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!