January 17
Still pretty normal here… Today was the first day of classes, but I only have classes on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, so I got to sleep in. Which was nice because I couldn’t get to sleep until about 5am here.
Went out with two of my flat mates and some people from Park Wood (Woody’s) to the city on Saturday night. The group on the way was myself, another American, a Russian-American, a Hungarian, a Canadian, and two Danes. Very funny. Got to touch the Cathedral, was stared at by the security gaurd, and then walked away cautiously lol
Experienced pubs. British bathrooms are fascinating, because no two have been alike. They are the snow flakes of British culture. Not really, but I think it’s weird.
While we have Beezers at USC, the Brits (or at least, Canterburians) have kebab shops for late night foodage. We met up with some British guys who also live in Woody’s, and we all trekked back to Woody’s. The group gradually diminished, and it ended up being 5 of us (2 Brits, a Hungarian, a Dane, and myself) sitting around a kitchen table talking about films and television. Good night, but way later than I’m used to.
I got a late start yesterday (obviously). I had a nice, quiet Sunday in my room, watching some more Conan, Daily Show, and Colbert. Sunday Trivia at my dorm doesn’t start until next week, but I did go to Origins, which is our in-house restaurant and pub, for dinner anyways.
Today was another late start, but hopefully I’ll get better at sleeping on time and such. I have my first class tomorrow, a seminar, after lunch. I’m very nervous, but excited.
I went to the mini-mart again today, for some more specific things. They don’t have zip-lock bags that I can see. They have freezer bags with two handles that you tie. So that’s fun. I will finally cook something tonight, I think. On my way back to Darwin, I was asked about the fastest way to get to town from campus (walking or bus), and where the bus stop was. By a British person. She was just visiting campus for a meeting, but I felt very special for a brief moment. This sort of thing happens to me a lot back home. I can be doing something very involved or have headphones in (like today), and someone will still pick me out of a crowd and ask for directions, and usually to a place I’m still unfamiliar with. I got a bit of a giggle out of the whole thing, but I think I was somewhat useful. I ended with, “Once you get to that point, find another person and double check for the rest of the way.” The woman agreed and happily thanked me.
The rest of the time today, I have been/will be reading King Lear some more for my seminar tomorrow. I am mostly anxious because I have no idea what to expect as far as standards for work, etc. Plus, I have a million books to read each week for each class, according to their course outlines. Lovely.
