M Wildes

Backing out of the Globe, running through London, past the London eye, laughing as we pass the other tourists, to catch a bus that leaves in 20 minutes from by Westmister. And then --- arriving, in time, to find: the bus has been delayed for an hour. Oh, traveling :). Why there were no pictures: I had the umbrella; she had the camera. We pack light if one is to carry essentials. Also, it was a day trip, organized by OSAP, with a walking tour of Westminster. The Globe was lovely, and the genuine groundling experience -- genuine. ... read more

The last week has still been a whirlwind, with lectures, high Anglican services, cathedrals, Shakespeare, and theatre. Yet I have to stop a moment here, with Emily Dickinson for Grandpa: Because I could not stop for Death, He kindly stopped for me; The carriage held but just ourselves And Immortality. We slowly drove, he knew no haste, And I had put away My labor, and my leisure too, For his civility. We passed the school where children played At wrestling in a ring; We passed the fields of gazing grain, We passed the setting sun. We paused before a house that seemed A swelling of the ground; The roof was scarcely visible, The cornice but a mound. Since then 't is centuries; but each Feels shorter than the day I first su... read more

This has been an amazing week, complete with drenching showers, an umbrella purchase, and a cold. No pictures at the moment: Yes, I am being a bad tourist. But I am also a student, and sitting in the Bodleian Library encased in bookshelves tends to drive cell phones and technology out of thought. As do dons who say the internet is a passing fad and email was invented for unnecessary conversations. I'm a visiting student at Christ Church, an instant inductee into a world of traditions, words such as pidge, and formal dining hall. And tons and tons of history. Literally, from my college, founded in the 1500s, to a Saxon tower off Cornmarket St. (pedestrians only, lots of shops) to Christopher Wren's first building, the Sheldonian Theater in front of the Bodleian Library buildings. Things ... read more

So I feel I have not kept up with all that's been happening. Today was the introduction to Oxford tutorials and libraries - scary stuff. But exciting. Since I last blogged, I got into my hostel, got to view art by a fellow hostel-stayer, toured Oxford, went to services, went to the Eagle & Child, found Chester House (home base for the program) got my key, got my roommates, cleaned my room (went for groceries and cleaning supplies), got bedding, drank tea, and got the history of a 1800s Methodist church. In other words, modern but with Dutch glass. Yesterday met quite a few other study abroad students, as well as Melissa on Sunday and several of her friends. Besides hanging out en masse, the roommates & I chatted with our UK student who's going for ... read more

Spokane, WA, USA 1. Where I live, with plenty of hills, trees, and rivers. 2. Where I go to school. 3. Where the buses travel thousands of miles each day, but I don't.... read more