Hello Cambridge!

We arrived yesterday at 9:30am, after a long flight and a pleasant bus ride. Mary and I sat on the bus taking pictures. Our sleepy adoration of the breathtaking English countryside was appropriately accompanied by Sigur Ros. Once we arrived, I think we slowly figured out why Cambridge is such a big deal. It is majestic and breathtaking, and the past is so tangible. We walked through iron gates into Selwyn College, the place we're staying and saw the ivy-covered buildings with a perfect green courtyard and adjourning gardens with benches near fountains and the most classic dinner hall I have ever seen. It reminds me of Harry Potter's dinner hall, with long tables and people serving you different courses. The first day I walked around, had a picnic in an ancient graveyard, unpacked my things and successfully stayed awake until orientation at 8:30 pm. Then I put my head on my hands and slept through almost the entire thing. After that, I went back to my room and fell asleep very quickly.

This morning, I had my first classes. The Shakespeare class is taught by a distinctly English-looking man with a funny elongated mustache and a wonderful sense of humor. The second class is on revolution in art from Impressionism to the present. The teacher is a pleasant lady named Elizabeth who has a white bob of a haircut and is politely and persuasively passionate about the art which she teaches. For much of the class, I sat in the darkened lecture hall and watched her foreboding shadow on the wall above her from the lamp for her notes. Both lectures were engaging and informative. I can't wait to learn more.

I didn't bring my chord to upload pictures, but I will. Danny put some of mine up on his. I forget the name of his, though.

Well, making a blog has been a big enough step for me, so don't be surprised if I don't put up stuff every day.

Rachel