Slightly Anxious Worms

Today's title comes from the very carefully selected worm clip art from today's academic orientation. Honestly today a little long and boring. We got up early and went over to the other university in Cambridge and largest university in England - Anglia Ruskin University. There we sat through several hours of information. All the Mount students agreed that there was not anything said at these sessions that has not been a repeated part of our curriculum at the Mount. It was nice out today but I'm still waiting for summer weather to arrive. (Seriously, it's 80° in my hometown, get with the picture Cambridge.) I wish I had more to say but so little of note happened today. Tomorrow's post might be later but I promise there will definitely be more photos in it. 

Here is the field where according to our friendly Programme Assistant informed us that the first match of what is considered modern football was played here. Everyone here is completely football crazy - they're even trying to set up a football league for just those of us in this programme. 

Formal Halls

Tonight was our first Formal Hall, which even the organizers described as a Hogwarts-esque experience. We started off with drinks in a courtyard and then all 200ish of us moved to the Hall. We got a three course meal - a salad, duck, and a raspberry cheesecake with white chocolate ice cream. The meal was really fantastic but lighter than I thought it would be - everyone says English food is heavy, is that only compared to French food? We started the meal with a Latin grace (the start and end were similar to the one I know, the middle not so much). I had a great time at the meal, I sat next to another Mount student and then two guys who go to school in Hong Kong. I love the diversity of students here. I experienced it in France but here it is different, I'm not quite sure how to explain it. While it seems most students here are from the University of California, it seems the second largest piece of the pie chart is students who come from schools in Hong Kong (or at least out of the people that I've met). Not one person (except my teacher) has heard of my beautiful mountain home which is really quite a shame for them. I do happen to go to the best school in the world after all. Our director Dr. Jarvis, ended the evening with a incredible speech about being British that managed to get across some important facts about the present time while also being one of the funniest speeches I've ever heard.   

Here's a picture of the menu for the formal hall - as many of you know I'm riddled with food restrictions and I was so happy when the server told me I could put my food restriction card away because I could eat everything that was being served. (Though I hate cheesecake, which balances out with my lactose intolerant roomie's love for the stuff, and I gave it to a neighbour.) 

I got to see a couple churches today, including the oldest one in Cambridge that actually dates back to the Anglo-Saxon architectural period, but it was during a class field trip so I was too busy taking notes to take photos. It was rainy today so afterwards I walked straight home to get dry, although my rainboots are proving useful and cute. 

Life at Uni

Today was my first day of classes and I really enjoyed it. After I introduced myself the professor already knew what school I was from and said he had a great experience with the Mounties he met last summer. I know I've got a tough act to follow but I intend to try my best. Our normal lecture hall (apparently other schools have lecture halls and use them for more than just events and science students) was not available today so there were about twenty-five of us crowded into a seminar room that was not designed to accommodate that many students comfortably. So far I feel like my liberal arts core curriculum background has more than prepared me for what we are going to cover in that class. Thanks Mount! 

I also spent some time walking around town this morning. The local mall is only about a ten minute walk away, and the local grocery store is just beyond that. I want to spend some time trying new foods over here. I've been trying to reach beyond my comfort zone in the cafeteria and I did have Hungarian Pork Stew for lunch today. Something that highly amuses me is the amount of snacks that are clearly for tea. Also Lays are totally a thing here but carry a different brand name. I also want to see what does and doesn't taste the same over here. (I had M&Ms the other day that I swear do not taste the same but everyone else thought they were fine.)

Here is a view of the Cam and some people punting. I only stopped by the river for a short time but I'm sure I'll be back soon enough. 

An Introduction to English Dining

Tonight at dinner I had the honour of sitting across from Reverend Dr. Charles Edward Searle, a former Master of Pembroke College (sort of the equivalent of an American college president). The current Master is Baron Smith of Finsbury. 

He was totally judging me as I was eating my shepherd's pie (favourite thing I've had since my going away meal).

And here are some pictures of the Pembroke College Hall where I've been taking most of my meals. Patriot Hall is wonderful but this is an incredible space.

I have my first class tomorrow so I'm looking forward to that, I also plan to do some shopping and maybe explore the town a bit more. 

"Americans are the Loudest People"

The title of this post comes from the head porter as he was giving us a fire and safety talk. We all agreed with him for obvious experiential reasons. The good news from today is that we definitely go to Hogwarts, the bad news is that it is freezing. We were all prepared for summer and then it turned out to be in the 60s today. My room is pleasant though - I never thought I'd be thankful for a lack of air conditioning. I'm hoping it will get warmer as we get into July. Besides the fact that it is cold the weather has been nice. It rained a little last night but most of the time you can see a brilliant blue sky peeking in through the clouds. We've been eating in the great hall so far (everything was closed yesterday, I'm hoping to stockpile some snacks later this week) and I feel like I should have been sorted to sit at my table. While there are only three instead of four it's still quite magical. There is more orientation today and I can't wait to learn more!

Here is a picture that shows Pembroke Library on the left and Pembroke Chapel on the right. 

Welcome to New York!

I know that sounds like a strange title but that was the song that was playing when I landed at Gatwick. The flight itself was just fine. I met a lovely Greek girl who sat next to me and the food was good. I arrived right on time but the border line was miserable. My cousin was great, he picked me up, drove me to Cambridge, and took me out to lunch. I got to the lovely house where I'm living fairly easily. Getting my bag up the stairs to my room on the fourth floor was not so easy. Despite the distance to the bathroom three flights down, I like my room which is large and has a pleasant view. I am all checked in now and I've met some very nice people. I've even gone on an adventure to find a store that was open after five on a Sunday. I'm now quite exhausted and I am going to try and get some sleep before a busy day of orientation. I mentioned to another girl that I feel rather like the freshmen I so recently encountered at Mount Orientation. I am so excited to be here and I'm so glad to have gotten here without serious trouble.

In a move very unlike myself I have neglected to take pictures of everything I've seen so please enjoy the only picture from today - it is a view from inside Pembroke College. 

Off to a Slow Start

So I arrived at JFK shortly before 8 which was fine, until it took an hour and a half to get through baggage drop off. Security was fine and only took a half an hour. I'm now on the flight (delayed nearly an hour) and I can't wait to take off!

Allons-y!

Hello all! I am super excited to begin my new adventure in England. There is so much to learn, so much to see, and so much to experience, and I hope you are joining me for all of it! I'm leaving on Saturday and by Sunday I will be at my temporary home in Cambridge.
My biggest goals for this trip and to learn new things and meet new people. I'm not too picky with how mundane the facts may be, I'll be perfectly content with figuring out which path to school has the least puddles. Or finding the store with the best candy. I also love making new friends!
I have to go finish packing but I can't wait to take this trip with all of you.