Finding Rhythm

Now it seems like I have been here forever! I've loved finally getting into the swing of tutorials and actually working. I am still figuring out the balance between school and everything else, but I am definitely enjoying the independent style of studying here.

We are now beginning Week 2 of term. This means that I have my first secondary tutorial coming up on Friday. Of course, I still have my primary tutorial tomorrow, as I shall have every week until midterm break. I am nearing the point in my reading and research for this week when I actually need to start writing...very soon...any minute now. However, I am taking a short break before the composition commences. After I finish writing for primary, I must read Macbeth and write a paper on the imagery of children and infants by Friday at noon. Luckily for that tutorial, I don't need to do any secondary research; I just need to form my own ideas about what the text has to say. That task may or may not be easier than finding scholars who already have said what I think. I'll let you know what the results are.

Living here in the house is a lot of fun. There are 23 of us living here at 8 Crick Rd., so there's always a few people around at the very least. Most of us have settled into food groups. My food group consists of 7 people, including Sam (our Junior Dean, which is kind of like an RA), Lisa, Monica, Jake, other Jake, Nicole, and myself. We take turns cooking dinner in partners (except Sam, who cooks alone). It's nice not to have to cook for myself every single night, and it is definitely a lot cheaper! Nicole, my cooking partner, and I made some delicious chili last night. It's also very interesting trying to find some ingredients for recipes we like to make in the States. We have to do a little bit of exploring and improvising sometimes. Let's just say that salsa in Britain is not at all like salsa in the States.

Last Saturday (the 15th) a group of us went to London for a walking tour. We got to see a lot of the typical tourist sights and explore a beautiful city. In some ways, London reminded me a little of Chicago. In some areas, the architecture is very similar, and the Tube feels just like the "L." Here are some pictures from the day:

The gates of Buckingham Palace.

Me and Tower Bridge.

Me and Big Ben!

St. Paul's Cathedral.

St. Paul's was definitely my favorite part of the trip. We went to an Evensong service, and it was absolutely beautiful! I wish I could show you pictures from inside, but cameras are not allowed. Our group got to sit in the choir stalls, so we could hear the full majesty of the hymns sung by the boys' choir. If you ever make it to London, you have to go to St. Paul's; it is quite the experience.

Well, now I ought to go back to my studies like a good little student. A preview of things to come includes the possibility of a day trip to Bath this weekend! Also, midterm break will likely see a trip to Paris! I also hope to make it to Scotland one of these weeks. I love traveling!

I send my love to everyone back in the good old USA, and I will hopefully post again soon!