I am finally here!

This first entry is going to be a stream of consciousness entry, so please forgive the unbroken rambling. Well, after many months of disbelief I have arrived at the University of Oxford and am faced with the reality that I AM here and this IS really happening for the next year. Oxford city is something out of a fairy tale with spires and steeples and plenty of interesting, beautiful, old buildings. I am at St. Hugh's, which is located North of the main city center and most of the colleges. This location might be seen as a downside by some, but I think it offers a wonderful escape from the craziness of the downtown area, which seems to be cro

wded everyday with masses of students, locals, and tourists. I am also just a short distance up the street from my program's offices and the Pitt Rivers Museum, where I will be spending much of my time. The house I am in is shown above. I have a rear room on the second floor with a fantastic view of some of the garden and the tennis courts. We have a shared bathroom with a tub and shower (although I can't seem to figure out how it works and there is no way to have warm water; it is either scalding or freezing) several toilet and sink stalls, and a shared kitchen area. The MCR also has a very nice kitchen and eating area and laundry facilities that we are allowed to use whenever we want. The MCR is luckily right next door to my house. I have met my Porters and Scouts (the very helpful keepers of the keys and mail and other useful info, and our cleaning staff) and a several other post-grad students at our MCR (post-graduate common room). Everyone has been extremely nice and I have begun to make friends. To my surprise, so far I find i can keep up quite well in conversation. American politics seems to be a very popular topic. I have been listening to BBC radio a lot and American news and history is reported and discussed as much as it is back in the states. British English, however, is still taking a bit of adjustment (although I am now finding myself thinking in a British accent) and this is most definitely a very different country in a lot of ways culturally. There is an extensive list of activities being hosted by our MCR committee all week, including Wine and Cheese night tonight, Pub outings, garden parties, and a black tie casino night. Free booze at all events, of course. We are in England and I am finding their reputation for having grand times with plenty of liquid libation is rightfully earned. My gown and my bicycle have arrived. The bike is adorable-red with a basket and bell-and is going to be extremely helpful, as long as i don't die after looking left instead of right. I haven't figured out what to do with the gown. It is a bit confusing. I have taken a few pictures around town, but more are to follow. Cheers!