Way Away

Hey there. My first days of classes are done! They weren’t lying when they said it would be intense.

 Already I’ve finished up a group presentation and begun reading several novels and plays. Before the semester is out I’ll have read and written on more than twenty. Along with learning all I can of British History and travelling to many of its important sites.

 That’s just the academic side of things, too. I’ve also biked halfway to nowhere, gone to a real High Tea, explored Grantham, planned trips, booked a Harry Potter tour of London, learned Irish dances, gotten locked in a bathroom, discovered more of the castle, and applied for a rail card. All of this in the past three of four days. It’s amazing I’ve slept, much less had time to write a blog.

 But let me start at the beginning.

Before classes started we went to Grantham. It was an exercise in new currency and also the separation of a common language. Grantham was easier for us to navigate than we thought it would be, but as our bus driver pointed out to us, “We’re not in the Dark Ages anymore.”

After our return we decided to rent bikes from the University and explore. This was a disaster. All of the bikes were built for very tall men and we are all small-to-average women. Once we managed to start moving forward, it was in the wrong direction. Getting lost was beautiful though. Eventually we came to a footpath along a creek where a little British girl told us, “Ello.”

We all felt that our trip to the UK was complete, then.

Here are a few shots from the ride:

Before classes began was our High Tea, or High Table Dinner (announcements said it both ways). It was a fancy dinner to introduce everyone, and it was quite nice. We also went to the Bistro that evening to enjoy some cards.

 From the High Table Dinner:

Pat is a fellow student. She went back to college to complete her education. She’s really a great woman.

Monday morning classes began. All of my professors are quite excellent. My classwork has kept me quite busy; however that has not stopped me from exploring the castle a little further.

So, more photos for your viewing pleasure:

The Ante Room

This is my Shakespeare classroom.

Just for Mom. The Arrow reads "Harlaxton is here."

And tonight we had a Ceilidh (Kaylee), or traditional Irish dance. It was very fun; however I did not get to take many pictures because I was too busy dancing! Here’s what I did get:

 See you next time!