to turn off the light when I'm ready to sleep after reading. I think if I had a string long enough, I could lead it over to the bed and then not have to get up... It's not that I'm lazy, it's that standing up to go pull the light cord wakes me up. I like to sort of fall asleep reading...
Also. Milky Ways in Britain are not what you might expect. Unless you were expecting them to be a 3 Musketeers bar... then you would get what you were expecting. Now, if you wanted a Milky Way for real, you would have to get a Mars Bar... yeah.
Anyway.
So whenever I set an alarm, I generally wake up before it goes off - usually about 10 to 15 minutes before. And then I usually just stay awake because if i go back to sleep I'll just be more tired. Today I went back to sleep after waking up and it felt good : ) When I did wake up to my alarm, I was moving really slowly for some reason, forgetting where things were and forgetting what I was doing, that sort of thing. I left for my 9 o clock class at 8 to 9 and still got there on time... it helps that the professor is never on time : P
There was a lot of fog today. I walked outside and smelled the forzen-soil smell of winter for the first time since being here. I wonder if we're in for some cold weather.
Professor Cardew showed up today wearing a trenchcoat and fedora. It was very twenties spy. We talked about German myths, which I think will be much more interesting when we can go into it in detail during seminar. Lecture actually ended five minutes early today, as opposed to five minutes late, so I didn't have to rush to my modernity lecture.
Modernity was about D.H. Lawrence's Sons and Lovers, which I have not read because it will not be on the exam and we are not discussing it in seminar and I am not writing an essay about it. When I run out of novels, I will go back to the reading lists for these classes and read what looks interesting. My teachers keep referring to the books from Autumn term. Maybe I'll read those. They also keep referring to a class called 204: Approaches to Text, which is a prerequisite for all literature courses. One of my classes at Purdue counted as an equivalent, I guess, or they wouldn't have let me into all these lit courses... but teachers keep referring to things that everyone else learned in that class - mostly categories of novels, a bit like the "36 original plots" categories, but unique to this University - or perhaps to Britain, for I have never heard of them anywhere else (how's THAT for a run-on sentence?). More and more, it seems like this university just does things in its own way, like how St. Joe's Rennselaer (or however it's spelled) has that program that makes it difficult to transfer schools... Then again, all universities in Britain may be like this. I don't know.
The Modernity Lecture was very annoying. The lecturer kept coming out from behind the podium and standing on the stairs between the sections in the lecture hall. In fact, he kept standing right at my row, with his back to me and the rest of my section, speaking in the opposite direction to the rest of the class. When he wasn't doing that, he was standing in front of the screen reading his notes off of the powerpoint slides and lecturing like that with his back to the whole class and blocking the first couple rows' view of the screen (yes. i was in the first couple rows). Good thing none of this material was important...
I've been wondering about my lack of accent, and I think I've got it figured out: I've always slipped easily into the accents of those around me (except the Lafayette accent for some reason), so when I'm talking to British people, I tend to pick one up a bit. But when I call my family, I use the American accent, because that's what they're using. So basically, the point of all this is that I'd make an awesome spy or something.
After lecture, I went up to the Sports Centre to see about joining so that I could go to Archery Club meetings. They said I only needed to buy a membership if I planned to use the weights room....
I didn't buy a membership.
Next I went to the Student Union offices to join the Societies Guild and the Travelling Society, which cost a total of four pounds (I can't figure out why Archery is 20 pounds...)
Then I went to sign up for essay writing help sessions, which should be interesting since I've never had to be instructed in essay writing outside of class before. I've got an appointment for Wednesday.
Bookstore was next. I was hoping to buy a booklight to replace my poor broken one. I asked the lady if they were sold there and she gave me this look like "What the heck is a book light?"
No. They are not sold there. Sigh.
After lunch I took a nap, and had some pretty tripped out dreams... peanut butter and a fake Milky Way I guess are a weird combination? Yeah...
When I woke up I did some reading and some chatting. I started looking up info on hotels in Colchester for June. I discovered that Colchester has LOTS of hotels. I also discovered that most of them are not very nice. The Bed and Breakfast places look a lot nicer. I guess we shall see.
Dinner was a sandwich.
And now... I proceed to stay up super late in the honored Monday night tradition ^.^
Also. Milky Ways in Britain are not what you might expect. Unless you were expecting them to be a 3 Musketeers bar... then you would get what you were expecting. Now, if you wanted a Milky Way for real, you would have to get a Mars Bar... yeah.
Anyway.
So whenever I set an alarm, I generally wake up before it goes off - usually about 10 to 15 minutes before. And then I usually just stay awake because if i go back to sleep I'll just be more tired. Today I went back to sleep after waking up and it felt good : ) When I did wake up to my alarm, I was moving really slowly for some reason, forgetting where things were and forgetting what I was doing, that sort of thing. I left for my 9 o clock class at 8 to 9 and still got there on time... it helps that the professor is never on time : P
There was a lot of fog today. I walked outside and smelled the forzen-soil smell of winter for the first time since being here. I wonder if we're in for some cold weather.
Professor Cardew showed up today wearing a trenchcoat and fedora. It was very twenties spy. We talked about German myths, which I think will be much more interesting when we can go into it in detail during seminar. Lecture actually ended five minutes early today, as opposed to five minutes late, so I didn't have to rush to my modernity lecture.
Modernity was about D.H. Lawrence's Sons and Lovers, which I have not read because it will not be on the exam and we are not discussing it in seminar and I am not writing an essay about it. When I run out of novels, I will go back to the reading lists for these classes and read what looks interesting. My teachers keep referring to the books from Autumn term. Maybe I'll read those. They also keep referring to a class called 204: Approaches to Text, which is a prerequisite for all literature courses. One of my classes at Purdue counted as an equivalent, I guess, or they wouldn't have let me into all these lit courses... but teachers keep referring to things that everyone else learned in that class - mostly categories of novels, a bit like the "36 original plots" categories, but unique to this University - or perhaps to Britain, for I have never heard of them anywhere else (how's THAT for a run-on sentence?). More and more, it seems like this university just does things in its own way, like how St. Joe's Rennselaer (or however it's spelled) has that program that makes it difficult to transfer schools... Then again, all universities in Britain may be like this. I don't know.
The Modernity Lecture was very annoying. The lecturer kept coming out from behind the podium and standing on the stairs between the sections in the lecture hall. In fact, he kept standing right at my row, with his back to me and the rest of my section, speaking in the opposite direction to the rest of the class. When he wasn't doing that, he was standing in front of the screen reading his notes off of the powerpoint slides and lecturing like that with his back to the whole class and blocking the first couple rows' view of the screen (yes. i was in the first couple rows). Good thing none of this material was important...
I've been wondering about my lack of accent, and I think I've got it figured out: I've always slipped easily into the accents of those around me (except the Lafayette accent for some reason), so when I'm talking to British people, I tend to pick one up a bit. But when I call my family, I use the American accent, because that's what they're using. So basically, the point of all this is that I'd make an awesome spy or something.
After lecture, I went up to the Sports Centre to see about joining so that I could go to Archery Club meetings. They said I only needed to buy a membership if I planned to use the weights room....
I didn't buy a membership.
Next I went to the Student Union offices to join the Societies Guild and the Travelling Society, which cost a total of four pounds (I can't figure out why Archery is 20 pounds...)
Then I went to sign up for essay writing help sessions, which should be interesting since I've never had to be instructed in essay writing outside of class before. I've got an appointment for Wednesday.
Bookstore was next. I was hoping to buy a booklight to replace my poor broken one. I asked the lady if they were sold there and she gave me this look like "What the heck is a book light?"
No. They are not sold there. Sigh.
After lunch I took a nap, and had some pretty tripped out dreams... peanut butter and a fake Milky Way I guess are a weird combination? Yeah...
When I woke up I did some reading and some chatting. I started looking up info on hotels in Colchester for June. I discovered that Colchester has LOTS of hotels. I also discovered that most of them are not very nice. The Bed and Breakfast places look a lot nicer. I guess we shall see.
Dinner was a sandwich.
And now... I proceed to stay up super late in the honored Monday night tradition ^.^
Sunday, January 27, 2008
i can't think of a title today.
All right. The day started out with church. The priest's voice gives me the creeps. You don't expect such a low voice out of someone so little. Plus I think he deliberately pitches it that way, because I talked to him outside of Mass last week and it was a normal voice. I guess Mass is really a solemn occasion hereabouts. I mean, duh, solemnity, but what about the celebration bit? Ah well. No lunch today after church, so I guess it's not a weekly thing. That is ok. I bought turkey at ze Tesco. yum.
So, I went and ate lunch. Then the plan was to settle in and do some reading, but I decided I'd rather take a walk. So I did. I walked down towards the Tesco and sort of wandered all around it. It's not really a very pretty part of town. It's run-down and rather industrial. So I walked back. It was a pretty long walk, but it helped me get my thoughts organized. When I got back, I packed up my computer and went over to the library to do some writing.
I decided to go up to the fifth floor because of that amazing view. I got a lot of writing done, and I really like the spot - in the back corner, quiet, with the books that no one ever checks out. The only problem is there is a distinct lack of outlets on that floor. There are lots on the second floor, but not on the fifth for some reason. But I wasn't writing long enough for my battery to die, so that's ok.
I watched the sun set from my corner. It was really really pretty. The whole lake turned pink, with little white spots where the seagulls were floating. Then I went back to the dorm because it was getting dark.
Dinner was another turkey sandwich. Now I am writing again. I've almost finished correcting the whole first-person/third-person issue, which will be a relief.
Tomorrow: myth and modernity. a good pairing : P
So, I went and ate lunch. Then the plan was to settle in and do some reading, but I decided I'd rather take a walk. So I did. I walked down towards the Tesco and sort of wandered all around it. It's not really a very pretty part of town. It's run-down and rather industrial. So I walked back. It was a pretty long walk, but it helped me get my thoughts organized. When I got back, I packed up my computer and went over to the library to do some writing.
I decided to go up to the fifth floor because of that amazing view. I got a lot of writing done, and I really like the spot - in the back corner, quiet, with the books that no one ever checks out. The only problem is there is a distinct lack of outlets on that floor. There are lots on the second floor, but not on the fifth for some reason. But I wasn't writing long enough for my battery to die, so that's ok.
I watched the sun set from my corner. It was really really pretty. The whole lake turned pink, with little white spots where the seagulls were floating. Then I went back to the dorm because it was getting dark.
Dinner was another turkey sandwich. Now I am writing again. I've almost finished correcting the whole first-person/third-person issue, which will be a relief.
Tomorrow: myth and modernity. a good pairing : P
Saturday, January 26, 2008
busy day.
I stayed in bed as long as i possibly could today. That's because I planned to write a paper when I woke up.... blech.
So I woke up and went to the library, looking for a book of Yeats' plays and essays and things that the bookstore didn't have. The view from the top floor of the library is really spectacular on a sunny day like today. I didn't take a picture because the windows were lined with people studying. But you can see both lakes and much of the grounds.
In a stroke of luck, I found the exact book that the lecturer for Yeats had been using in class on Monday. For once the library comes through. I checked it out and I'm totally gonna hoard it til class next Thursday.
After that I got lunch on campus because I was out of food in the dorm. Tried a chicken panini this time. Pretty good, but I like the cheese and tomato one better. Then I went grocery shopping and bought turkey, cheese, tomato soup, bread, mouthwash, pasta sauce, doritos, rice, and Jaffa cakes (Lisa your description was 100% accurate!). Don't you guys just love getting my list of groceries? It's exciting, i know...
Then I sat down to write the paper. I finished it too. Or at least, I wrote a conclusion. The thing is 2000 words long, which is 500 words less than the minimum... not sure how strict the are about that here. I'll ask around. But I really can't think of anything else to write. I mean, the topic wasn't that broad to begin with. If I'd gotten that prompt without a word count, I'd have said 4 pages tops. Mine is 7 pages.
With the paper finished, i've just been reading webcomics and waiting to hear about Issma...
tomorrow: church and school reading.
So I woke up and went to the library, looking for a book of Yeats' plays and essays and things that the bookstore didn't have. The view from the top floor of the library is really spectacular on a sunny day like today. I didn't take a picture because the windows were lined with people studying. But you can see both lakes and much of the grounds.
In a stroke of luck, I found the exact book that the lecturer for Yeats had been using in class on Monday. For once the library comes through. I checked it out and I'm totally gonna hoard it til class next Thursday.
After that I got lunch on campus because I was out of food in the dorm. Tried a chicken panini this time. Pretty good, but I like the cheese and tomato one better. Then I went grocery shopping and bought turkey, cheese, tomato soup, bread, mouthwash, pasta sauce, doritos, rice, and Jaffa cakes (Lisa your description was 100% accurate!). Don't you guys just love getting my list of groceries? It's exciting, i know...
Then I sat down to write the paper. I finished it too. Or at least, I wrote a conclusion. The thing is 2000 words long, which is 500 words less than the minimum... not sure how strict the are about that here. I'll ask around. But I really can't think of anything else to write. I mean, the topic wasn't that broad to begin with. If I'd gotten that prompt without a word count, I'd have said 4 pages tops. Mine is 7 pages.
With the paper finished, i've just been reading webcomics and waiting to hear about Issma...
tomorrow: church and school reading.
Friday, January 25, 2008
MAIL!
Woke up this morning and saw a letter from Grandma slid under my door. Yay! Also, I have no idea how they work the mail system here. Sometimes things are left on the kitchen table, sometimes slid under doors... ah well.
Of note in Grandma's letter: Spaghetti. Oh yes. We must plan a day in March/April!
Anyway, went to my one class today - Myth seminar. Today we talked about the myth of Er... exciting stuff... heh. Anyway, last seminar there were only seven people there. Same this seminar, but 5 of them were different people... The professor was a bit exasperated : P it was rather amusing. So I guess there's about 12 people actually in the class.
After class I wanted to have a look around at the clubs and societies fair, but I was really hungry. A sign outside Essex Express (the spicy chicken place) said that they had just introduced paninis to the menu, so I went there, and had an awesome cheese and tomatoe panini. I will be going there again. Then I wandered about looking for archery club. I found it! They do exist! I put myself on their mailing list, so I'll get an email when they start doing things again... only... it costs 30 pounds to join. Hmmm. I dunno. Clubs are not this expensive in the States >.<
After that I did laundry. It went considerably faster this time. I guess Friday will be my new day to do laundry! I didn't have to wait for a machine at all. After laundry, I went to put money on my print quota. Then I went to the library to pick up some books for the paper I have to write this weekend.
And that is how I shall spend this evening... researching witchcraft in England : )
Of note in Grandma's letter: Spaghetti. Oh yes. We must plan a day in March/April!
Anyway, went to my one class today - Myth seminar. Today we talked about the myth of Er... exciting stuff... heh. Anyway, last seminar there were only seven people there. Same this seminar, but 5 of them were different people... The professor was a bit exasperated : P it was rather amusing. So I guess there's about 12 people actually in the class.
After class I wanted to have a look around at the clubs and societies fair, but I was really hungry. A sign outside Essex Express (the spicy chicken place) said that they had just introduced paninis to the menu, so I went there, and had an awesome cheese and tomatoe panini. I will be going there again. Then I wandered about looking for archery club. I found it! They do exist! I put myself on their mailing list, so I'll get an email when they start doing things again... only... it costs 30 pounds to join. Hmmm. I dunno. Clubs are not this expensive in the States >.<
After that I did laundry. It went considerably faster this time. I guess Friday will be my new day to do laundry! I didn't have to wait for a machine at all. After laundry, I went to put money on my print quota. Then I went to the library to pick up some books for the paper I have to write this weekend.
And that is how I shall spend this evening... researching witchcraft in England : )
Thursday, January 24, 2008
American Jellybeans and Toaster Fires (not neccessarily related)
Today is my two-class day. It was my first time meeting with the seminar for Modernity, and it is a good class. The teacher definitely knows what she's doing. She also gave me a whole stack of books to buy. Boo to that. She also was surprised at my jumping in in the middle of things since this class started last term.
Also, about five people - administrative types too - asked if I was only here for one term. I WISH that was an option! No one seems to know how things work around here >.< The Summer term seems pretty useless anyway... I for one will have already finished all of my essays : P
Since I had a really hard time getting to sleep last night, I went back to the dorm for a nap after my first class. Had a hard time sleeping then too. I hope this does not become a theme.
Second class was uninteresting except that it let out an hour early : ) I stopped by the post office to see about train tickets to London, and found out I can buy a pass for the whole day for 24 pounds that will work to get me to and from London and also on the Underground! Good deal, says I. (By the way, what's a good place to find out what kind of shows are playing in London? Anyone know?... Liiiisa? : P)
Then I stopped by the convenience store for some milk. While I was waiting in line, looking around idly, my eyes fell upon a package with an American flag on it, proudly proclaiming "American Jellybeans!" I got pretty excited and grabbed a pack. After I bought it and looked at it closer, I saw that it also said "Fruity and Crunchy!" which made me a little bit worried...
Did a bit of reading (Lord Foul's Bane is really good). Dinner was some manner of noodles and cheese from a bag (Not a pouch. Here a pouch is... like what a kangaroo has, or a fanny pack I guess. I got some weird looks when I was like "oh pasta in a pouch"...) I ate dinner with Chris, Sam, Sophie, and Phil. Sam told me that they sell some easy-to-make mexican dinners at Tesco. He knows because he is as lazy as I am when it comes to cooking. And apparantly there is a good Indian restaurant in Wivenhoe.
While all of us were making dinner, the fire alarm went off. Curses. We left our food, hoping it'd be all right, and tromped down the stairs into the cold coldness. Turns out this time there actually WAS a fire, though there is some dispute as to whether it was a toaster fire or someone was burning documents. I maintain that someone was attempting to burn documents in a toaster. Anyway, it was sorted out pretty quick, and we all went back up to see to our food.
After all of that, I got to try my fruity crunchy jellybeans. Britain lied to me again: they were not crunchy at all. But in this case, that's a good thing. These things are actually superior to most American jellybeans. Some of the flavors approach jellybelly quality... I am pleased : )
Tomorrow.... possibly laundry, possibly a trip to Tesco... I have not decided... and then, research for my first paper. Oh joy.
Also, about five people - administrative types too - asked if I was only here for one term. I WISH that was an option! No one seems to know how things work around here >.< The Summer term seems pretty useless anyway... I for one will have already finished all of my essays : P
Since I had a really hard time getting to sleep last night, I went back to the dorm for a nap after my first class. Had a hard time sleeping then too. I hope this does not become a theme.
Second class was uninteresting except that it let out an hour early : ) I stopped by the post office to see about train tickets to London, and found out I can buy a pass for the whole day for 24 pounds that will work to get me to and from London and also on the Underground! Good deal, says I. (By the way, what's a good place to find out what kind of shows are playing in London? Anyone know?... Liiiisa? : P)
Then I stopped by the convenience store for some milk. While I was waiting in line, looking around idly, my eyes fell upon a package with an American flag on it, proudly proclaiming "American Jellybeans!" I got pretty excited and grabbed a pack. After I bought it and looked at it closer, I saw that it also said "Fruity and Crunchy!" which made me a little bit worried...
Did a bit of reading (Lord Foul's Bane is really good). Dinner was some manner of noodles and cheese from a bag (Not a pouch. Here a pouch is... like what a kangaroo has, or a fanny pack I guess. I got some weird looks when I was like "oh pasta in a pouch"...) I ate dinner with Chris, Sam, Sophie, and Phil. Sam told me that they sell some easy-to-make mexican dinners at Tesco. He knows because he is as lazy as I am when it comes to cooking. And apparantly there is a good Indian restaurant in Wivenhoe.
While all of us were making dinner, the fire alarm went off. Curses. We left our food, hoping it'd be all right, and tromped down the stairs into the cold coldness. Turns out this time there actually WAS a fire, though there is some dispute as to whether it was a toaster fire or someone was burning documents. I maintain that someone was attempting to burn documents in a toaster. Anyway, it was sorted out pretty quick, and we all went back up to see to our food.
After all of that, I got to try my fruity crunchy jellybeans. Britain lied to me again: they were not crunchy at all. But in this case, that's a good thing. These things are actually superior to most American jellybeans. Some of the flavors approach jellybelly quality... I am pleased : )
Tomorrow.... possibly laundry, possibly a trip to Tesco... I have not decided... and then, research for my first paper. Oh joy.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Down to one novel...
Only one class today, from two to four. I woke up happily sandwiched between two duvets, and stayed in bed a bit longer than was strictly necessary. Did some reading. Ate lunch. tra la.
Oulipo was entertaining today. We moved into a different classroom so that the thirteen of us could actually discuss things (hard to do in a lecture hall). Unfortunately, in our new, smaller venue, I realized something terrible.
My classmates smell. It is gross. Some smell like sweat and general lack-of-showerness. Some smell like they dragged their clothes out of a trunk that had been sitting in a moldy, dark, damp basement. Some smelled like they had fumigated themselves with the smoke from various burning herbs (this deduction was later confirmed when two of my classmates stood blocking the door after class in order to roll some homemade cigarretes.... I'm not an expert, but it didn't look like tobbacco they were rolling). Some smelled like a combination of these things. For partner excercise today, I got a moldy basement - and - herb combo. Ick ick ick.
Next class will be in an art gallery, where hopefully, we can spread out...
After class I went back to the dorm. Read some more. Dinner. Very exciting. The end.
Oulipo was entertaining today. We moved into a different classroom so that the thirteen of us could actually discuss things (hard to do in a lecture hall). Unfortunately, in our new, smaller venue, I realized something terrible.
My classmates smell. It is gross. Some smell like sweat and general lack-of-showerness. Some smell like they dragged their clothes out of a trunk that had been sitting in a moldy, dark, damp basement. Some smelled like they had fumigated themselves with the smoke from various burning herbs (this deduction was later confirmed when two of my classmates stood blocking the door after class in order to roll some homemade cigarretes.... I'm not an expert, but it didn't look like tobbacco they were rolling). Some smelled like a combination of these things. For partner excercise today, I got a moldy basement - and - herb combo. Ick ick ick.
Next class will be in an art gallery, where hopefully, we can spread out...
After class I went back to the dorm. Read some more. Dinner. Very exciting. The end.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
It was sunny ALL DAY! (edited at 7:12 PM)
I woke up around 8 AM this morning when people outside started walking to class. Since I have none of those silly things today, I went back to sleep until 11. Unfortunately, I had very bad dreams. Turns out, one of the worst things about waking up 100,000 miles away from home is that there's no one around to reassure you that nothing in your dream actually happened. I figured it out though : P
I walked down to Tesco to buy a blanket of some kind to stop the bed from bruising me any more, as well as another pillow since mine are quite flat. I planned to go to Tesco, then eat lunch on campus. By the time I got to the store, though, I was pretty hungry, and there is a cafe right inside. And they were serving lasagna. I ate lunch there. The lasagna was good. It had an interesting cheese in it that I couldn't place - sweeter, and liquidy. Anyway, it was tasty, though not exactly Mom's lasagna...
As far as purchases, I ended up buying the most cost-efficient items, which ended up being a set of two pillows, two white pillow cases, a big duvet, and a blue and white checked duvet cover. I lugged these all back up the hill and assembeled my new comfy bed : )
Next I decided to wander around campus a bit. There's a path off of square five that I'd never been down, so I headed in that direction, taking pictures along the way.
This is the paternoster lift in the library. on the left are people going up. You can't see anyone going down, because you're not supposed to ride lower than this floor : P
This is a much better shot of a coot : )
Here's the lake behind the library. The sign says something like "Not for use of students" or similar...
The same lake, with an interesting red growth, and some manner of pillar in the distance
Ducks and scenery. Turns out, the back of campus is rather nature-y
Closer shot of the ducks and scenery
More scenery
A second lake, behind the library lake. This one has a fountain in it.
The fountain lake again
The fountain from a distance. And a tree trunk.
A willow.
Library lake, from the other side. That big building that looks like a parking garage (on the right) is the library.
Willow.
A mild-mannered duck. Honestly, this thing was doing all sorts of acrobatics before I pointed my camera at it.
A distant shot of the North Towers. Mine is second from the right.
A shot of campus. This is Square Five. Through the arch is Square Four. It goes on like that until it hits Square One. Classrooms are... somewhere in there. Guess.
Here is the kitchen. It is much cleaner than usual.
The view from the kitchen is actually pretty good, but hard to take a picture of because of all the black window divider things.
This is what I see when I walk out my door.
This is what I see when I walk out my door and look right. (My room is in a corner)
The bathroom. You can see my elbow in the mirror. It was very hard to get far enough back to take the picture. I am on my tiptoes pressed up against the opposite wall.
The shower.
The bathroom AND the shower. They are right next to eachother, you see.And that was all for my picture taking adventure. Next I thought I should write some postcards. So I settled into my snuggly new bed which is soooo warm and cozy.... and fell asleep...
Next on the agenda: dinner! Away!
Edit: 7:12 PM
Spent a pretty long time at dinner today talking to Chris and two guys from The Other Side (of the flat) named Sam and Dan. Chris, it turns out, was in the archery club last semester, but never went to a meeting. However, there's a club/societies fair this Friday, and if the archery club still exists, they'll be there. We had a rousing discussion about chips/crisps/fries/chips, and who does them better. Dipping fries/chips in a chocolate milkshake is considered weird here too. Go figure. Also, I have not yet had "real chips" because apparantly real chips will make you never want to eat American fries again. We shall see.
Sam thought I could help him with the essay he's writing. It is about American foreign policy. I told him probably not but I would try my best : P
Anyway, it was good company and good talking. I felt part of a group. yay.
Monday, January 21, 2008
PACKAGE!
Myth class was funny today. The professor tried to show us some slides near the end of lecture. He brought in this ancient carousel slide projecter, and actual little film slides. And he had no idea how to work the thing. We viewed many upside down and sideways friezes of the Orphic Mysteries. And no, he did not explain why, if they are supposed to be mysteries, someone went and did a bunch of friezes of them...
My second class was the one i had for the first time today. And I STILL have not met the professor for this class. Apparantly, he is also the Dean of Something, and he's so busy that other people generally just take his lectures and I should talk to the TA in charge of my seminar. Sure. Whatever.
After lectures i went to go get my package!!!!!
I found Central Stores without a hassle for once! And when I got there they told me my package was in the post room.... figures. So I went to the post office, and they told me I had to go to the post room, which I had thought was the post office, but apparantly not. The post room was a little tougher to find, being in the basement of... some building. I found it eventually, showed the lady my ID and waited eagerly for her to find my package!!!
She couldn't find it. Luckily some guy working there was like "Oh hey I found it" just from overhearing me say my name. She had overlooked it because Robin was spelled with an i and not a y, and she was looking for one with a y >.< Good thing the kid was working there, or I might never have got my package!! ... !
I took it home and opened it, rather curious as to what was inside this thing that was larger than i was expecting...
There were various medications, cough drops, band-aids, neosporin, American candy (yay!!!), some hooks to hang on the door so i can hang my coat up, clothespins, kleenex, packing tape, a book light (thank goodness), a water filter pitcher (surprise!! wow!!) and also, my pig!! (also surprise!! yay!!)
I was really, really, really excited to get the pig. I missed it. It's hard to sleep without it. I know, I'm like, five. But now my bed has something other than white on it. I really am just thrilled. I can't wait to sleep tonight : P
After I got over the excitement of the package I settled down to do some reading. Chatted for a bit. Some writing... yep, that's my day.
...
PACKAGE!
My second class was the one i had for the first time today. And I STILL have not met the professor for this class. Apparantly, he is also the Dean of Something, and he's so busy that other people generally just take his lectures and I should talk to the TA in charge of my seminar. Sure. Whatever.
After lectures i went to go get my package!!!!!
I found Central Stores without a hassle for once! And when I got there they told me my package was in the post room.... figures. So I went to the post office, and they told me I had to go to the post room, which I had thought was the post office, but apparantly not. The post room was a little tougher to find, being in the basement of... some building. I found it eventually, showed the lady my ID and waited eagerly for her to find my package!!!
She couldn't find it. Luckily some guy working there was like "Oh hey I found it" just from overhearing me say my name. She had overlooked it because Robin was spelled with an i and not a y, and she was looking for one with a y >.< Good thing the kid was working there, or I might never have got my package!! ... !
I took it home and opened it, rather curious as to what was inside this thing that was larger than i was expecting...
There were various medications, cough drops, band-aids, neosporin, American candy (yay!!!), some hooks to hang on the door so i can hang my coat up, clothespins, kleenex, packing tape, a book light (thank goodness), a water filter pitcher (surprise!! wow!!) and also, my pig!! (also surprise!! yay!!)
I was really, really, really excited to get the pig. I missed it. It's hard to sleep without it. I know, I'm like, five. But now my bed has something other than white on it. I really am just thrilled. I can't wait to sleep tonight : P
After I got over the excitement of the package I settled down to do some reading. Chatted for a bit. Some writing... yep, that's my day.
...
PACKAGE!
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Today I got to go to church. I'm very grateful to have found a place that has Mass on campus every Sunday. The Mass isn't exactly St Tom's... it's not even Bosco, really, but it's church. It's a very small congregation. They do a lot though. They have seminars and talks and things. And trips to London Theatres. In December, the went to see Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Sadly, I was too late to sign up for this semester's theatre trip, and Father Martin said he did not think there would be another one while I'm here. I'm kinda sad about that. How often do you get the chance to go into London and see a show with other people?
After Mass, we had lunch. Really. I think this is an every Sunday thing... they bring out sandwiches and chips and cupcakes and everyone has lunch. It was really nice, especially since I didn't know what I was going to do for lunch anyway.
Oh, and I can see Central Stores from the chapel window... I get my package tomorrow!
Next was laundry. It took forever. The machines are really tiny and it costs 2 pounds a load, plus 60p for drying. The machines only take exact change and certain denominations of coins, though, so I was forced to go out and purchase a muffin with a ten pound note in order to get some coins. Rats.
While there are many machines - about twenty washers and twenty driers - people tend to leave their clothes in forever. And many of the machines were broken. Laundry is not going to be something I look forward to doing.
I did my reading for Monday and then read for fun. The End.
Also, if my entries are going to be this uneventful, I may switch to updating once a week instead of every day.
After Mass, we had lunch. Really. I think this is an every Sunday thing... they bring out sandwiches and chips and cupcakes and everyone has lunch. It was really nice, especially since I didn't know what I was going to do for lunch anyway.
Oh, and I can see Central Stores from the chapel window... I get my package tomorrow!
Next was laundry. It took forever. The machines are really tiny and it costs 2 pounds a load, plus 60p for drying. The machines only take exact change and certain denominations of coins, though, so I was forced to go out and purchase a muffin with a ten pound note in order to get some coins. Rats.
While there are many machines - about twenty washers and twenty driers - people tend to leave their clothes in forever. And many of the machines were broken. Laundry is not going to be something I look forward to doing.
I did my reading for Monday and then read for fun. The End.
Also, if my entries are going to be this uneventful, I may switch to updating once a week instead of every day.
Saturday, January 19, 2008
I thought adventuring was supposed to be done in parties...
Today I woke up with every intention of going and exploring Colchester. Then I looked out my window and saw the darkness and the rain and went back to bed.
Two hours later I woke up to sunlight and DID go exploring Colchester.
As I made my way to the appropriate bus station on the other side of campus, it began to mist. Still not a big deal, I didn't need the umbrella. I boarded the bus, which had rather comfortable seats, and rode into the Colchester Bus Station.
When I got off the bus it was well and truly raining. I took out the umbrella and began to wander.
Colchester is not really a tourist town like Cambridge seems to be. The shops they have are shops like The Gap and Wet Seal. It was sort of like being in an outdoor mall. I wandered toward the town center and ducked into a comic book shop along the way, just for the feeling of familiarity. Didn't buy anything because I'm so behind on Buffy now that what would be the point... but I did look longingly at the DnD stuff before ducking back out.
In my wanderings I happened across a free Museum of Natural History. So I went in there. It was a very small museum detailing the wildlife in the Colchester area (ie, it was a museum of ducks).
Further wandering brought me to a large public park (called Castle Park) that I'm sure will be gorgeous on some sunny day in spring. I went in and found another free museum called the Hollytree Museum. It was this really old house turned into a museum, which was neat enough for being free. It had a lot of information about Castle Park: the whole park had once been the grounds of this rich family and is now public space with lots of gardens and water features and things. I think there might be a zoo somewhere in there too, but I'm not sure.
This is a really big doll house in the Hollytree Museum
This is another one.
After that, I went to explore the grounds a bit.
mini palm bush
Oh, so THAT'S an arbor... maybe?
I thought this was pretty neat. I walked on, inhaled deeply.... and coughed out the cigarette smoke. I mean really...
Oh hey look... a castle.
A bridge leading into the castle! Let's go!
This is the castle well. It is very deep. A penny... or a 1 pence piece... thrown into this well takes about two minutes to hit the water. There is a sign encouraging viewers to see if a 1 pound piece takes as long... hey, I paid attention in physics. Thank you, no.
Ye Olde Wyndowe
I didn't take many pictures in this museum because museums actually sort of freak me out, especially when I'm alone. I did learn some interesting things though. Actually, I think I was reminded of some interesting things... I knew some of them before. Anyway, the site the castle was built on used to be a Roman temple, specifically to Claudius. It was also the site of Boadicea's rebellion, though they didn't go into TONS of detail on that because the details are a bit gory. Right, so blah blah Romans, blah blah Normans, poof it's a museum. And for some reason there's also an exhibit about a sanitarium, even though the castle never was one... yeah, I didn't really follow that either.
I left the museum and wandered a bit more. I came across
A great big church. This is St. James the Great, Church of England. There is also a St. James the Less somewhere in town, which is a Catholic church...
I was about to take a picture of the back end of the church when I got distracted. I went in, but did not find anything I was willing to purchase. It was nice to be surrounded by books though. Everyonce and a while I just step into the library or bookshop on campus to recharge... like a save circle in Kingdom Hearts.
Next I came across a visitor info center and picked up a map of Colchester and information on places to eat and shop, having in mind my parents' visit. Then I wandered about looking for somewhere to have lunch.
It was actually a pretty nice place. I had a chicken wrap, which included both meat and vegetables and was actually rather tasty. The desserts looked good to, but by then I was sick of watching people eat with their friends and loved ones, so I left.
A little ways down the street from this cafe is a Pizza Hut. I make note of this because Stephanie is coming... (there is also a KFC, McDonalds, and Burger King)
Yes, but first he was going to the train station...
And to University?
How bout you buy that one when we get to the train station?
We finally got to the train station and I went up to buy the ticket to University. The driver said
"Ah, I see, I should catch another bus." Suddenly it seemed to make some sort of sense... but...
Sure. Why not. Buses are ridiculously expensive out here. I mean, compared to the free ones at Purdue. The trip to University took about five times longer than the initial trip to Colchester. Cursed roundabouts. However, I did learn where to go if I do not want to walk back up the hill from Tesco. I can just catch this bus and it will cart me up the hill to University. I still have to walk up the hill to the tower. It is a steeper, but much shorter, walk.
The rest of my day was spent half reading for myth class, half dozing.
Two hours later I woke up to sunlight and DID go exploring Colchester.
As I made my way to the appropriate bus station on the other side of campus, it began to mist. Still not a big deal, I didn't need the umbrella. I boarded the bus, which had rather comfortable seats, and rode into the Colchester Bus Station.
When I got off the bus it was well and truly raining. I took out the umbrella and began to wander.
Colchester is not really a tourist town like Cambridge seems to be. The shops they have are shops like The Gap and Wet Seal. It was sort of like being in an outdoor mall. I wandered toward the town center and ducked into a comic book shop along the way, just for the feeling of familiarity. Didn't buy anything because I'm so behind on Buffy now that what would be the point... but I did look longingly at the DnD stuff before ducking back out.
In my wanderings I happened across a free Museum of Natural History. So I went in there. It was a very small museum detailing the wildlife in the Colchester area (ie, it was a museum of ducks).
Further wandering brought me to a large public park (called Castle Park) that I'm sure will be gorgeous on some sunny day in spring. I went in and found another free museum called the Hollytree Museum. It was this really old house turned into a museum, which was neat enough for being free. It had a lot of information about Castle Park: the whole park had once been the grounds of this rich family and is now public space with lots of gardens and water features and things. I think there might be a zoo somewhere in there too, but I'm not sure.
This is a really big doll house in the Hollytree Museum
This is another one.
After that, I went to explore the grounds a bit.
mini palm bush
Oh, so THAT'S an arbor... maybe?
I thought this was pretty neat. I walked on, inhaled deeply.... and coughed out the cigarette smoke. I mean really...
Oh hey look... a castle.
A bridge leading into the castle! Let's go!
This is the castle well. It is very deep. A penny... or a 1 pence piece... thrown into this well takes about two minutes to hit the water. There is a sign encouraging viewers to see if a 1 pound piece takes as long... hey, I paid attention in physics. Thank you, no.
Ye Olde Wyndowe
I didn't take many pictures in this museum because museums actually sort of freak me out, especially when I'm alone. I did learn some interesting things though. Actually, I think I was reminded of some interesting things... I knew some of them before. Anyway, the site the castle was built on used to be a Roman temple, specifically to Claudius. It was also the site of Boadicea's rebellion, though they didn't go into TONS of detail on that because the details are a bit gory. Right, so blah blah Romans, blah blah Normans, poof it's a museum. And for some reason there's also an exhibit about a sanitarium, even though the castle never was one... yeah, I didn't really follow that either.
I left the museum and wandered a bit more. I came across
A great big church. This is St. James the Great, Church of England. There is also a St. James the Less somewhere in town, which is a Catholic church...
I was about to take a picture of the back end of the church when I got distracted. I went in, but did not find anything I was willing to purchase. It was nice to be surrounded by books though. Everyonce and a while I just step into the library or bookshop on campus to recharge... like a save circle in Kingdom Hearts.
Oh yeah, and there's the back of the church.
..... I had to. No one was looking. I did the touristy thing and took a picture of the big red phone booth. I'm so ashamed. At least I didn't try to fit twenty people inside...
Next I came across a visitor info center and picked up a map of Colchester and information on places to eat and shop, having in mind my parents' visit. Then I wandered about looking for somewhere to have lunch.
I went into a pub, turned around and went back out. Not somewhere I wanted to eat alone, though I'm sure it's great for people with large groups. I kept wandering. As you approach the Town Hall, the number of cafes increases exponentially. I finally picked one whose windows I could see into. It was called, rather improbably, The Lettuce and Slug.
It was actually a pretty nice place. I had a chicken wrap, which included both meat and vegetables and was actually rather tasty. The desserts looked good to, but by then I was sick of watching people eat with their friends and loved ones, so I left.
A little ways down the street from this cafe is a Pizza Hut. I make note of this because Stephanie is coming... (there is also a KFC, McDonalds, and Burger King)
A bit more fruitless wandering and I decided to call it a day. I made my way back to the bus station and waited for the 62 back to University. It came with minimal delay and I boarded and asked the driver how much to go to University. The driver, a small elderly Chinese man with a heavy accent (Chinese, not English), responded that he was going to the train station. Having memorized the route, I said yes, but after that, you'll be going to University.
Yes, but first he was going to the train station...
Ok, so how much to University?
Well, it's 1.10 to the train station.
And to University?
How bout you buy that one when we get to the train station?
I gave up. I bought the ticket to the train station. It took forever to get there. Traffic in Colchester is not pretty. It is because of all the roundabouts!! Nowhere is there to be found a normal intersection. EVERYTHING is a roundabout! I was talking to Sophie upon my return and I mentioned the hideous traffic, and she said "Yeah, it's because of all the roundabouts!" so it's not just me... she's from London and says that it's really just this town, not all of England.
Anyway.
We finally got to the train station and I went up to buy the ticket to University. The driver said
"Oh, I don't know if I am going to Wivenhoe" (which is where the University is). He made like he was going on break.
"Ah, I see, I should catch another bus." Suddenly it seemed to make some sort of sense... but...
"No. Wait." He pulled out a cell phone, made a call, said nothing, hung up the cell phone, sat back down in the drivers' seat, and opened the doors for the waiting people.
"1.80 to University."
Sure. Why not. Buses are ridiculously expensive out here. I mean, compared to the free ones at Purdue. The trip to University took about five times longer than the initial trip to Colchester. Cursed roundabouts. However, I did learn where to go if I do not want to walk back up the hill from Tesco. I can just catch this bus and it will cart me up the hill to University. I still have to walk up the hill to the tower. It is a steeper, but much shorter, walk.
The rest of my day was spent half reading for myth class, half dozing.
Tomorrow: Laundry!
Friday, January 18, 2008
In Which I am Convinced of the Superiority of American Candy
Today I had only one class. It was the seminar for Myth. Seminar here is like recitation in the states - the big lecture is broken up into small groups. Only, here, the big lecture is only like, 25 students. And the seminar is still taught by the professor.
I got there very early to make sure I could find the room. I found it. Very early. There was another seminar happening in there so I sort of wandered around for a bit. I guess I looked lost, because my Early Culture professor saw me in the hall and asked if I needed help! That's the first time anyone in Britain has actually OFFERED help! I got over my shock and told him that no, I was just really early and waiting for my seminar to begin. And then, he volunteered the location of a common room where I could sit and read! So I did! That guy is awesome!
There were only about 7 people in my seminar. It went all right. The professor has this habit of covering his eyes when he's trying to remember something. He looks so sad. When he is not covering his eyes, he looks like the actor who plays Peter Pettigrew, only slimmer and with less horrendous teeth. I think I impressed him with my knowledge of poetic meter and the myth of Persephone. And made the rest of the class hate me.
The seminar ended around 1:30, and I was planning on going to the Literature Department Office and asking about a literary magazine... No one so far has mentioned one, but if the university has one I think it would be neat to get involved, since the archery club apparantly no longer exists.
Sadly, the Literature Department Office closes at 1 on Fridays. I really think that anyone who works on campus must have two jobs, because nothing is ever open...
I went back to the dorm, and ran into Sebastian along the way. He said he was going to Tesco and I said that I also needed to go. He sort of looked off in the other direction and was like "Oh." I think he did not want me along, which was fine by me since I'd be faster alone. So I went back to my room and sort of puttered around a bit. I read the letter I got from grandma! It made me happy. But there wasn't much else to do. I got bored pretty fast and decided to go back out and get some Stuff done.
First stop was to register with the local health center. The sheet we got at orientation said we should do this in the first week of classes, so I figured I'd better get it done nowish. This did not turn out as I had hoped, however, because they needed to know EXACTLY how long I'd be staying, and I have no idea when my flight out will be... so I didn't register. Hope I don't get sick.
Then I stopped by the bookstore and got the very last copy of a book I intend to write my Early Culture essay on. Close call, that. Don't know where I'd've picked it up if it had been sold out.
Then I went looking for postcards, but did not find any, so I bought some chocolate and a muffin instead.
I went back up to my room, picked up my shopping list, and began the hike to Tesco. On walks such as these I am able to ponder the many mysteries of life, such as: "What will Kerial do next now that he has been captured by vampires?" and "Should I be writing in third person or first person?" and "How does one become a Great Author?" and "How can they claim that the Tesco is only a ten minute walk from the University?"
Because you know, it more closely resembles a 20 minute walk, in that it takes about 20 minutes, and is a walk.
Hey, not so bad, pretty pleasant walk on the way there. It's the way back that gets you. I purchased pasta sauce, soup, liquid soap, a dish towel, pasta, kleenex, chips, and some candy. It doesn't look like that much, but when you get to the top of the hill it FEELS like a lot. My shoulders hurt. I am glad I refrained from purchasing water and a pillow as well. Next time... when I am feeling strong.
I got back, recovered a bit, checked my email. My package from mom and dad came in! But... the office was already closed (even though they had only just sent the email) and they don't open again until Monday. I am REALLY looking forward to getting that book light so I don't have to get out of bed to turn of the light anymore.
Then I went to eat some of my new soup for dinner. It tasted like warm water lightly seasoned with onion and celery... (it was supposed to be chicken noodle). That brand fails. But at least I got some vegetables, I guess. There was no one in the kitchen at dinner. I suppose they had other things to do on a Friday night, which is just as well because it means it's quiet around here for a change. I read a bit while I ate and then took a shower.
When I sat down at my computer for my nightly blogging and chatting routine, I opened the chocolate caramel bar I'd bought and ate it... and it was delicious. But it left a weird taste in my mouth, like drinking milk and then not brushing your teeth for a while. So I opened the jellybeans and ate some of those...
A word to the saavy Tesco consumer (Hi Lisa!). The Tesco Jellybeans are, I am convinced, the origin of J.K. Rowling's inspiration for Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans. The purple ones taste like a combination of potatoes and the way a house full of cats smells (only, in taste form). The green ones taste like plants after a warm spring shower.
My garbage can overfloweth with purple and green beans.
The End.
I got there very early to make sure I could find the room. I found it. Very early. There was another seminar happening in there so I sort of wandered around for a bit. I guess I looked lost, because my Early Culture professor saw me in the hall and asked if I needed help! That's the first time anyone in Britain has actually OFFERED help! I got over my shock and told him that no, I was just really early and waiting for my seminar to begin. And then, he volunteered the location of a common room where I could sit and read! So I did! That guy is awesome!
There were only about 7 people in my seminar. It went all right. The professor has this habit of covering his eyes when he's trying to remember something. He looks so sad. When he is not covering his eyes, he looks like the actor who plays Peter Pettigrew, only slimmer and with less horrendous teeth. I think I impressed him with my knowledge of poetic meter and the myth of Persephone. And made the rest of the class hate me.
The seminar ended around 1:30, and I was planning on going to the Literature Department Office and asking about a literary magazine... No one so far has mentioned one, but if the university has one I think it would be neat to get involved, since the archery club apparantly no longer exists.
Sadly, the Literature Department Office closes at 1 on Fridays. I really think that anyone who works on campus must have two jobs, because nothing is ever open...
I went back to the dorm, and ran into Sebastian along the way. He said he was going to Tesco and I said that I also needed to go. He sort of looked off in the other direction and was like "Oh." I think he did not want me along, which was fine by me since I'd be faster alone. So I went back to my room and sort of puttered around a bit. I read the letter I got from grandma! It made me happy. But there wasn't much else to do. I got bored pretty fast and decided to go back out and get some Stuff done.
First stop was to register with the local health center. The sheet we got at orientation said we should do this in the first week of classes, so I figured I'd better get it done nowish. This did not turn out as I had hoped, however, because they needed to know EXACTLY how long I'd be staying, and I have no idea when my flight out will be... so I didn't register. Hope I don't get sick.
Then I stopped by the bookstore and got the very last copy of a book I intend to write my Early Culture essay on. Close call, that. Don't know where I'd've picked it up if it had been sold out.
Then I went looking for postcards, but did not find any, so I bought some chocolate and a muffin instead.
I went back up to my room, picked up my shopping list, and began the hike to Tesco. On walks such as these I am able to ponder the many mysteries of life, such as: "What will Kerial do next now that he has been captured by vampires?" and "Should I be writing in third person or first person?" and "How does one become a Great Author?" and "How can they claim that the Tesco is only a ten minute walk from the University?"
Because you know, it more closely resembles a 20 minute walk, in that it takes about 20 minutes, and is a walk.
Hey, not so bad, pretty pleasant walk on the way there. It's the way back that gets you. I purchased pasta sauce, soup, liquid soap, a dish towel, pasta, kleenex, chips, and some candy. It doesn't look like that much, but when you get to the top of the hill it FEELS like a lot. My shoulders hurt. I am glad I refrained from purchasing water and a pillow as well. Next time... when I am feeling strong.
I got back, recovered a bit, checked my email. My package from mom and dad came in! But... the office was already closed (even though they had only just sent the email) and they don't open again until Monday. I am REALLY looking forward to getting that book light so I don't have to get out of bed to turn of the light anymore.
Then I went to eat some of my new soup for dinner. It tasted like warm water lightly seasoned with onion and celery... (it was supposed to be chicken noodle). That brand fails. But at least I got some vegetables, I guess. There was no one in the kitchen at dinner. I suppose they had other things to do on a Friday night, which is just as well because it means it's quiet around here for a change. I read a bit while I ate and then took a shower.
When I sat down at my computer for my nightly blogging and chatting routine, I opened the chocolate caramel bar I'd bought and ate it... and it was delicious. But it left a weird taste in my mouth, like drinking milk and then not brushing your teeth for a while. So I opened the jellybeans and ate some of those...
A word to the saavy Tesco consumer (Hi Lisa!). The Tesco Jellybeans are, I am convinced, the origin of J.K. Rowling's inspiration for Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans. The purple ones taste like a combination of potatoes and the way a house full of cats smells (only, in taste form). The green ones taste like plants after a warm spring shower.
My garbage can overfloweth with purple and green beans.
The End.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Thursday
So the guy who wrote the E-less novel was named George Perec, but in French. The original novel was in French, but the English translation is very impressive. I would say just as impressive, but I don't read French so I can't really tell...
As for how I ended up studying abroad in the first place... I was going to do a six-week program in London, an internship. The study abroad people at Purdue talked me out of it at the last minute and convinced me to do a full semester instead, and the deadline was very soon. So honestly... I didn't have much time to think about it...
Enough about that. I really wish there was a reply option on the comments... oh well.
Today I woke up for my nine o clock lecture and left very early so I could find the classroom. This would be Versions of Modernity, the first lecture of which I missed because I registered late for it. So I found the classroom, and class was cancelled. I must email the instructor I think, because I need to find out what I missed in that first lecture.
Anway, cancelled lecture meant I could run my errands and get back for a much longer nap. First I decided to head to Central Stores to see if my package had come in. The place was, once again, impossible to find (despite that I had been there once before...) But I paid close attention to the route, and I THINK I can find it again. I FINALLY got there after a scary trip through the garage-city under the university, and the package was not there. Phoo.
I made my way back up, and to the post office to ask about trains. I found out that I can take a train to Liverpool Station in London from any of the stations in Colchester, and I got a list of buses that go to each of the Colchester stations.
Outside, I saw a table set up by the Christian Union and I thought... what the hell... I need friends... so I went over to talk to them and see what they're all about. They talked me out of joining their group, because it's mostly lectures and not really a social thing at all. They did, however, point me to the Chaplaincy, which is a room on campus where various religions go at various times to have their various religious ceremonies. There is a Catholic mass on Sunday at noon, so I don't have to take the bus all the way into Wivenhoe all alone. I may meet people there...
Last stop was the Accomodations office to see about my mysterious smoking flatmate. They do not open until 10:30. Nap time.
A nice long nap later, I woke up and read a little bit before class. Then I went to class nice and early to find the room. I'm rapidly running out of novels though, so I should stop going to class so early... Anyway, this was Early Culture, and Sebastian from Oulipo is in this class as well, which is nice. It was a good class and I was able to participate in the discussion. At the end of class, Sebastian and I got our topics for presentation. We are partners on Travelling West, which is about discovering the New World. Shouldn't be too bad.
Also, the teacher is leaving at the end of term, but we are not getting a new teacher. Instead we're just done with that class, except for the exam. Awesomeness.
On the way back, I stopped at the Accomodations Office again. The lady there told me that there is a number to call in the kitchen that will contact a person who's sort of the RA for the whole building, and next time the smoking happens, call that number, and they would go check it out. So I went back to the room, but there is no number in the kitchen. I decided I would ask whoever was at dinner tonight about the whole smoking thing.
When I went to make my dinner, only Chris was in there. I had talked to him briefly before. He's the one with the Futurama poster on his door. So I asked him casually if he smokes, and he said no. I now have my list of possible culprits narrowed down to three rooms! Actually, there are only two possible people left, but I don't know which rooms they are in.
Anyway, I asked him if the smoking bothered him, and he said he had gotten used to it. I said it bothered me but that I wasn't sure how to go about doing anything about it. He reccomended simply talking to the person and they'd be reasonable, so I'm going to take that advice. If it happens again tonight, I will go aknocking on doors.
The conversation progressed from smoking to a discussion about books, tv shows, writing, and movies. It may be the best conversation I've had face to face with a person since getting here. Chris is a big fan of Terry Pratchett, so we had a lot to talk about. He also used to write fantasy, but gave it up to focus on a career in politics, the crazy man. And he doesn't do drugs, much to Sophie's consternation and my amusement.
Then I showered and blogged. The end, unless smoking happens again tonight, in which case I will post about how my confrontation with the person goes...
Turns out Ben smokes. He was very apologetic when I told him it bothered me, and said he would stop since we're not allowed to smoke in the rooms anyway. Yay!
As for how I ended up studying abroad in the first place... I was going to do a six-week program in London, an internship. The study abroad people at Purdue talked me out of it at the last minute and convinced me to do a full semester instead, and the deadline was very soon. So honestly... I didn't have much time to think about it...
Enough about that. I really wish there was a reply option on the comments... oh well.
Today I woke up for my nine o clock lecture and left very early so I could find the classroom. This would be Versions of Modernity, the first lecture of which I missed because I registered late for it. So I found the classroom, and class was cancelled. I must email the instructor I think, because I need to find out what I missed in that first lecture.
Anway, cancelled lecture meant I could run my errands and get back for a much longer nap. First I decided to head to Central Stores to see if my package had come in. The place was, once again, impossible to find (despite that I had been there once before...) But I paid close attention to the route, and I THINK I can find it again. I FINALLY got there after a scary trip through the garage-city under the university, and the package was not there. Phoo.
I made my way back up, and to the post office to ask about trains. I found out that I can take a train to Liverpool Station in London from any of the stations in Colchester, and I got a list of buses that go to each of the Colchester stations.
Outside, I saw a table set up by the Christian Union and I thought... what the hell... I need friends... so I went over to talk to them and see what they're all about. They talked me out of joining their group, because it's mostly lectures and not really a social thing at all. They did, however, point me to the Chaplaincy, which is a room on campus where various religions go at various times to have their various religious ceremonies. There is a Catholic mass on Sunday at noon, so I don't have to take the bus all the way into Wivenhoe all alone. I may meet people there...
Last stop was the Accomodations office to see about my mysterious smoking flatmate. They do not open until 10:30. Nap time.
A nice long nap later, I woke up and read a little bit before class. Then I went to class nice and early to find the room. I'm rapidly running out of novels though, so I should stop going to class so early... Anyway, this was Early Culture, and Sebastian from Oulipo is in this class as well, which is nice. It was a good class and I was able to participate in the discussion. At the end of class, Sebastian and I got our topics for presentation. We are partners on Travelling West, which is about discovering the New World. Shouldn't be too bad.
Also, the teacher is leaving at the end of term, but we are not getting a new teacher. Instead we're just done with that class, except for the exam. Awesomeness.
On the way back, I stopped at the Accomodations Office again. The lady there told me that there is a number to call in the kitchen that will contact a person who's sort of the RA for the whole building, and next time the smoking happens, call that number, and they would go check it out. So I went back to the room, but there is no number in the kitchen. I decided I would ask whoever was at dinner tonight about the whole smoking thing.
When I went to make my dinner, only Chris was in there. I had talked to him briefly before. He's the one with the Futurama poster on his door. So I asked him casually if he smokes, and he said no. I now have my list of possible culprits narrowed down to three rooms! Actually, there are only two possible people left, but I don't know which rooms they are in.
Anyway, I asked him if the smoking bothered him, and he said he had gotten used to it. I said it bothered me but that I wasn't sure how to go about doing anything about it. He reccomended simply talking to the person and they'd be reasonable, so I'm going to take that advice. If it happens again tonight, I will go aknocking on doors.
The conversation progressed from smoking to a discussion about books, tv shows, writing, and movies. It may be the best conversation I've had face to face with a person since getting here. Chris is a big fan of Terry Pratchett, so we had a lot to talk about. He also used to write fantasy, but gave it up to focus on a career in politics, the crazy man. And he doesn't do drugs, much to Sophie's consternation and my amusement.
Then I showered and blogged. The end, unless smoking happens again tonight, in which case I will post about how my confrontation with the person goes...
Turns out Ben smokes. He was very apologetic when I told him it bothered me, and said he would stop since we're not allowed to smoke in the rooms anyway. Yay!
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
day of coldness!
I woke up not knowing where I was this morning. Man I hate that. So I went back to sleep for another two hours. I woke up really cold for some reason and actually turned the heat on today. I can't figure out why, because it was sunny and in the upper 40s today.
I finished reading Witch of Edmonton this morning before class. Very boring play. Then I went to class. It was fun. Oulipo is all about challenging yourself in weird ways while you're writing. This one guy wrote a novel without using the letter E. Then he wrote a sequel wherein every word had an E in it. Things like that. This calss is going to have the easiest essay of all my classes. Unfortunately, we're getting a different teacher at the beginning of Summer term, so I have no idea what the next essay will be like.
There is another international student from America in that class. His name is Sebastian and he is from Mississippi. He was fun to talk to before class, and it seems like we might have some things in common. He lives on the 7th floor of Tawney, which is one below me. He looks like your typical hard core emo kid, but he's pretty intelligent and said he likes to write, so at least I know someone in one of my classes now.
After class I went to the post office to see if they could help me out in figuring out the trains to Heathrow, but they were closed. So I went and bought a sandwich and went back to the dorms. I read a little before going to make dinner. I had my sandwich and some rice I had bought at Tesco...
The rice smelled like plants. It tasted like plants as well. Next time, I will buy a different brand of rice. The dinner, it was unsatisfactory. But at least I got some meat. (And yes, I KNOW rice is technically a plant. It smelled like ferns.)
Just as I sat down to eat my unsatisfactory meal, the fire alarm went off and we all had to go down 8 flights of stairs to get outside. Once outside, everyone stood IMMEDIATELY outside the doors, less than a yard away from the building, and started smoking. So I asked if this was a routine firedrill, since I know they test the alarms every Tuesday. No, it was not, some idiot pulled a fire alarm. They don't HAVE routine fire drills here. So I'm kind of glad some idiot pulled the alarm. Now I know where the stairs are.
After we got back inside and climbed eight flights of stairs, I finished dinner, chatted for a bit, and went to take a shower. Someone else had just gotten out and the shower was FREEZING. Fastest shower ever. I got dressed in a hurry and sat down to blog... theee end.
Not the end. It's 10:00 now, and I thought I smelled smoke in my room. Well, this happened last night and I walked out into the hallway and didn't smell anything so I figured I was just imagining things. But tonight I walked out into the hallway and immediately could tell that someone was smoking. I asked a passing person and they said that sometimes people smoke in their rooms. I checked the university policies, and this is definitely NOT ALLOWED. I don't know what I'm going to do....
I finished reading Witch of Edmonton this morning before class. Very boring play. Then I went to class. It was fun. Oulipo is all about challenging yourself in weird ways while you're writing. This one guy wrote a novel without using the letter E. Then he wrote a sequel wherein every word had an E in it. Things like that. This calss is going to have the easiest essay of all my classes. Unfortunately, we're getting a different teacher at the beginning of Summer term, so I have no idea what the next essay will be like.
There is another international student from America in that class. His name is Sebastian and he is from Mississippi. He was fun to talk to before class, and it seems like we might have some things in common. He lives on the 7th floor of Tawney, which is one below me. He looks like your typical hard core emo kid, but he's pretty intelligent and said he likes to write, so at least I know someone in one of my classes now.
After class I went to the post office to see if they could help me out in figuring out the trains to Heathrow, but they were closed. So I went and bought a sandwich and went back to the dorms. I read a little before going to make dinner. I had my sandwich and some rice I had bought at Tesco...
The rice smelled like plants. It tasted like plants as well. Next time, I will buy a different brand of rice. The dinner, it was unsatisfactory. But at least I got some meat. (And yes, I KNOW rice is technically a plant. It smelled like ferns.)
Just as I sat down to eat my unsatisfactory meal, the fire alarm went off and we all had to go down 8 flights of stairs to get outside. Once outside, everyone stood IMMEDIATELY outside the doors, less than a yard away from the building, and started smoking. So I asked if this was a routine firedrill, since I know they test the alarms every Tuesday. No, it was not, some idiot pulled a fire alarm. They don't HAVE routine fire drills here. So I'm kind of glad some idiot pulled the alarm. Now I know where the stairs are.
After we got back inside and climbed eight flights of stairs, I finished dinner, chatted for a bit, and went to take a shower. Someone else had just gotten out and the shower was FREEZING. Fastest shower ever. I got dressed in a hurry and sat down to blog... theee end.
Not the end. It's 10:00 now, and I thought I smelled smoke in my room. Well, this happened last night and I walked out into the hallway and didn't smell anything so I figured I was just imagining things. But tonight I walked out into the hallway and immediately could tell that someone was smoking. I asked a passing person and they said that sometimes people smoke in their rooms. I checked the university policies, and this is definitely NOT ALLOWED. I don't know what I'm going to do....
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
free tuesday...
On tuesday I have no classes, so I resolved to stay up as late as possible last night in order to talk to all my friends who are usually ending their school/work day as I am going to sleep. I stayed up a bit past 3:30.
I woke up around noon today sick. Also, it turns out they test the fire alarms every Tuesday around noon.
Ok, so this being sick thing is getting really annoying. I've been sick off and on since Sunday, and before that New Years... I'm beginning to think there actually is something more wrong with me than just stress.
So I had planned to go grocery shopping today, pick up some books, buy some postcards, and put money on my print quota. Instead, I went back to bed and slept for an absurdly longer time. When I did wake up, I actually got dressed and went out and got the books I need. There's a lot of reading to do every week... that's what I get for taking 4 literature classes. But the bookstore is really nice, like a real bookstore not just a textbook store.
I also tried out the scary paternoster lift and took some pictures of the prettier part of campus, as well as an interesting bird called the Eurasian Coot.
This is a little lake at the back of campus. Usually it is inhabited by scary geese.
Here is the Eurasian Coot
These pictures are, unfortunately somewhat dark because the sun goes away at 4:00 hereabouts, but if you're really interested, there's a whole wikipedia page on them. From a distance I thought they were just big pigeons, but they have flat faces (that white thing is a sort of face sheild...) and webbed feet. And when they take off, they run on water.
Anyway. I was feeling better, so I checked out one of the campus cafe type things and looked at the menu, planning to come back for dinner. The one I was looking at had lots of chicken, and since I think lack of protein might have been making me ill, I thought it might be time to actually eat some meat.
So I came back to the dorm, read for a bit, and rechecked my course websites. I discovered quite by accident that a presentation is expected of me in one of my courses. Unfortunately all of the days and topics were assigned last semester - all of my classes began last semester, you see, so my teachers are generally shocked that I'm leaping in now. I emailed the prof, and he said to pick a topic and that I can partner with someone, but if they've been working on these presentations since last semester... I don't know. It's going to be weird. The fact that all of the classes I'm taking have been going for a few months already is another one of those things I wish I'd known before coming.
Then I went back out for food. Unfortunately, when I got to the place and asked after the chicken, they said all of their chicken was spicy. Spicy chicken wings, strips, and sandwiches. Swell. No meat for Robin. Normally I'd go for it, but not on an upset stomach. So I got some ok pizza and fries that tasted like paper. Most unsatisfactory.
I went back to the dorm and started to read some more. The Witch of Edmonton is a very boring play, so I began to blog, as I suspect I will fall asleep next time I sit down to read it.
The End.
I woke up around noon today sick. Also, it turns out they test the fire alarms every Tuesday around noon.
Ok, so this being sick thing is getting really annoying. I've been sick off and on since Sunday, and before that New Years... I'm beginning to think there actually is something more wrong with me than just stress.
So I had planned to go grocery shopping today, pick up some books, buy some postcards, and put money on my print quota. Instead, I went back to bed and slept for an absurdly longer time. When I did wake up, I actually got dressed and went out and got the books I need. There's a lot of reading to do every week... that's what I get for taking 4 literature classes. But the bookstore is really nice, like a real bookstore not just a textbook store.
I also tried out the scary paternoster lift and took some pictures of the prettier part of campus, as well as an interesting bird called the Eurasian Coot.
This is a little lake at the back of campus. Usually it is inhabited by scary geese.
Here is the Eurasian Coot
These pictures are, unfortunately somewhat dark because the sun goes away at 4:00 hereabouts, but if you're really interested, there's a whole wikipedia page on them. From a distance I thought they were just big pigeons, but they have flat faces (that white thing is a sort of face sheild...) and webbed feet. And when they take off, they run on water.
Anyway. I was feeling better, so I checked out one of the campus cafe type things and looked at the menu, planning to come back for dinner. The one I was looking at had lots of chicken, and since I think lack of protein might have been making me ill, I thought it might be time to actually eat some meat.
So I came back to the dorm, read for a bit, and rechecked my course websites. I discovered quite by accident that a presentation is expected of me in one of my courses. Unfortunately all of the days and topics were assigned last semester - all of my classes began last semester, you see, so my teachers are generally shocked that I'm leaping in now. I emailed the prof, and he said to pick a topic and that I can partner with someone, but if they've been working on these presentations since last semester... I don't know. It's going to be weird. The fact that all of the classes I'm taking have been going for a few months already is another one of those things I wish I'd known before coming.
Then I went back out for food. Unfortunately, when I got to the place and asked after the chicken, they said all of their chicken was spicy. Spicy chicken wings, strips, and sandwiches. Swell. No meat for Robin. Normally I'd go for it, but not on an upset stomach. So I got some ok pizza and fries that tasted like paper. Most unsatisfactory.
I went back to the dorm and started to read some more. The Witch of Edmonton is a very boring play, so I began to blog, as I suspect I will fall asleep next time I sit down to read it.
The End.
Monday, January 14, 2008
Class
Today was the first day of classes. It began... poorly.
It began with my flatmates waking me up at 1 in the morning with an absurd amount of noise. That is all I will say about that.
I woke up tired, feeling not at all ready to face my Myth class. I left super early to look for the room, still feeling slightly ill but determined to ignore it until AFTER class. I found the room with a bit of difficulty, because i don't think it is acutally room 4.01. There is a piece of printer paper with the number printed on it, taped to the window, and the room is not by any of the other rooms. Luckily, I found it.
And what we are doing for the first half of myth class (until March) is the Myth of Orpheus. Hehehehehe. Easy. I've an essay due April 21st in that class, which means I should try to finish it before March 21st so I don't have to do it at home.
After class I went to see Julie Andrews and Hazel in the Literature Department to buy another course packet and find out some details of the class that the professor didn't seem to know. Hazel knows everything about literature classes. I also bought notebooks. Then I went back to the room to make up the sleep I missed.
After a really really long nap, I went to go look for a class to substitute for my Film Studies class, since I decided I didn't want to have to worry about citing films in my essays as well as books. Plus I wanted another 200 level course, because they are easier. I ended up picking something called Versions of Modernity, wherein we will read classics that most people in America have read their Freshman year of high school. Much easier.
I went to go put the transfer in with Hazel, and it turned out that i'd missed the first lecture: it had been that morning. But Julie Andrews said it didn't matter at all about the first lecture, and I shouldn't worry. Then I went to the first screening for the Film class I dropped, just because I had nothing better to do.
We watched Three Kings, a bloody, slightly depressing war movie. Blah. but it killed time. I went back to the dorm, had a word with Phil about noise, and made dinner. Lots of people were in the kitchen tonight, including another girl named Sophie. She was very friendly, and it was generally a good time. People actually, really cook around here. It's surprising. Most college kids I know would rather just boil something, which is what I've been doing: less effort, less time. But dinner here appears to be a whole big production. Maybe when I run out of noodles and rice, I'll actually buy some meat or something. We'll see how busy I get.
And that is it for today. I'm already sleepy, but I'm going to try to stay up as long as I can since I don't have any classes tomorrow : )
It began with my flatmates waking me up at 1 in the morning with an absurd amount of noise. That is all I will say about that.
I woke up tired, feeling not at all ready to face my Myth class. I left super early to look for the room, still feeling slightly ill but determined to ignore it until AFTER class. I found the room with a bit of difficulty, because i don't think it is acutally room 4.01. There is a piece of printer paper with the number printed on it, taped to the window, and the room is not by any of the other rooms. Luckily, I found it.
And what we are doing for the first half of myth class (until March) is the Myth of Orpheus. Hehehehehe. Easy. I've an essay due April 21st in that class, which means I should try to finish it before March 21st so I don't have to do it at home.
After class I went to see Julie Andrews and Hazel in the Literature Department to buy another course packet and find out some details of the class that the professor didn't seem to know. Hazel knows everything about literature classes. I also bought notebooks. Then I went back to the room to make up the sleep I missed.
After a really really long nap, I went to go look for a class to substitute for my Film Studies class, since I decided I didn't want to have to worry about citing films in my essays as well as books. Plus I wanted another 200 level course, because they are easier. I ended up picking something called Versions of Modernity, wherein we will read classics that most people in America have read their Freshman year of high school. Much easier.
I went to go put the transfer in with Hazel, and it turned out that i'd missed the first lecture: it had been that morning. But Julie Andrews said it didn't matter at all about the first lecture, and I shouldn't worry. Then I went to the first screening for the Film class I dropped, just because I had nothing better to do.
We watched Three Kings, a bloody, slightly depressing war movie. Blah. but it killed time. I went back to the dorm, had a word with Phil about noise, and made dinner. Lots of people were in the kitchen tonight, including another girl named Sophie. She was very friendly, and it was generally a good time. People actually, really cook around here. It's surprising. Most college kids I know would rather just boil something, which is what I've been doing: less effort, less time. But dinner here appears to be a whole big production. Maybe when I run out of noodles and rice, I'll actually buy some meat or something. We'll see how busy I get.
And that is it for today. I'm already sleepy, but I'm going to try to stay up as long as I can since I don't have any classes tomorrow : )
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Cambridge
Today I woke up sick. Why does my body hate me? I went on the Cambridge trip anyway, just to spite it.
These are the girls I was wandering around with. Their names, from the left: Alice (Italy), Segolene (France), Valeria (Italy), Iwona (Poland), Julia (Denmark), Aino (Finland).
Cambridge is about an hour and a half away from Colchester. It's a pretty old town, with lots of nice architecture and stuff. After telling us where to meet for the tour, and informing us that if we got left behind at the end of the day, the best way back to Colchester is by train via London, we were let loose to do whatever. Mostly find food and look at shops. I wandered around mostly with the girls I went to Tesco with, plus a few others, but we eventually split off into much smaller groups for convenience. None of the stores were closed, despite it being Sunday. In fact, there was sort of a market day happening, with lots of stalls set up in the town square.
Like this.
These are the girls I was wandering around with. Their names, from the left: Alice (Italy), Segolene (France), Valeria (Italy), Iwona (Poland), Julia (Denmark), Aino (Finland).
I get along better with the Europeans than with the Americans. Go figure. Anyway, we shopped a bit before we had to meet back at
for the tour.
There's a lot of great architecture in the town, so much that they didn't explain it all.
This is an unidentified pretty building.
Here is a street in Cambridge.
Here's a very old church. We were standing in the graveyard in front of it, listening to the tourguide. What you can't see is a water pump. A well in a graveyard. This is brilliant.
A tomb.... of a pirate???
This is a pub called The Eagle. This is where the guys who figured out DNA went to tell everyone how awesome they were. During theSecond World War, this is also where American troops liked to hang out. They wrote their names and divisions and stuff all over the ceiling of the pub, but it's really hard to make out now because of all the smoking that used to happen in pubs (Stephanie will be glad to hear that smoking is not allowed in most public buildings anymore!)
This is apparantly the brand of alcohol they serve in The Eagle. I took a picture of it because it's a green king...
This is the impressive King's College of Cambridge. It's pretty, but I wouldn't want to go to school here... they still believe in hierarchy very much. There's still a "high table" where important professors and favored students sit, and you're not allowed to walk on the grass unless an older student gives you permission. Crazy.
Here's some of the grass you're not allowed to walk on. Those are the classrooms of King's College.
And a better shot of the fountain... statue... thing in front.
Here we are inside the King's Chapel. It's more like a cathedral, it's so big... I didn't take a lot of pictures inside because... well, it's a church... but this is me standing in the middle and taking a picture of the back. This place is huge.
This is a shot of the front of King's College: the entranceway across from the classrooms, on the other side of the sacred grass. Keeps the college nice and protected from the commoners...
A pretty bridge. Oh, and the river. If it was warm out, there would probably be punting happening, or so I'm told.
After the tour, Iwona, Aino and I went back the The Eagle because they were hungry (again. Seriously, they had just eaten.) I got some water, they got beer and chips, and we sat around and talked. Aino says that the government pays for college education in Finland. I asked her if everyone goes to college then, but she said no. 2/3 of the people don't pass the entrance exams. No wonder the government can afford to pay for education. It's the opposite in America, where if someone doesn't attend college it's generally for monetary reasons.
Then we went back to University of Essex. I signed on, ate some cold Macaroni and Cheese, and wrote this blog.
Classes start tomorrow, and i'm very very very very nervous. I have no idea what to expect. It has just occured to me that I am taking a film studies class, wherein we watch films, presumably without subtitles. If I have trouble following the film tomorrow, I may drop the class and have to find a different one. Who knows what's still available? Well, I will have to find out tomorrow.
Then we went back to University of Essex. I signed on, ate some cold Macaroni and Cheese, and wrote this blog.
Classes start tomorrow, and i'm very very very very nervous. I have no idea what to expect. It has just occured to me that I am taking a film studies class, wherein we watch films, presumably without subtitles. If I have trouble following the film tomorrow, I may drop the class and have to find a different one. Who knows what's still available? Well, I will have to find out tomorrow.
As for now... it is 8 o clock and i am out of things to do... when i have tons of homework, i will look back on these days with longing. maybe.
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