Oxford, July 5th 2010

After the first day of classes, I am much less nervous and much more excited about my stay in Oxford. Understandably, coming here was sort of intimidating; after all, I'm studying English where English was invented. However, the lecture this morning was enjoyable, and was given by my critical reading tutor (the Oxford word for professor) on Beowulf. It was very brief and accessible. Then I had the morning to shop with Emily, Shelby, Patty, and Rachel (which sounds really strange, but it's not) for alarm clocks, books, pens and paper.

We kind of went crazy in Blackwell's bookstore. Not only were their Oxford University Press books all 3 for the price of 2, but most of them were only around 6 pounds to begin with! Emily bought 9 books, and I bought 3. I figure it was an educational expense...

After we got back from all the shops, Emily and I explored the chapel on campus. It was really beautiful, with a large organ. They have choir/organ services three times a week, and I'm hoping to go at least one. While we were there, a tour group went through. It's strange having tourists take pictures of your university, where you're eating breakfast, going to class. It is a very beautiful campus, though, so I can definitely see the appeal.

Lunch was a strange affair, featuring several kinds of cold meat, pasta salads, yogurt, and fresh fruit. I think that's pretty much what they serve everyday, so I might have to check out the bar where you can get soups and sandwiches (for free!)

Almost immediately after lunch were my classes. More on them later...