Yesterday I FINALLY got to my place of residence for the term - 8 Crick Road in Oxford, England. My house is small, but charming, and something of a cross betwixt living in a flat and a house. I share my room with two girls, Bethany from Roberts Wesleyan in Rochester, NY and Alicia from Biola in CA. Both girls are wonderful. I couldn't ask for a better fit in roomates. The 23 students in my house (9 boys, 14 girls) share a common room, kitchen, small computer room and small laundry area. The other housing option in the Scholar's Semester at Oxford (SSO) program is a large English house that is a 45 minute walk from town. Facilities of Crick in comparison to the Vines are of a David and Goliath (or Hospers and Steggy if you will - and I can say that because I have lived in both) sort. Our house is becoming quite close and that is most pleasant.
This afternoon is cloudy and cool as I sip tea and get back to my blogging. Yesterday I explored Oxford's covered market with my parents. Then I was left to myself to explore the house and meet fellow residents. We trapsed to City Centre (a "downtown" area if you will) and oohed and ahhed at the charm of everything. I'm already in love with Oxford and saddened at the thought of leaving. Several students will be here the entire year and I admit to envying them.
Last night we had an early dinner party. The meal, a plethora of foods, included pattee, tarts (akin to cheesecake), chocolate dipped strawberries (which I helped to create), fruit, vegetables with humus, pizza, ginger beer and, of course, tea. After more city exploring I pulled up a chair in the kitchen and engaged in conversation with some of our basement dwellers.
Today my roomates, some others and I headed to City Centre for morning coffee and tea. We also did some window shopping and became quite aware of how "unEuropean" our own clothing appeared. We also found a number of lovely restaurants we can't afford to experience. We've decided that some night we will dress up and sit at the bars trying to find kindly British guys to pay for us.
Living with Americans has many its share of pros and cons. The difficulties and excitement of beginning time at a new school are no different than they would be in the states. The first impressions, quite judgments, arrogance and need to impress are still very much a part of community living.
Time to get ready for the symphony tonight.
Cheers!
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As for picking up accents...
I had to talk to the bus driver the other day, and I was speaking pretty fluently, but my accent was so thick, he couldn't understand a word I was saying.
Pretty depressing.
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