What's Eating Gilbert Grape...

Another quieter day today, which was mostly spent doing Relay in preparation for the Quidditch match, and doing sign ups at the table in Hodson. At lunch I rounded off reading for Miller's class, in which we finished the weird film and then discussed some of the reading. 

After class, I skyped with Tom, mum and dad to get the details for the weekend and our Sunday birthday Facetime from Cambridge. This evening, I went over to KC B and watched 'What's Eating Gilbert Grape' with Lenka, Shannon and Will. The film was very good, but when combining it with '12 Years a Slave' the other day, we really need a comedy next time. 

The Half Week Hurdle...

Yesterday was a very long day of classes, finishing with a 2 1/2 hour musical in film class. After classes, I spent the time before dinner reading for today's discussion class with Miller. More books are continuing to come in, along with birthday cards for anyone wondering if they have arrived or not. 

In the evening, Shannon and I spent a couple of hours at Relay, where we talked about the various events coming up, in particular, the Quidditch match that will he taking place on 15th February. After Relay, we went over to Lenka's where we relaxed the rest of the night away. 

How Tasty Was My Little Frenchman...

A day relatively devoid of classes today, with only Miller at 2:30pm in which we mostly watched a film called 'How Tasty Was My Little Frenchman.' Tasty referring to a tribe of cannibals, and a film with much unnecessary nudity. Peculiar Spanish productions aside, this morning and for a couple of hours after class, I did finish the first paper of the term - one down, nine to go...

This evening I went to the dining hall to catch up with people and discuss Spring Break. Plans are slowly coming together, which is good. At some point I will need to start formulating ideas for what to do after term ends. I have some initial thoughts, but there is much that needs to be finalised - just one more thing to think about in this semester that is rapidly filling up with plans. 

Superbowl Setup...

Today I started thinking about the work for this semester with the arrival of my first course books. The first essay is roughly planned, which wasn't too difficult as there is a fair bit of overlap from last semester. Ideally I will write it tomorrow, if not all then most. 

This evening I helped to supervise the moving of Shannon's TV across to Lenka's in preparation for our Superbowl party on Sunday. With mugs of tea we sat down to '12 Years a Slave.' Not the most cheerful end to a Monday, I'll admit. But, having studied the period in-depth last semester, it was really useful to see a slave narrative brought to life. 

Lazy Lasagna Day...

The laziest day I can remember today. After a relaxed start, getting breakfast with Ellie and her sister Rachel, I caught up with the others over a coffee at brunch to hear the full damage report of the post-swim meet party. We spent the day relaxing at KC before going to Lenka's to do the first family dinner of the semester. It was a bit of a wait for food whilst the zucchini sweated itself away, but the lasagna was excellent, so a huge thank you to Lenka, Danny and Shannon for cooking. Tired and needing to do some prep for the week ahead, it's an early night back at Worcester.  

Swim Meet Party...

Yesterday after brunch, Shannon, Lenka and I went down to the pool for the last home swim meet of the year. Shannon brightened up proceedings with her posters in honour of Ellie and Danny, and a rather abstract 'Defence' slogan. WAC pulled in a win for the guys, which was good, and a close call with the ladies. 

Afterwards, we had an early, chilled dinner and then went over to KC to start preparing the post-swim meet party. We had a great evening to finish off the first week - myself bringing home a win on the beer pong.   

Shifting The Sofa...

The end of the first, slightly interrupted working week has arrived. As with all Fridays, the absence of a film shortened contact time by a couple of hours, in between which I played the piano and did a bit of writing. I think all the books for the semester have been shipped, so soon I won't have the luxury to fritter away my time on such creative projects. 

This evening, I played moving men again, this time helping to take Sean's sofa from Lenka and Kristine's apartment and over to his new room in Chester - fitting inside with an inch or so to spare. Returning to KC B, Lenka, Shannon, Danny and I spent a chilled out evening watching TV. We finished off with the final episode of Sherlock that Shannon needed to see. Naturally, neither Lenka or I had an issue watching it a second time - you can never have too much Sherlock. 

Starting Up Squash...

A very quiet start to the day today, with nothing until class at 2:30pm. I spent the morning finishing off the book I have been reading as I don't see anywhere near as much free time in the near future. After lunch, Lenka and I went to have the first Miller class of the semester and so received the last of our deadlines. They seem fairly well spread and the reading doesn't appear too heavy. Most importantly, there are no exams to be taken! 

At 5:00pm I met up with Axel and played an hour of squash, warming up greatly from the -13'C outside. I came back from the gym and rushed over to the dining hall after a message from Shannon that the place was packed, with Candyland opening up - no one seems to know how long it will be sticking around. 

After eating, I showered and then went over to the GEO for the formal welcoming back for international students. Finishing up at 9:00pm, we took the shuttle to KC B and then made full use of Lenka and Kristine's massive lounge for the evening.  

Pictionary...

Back to class yesterday for another full day, ending in a film. This time it was Jimmy Stewart in 'The Shop Around the Corner', which was easy enough to watch. Between classes Lenka and I went to the pianos where I very crudely taught her the basics of reading and playing music. 

After dinner we slipped our way across to KC, where we added some more wines to the  'Cheap Wine Snob List' and settled in for a very competitive game of pictionary (picture to come). I don't want to boast, but I was on fire with several, getting Lord of the Rings and Forrest Gump in a matter of seconds. My drawing of Notting Hill left much to the imagination, however, and it was pointed out that my bat wings for Batman were upside down.   

A Snow Day, Seriously?...

Today I woke to an unexpected message that there would be no classes due to the heavy snow to come. Me and Ester shared a skeptical breakfast, mocking a dysfunctional system, as the sky behind us cleared without a single flake in sight. We've had to eat humble pie somewhat now that knee high snow drifts had piled up all over campus, and it's going to continue snowing heavily for the next few hours.

This morning I went for a much needed haircut and then I made my way over to Lenka and Kristine's to help move Sean's stuff from J to B. Having not planned on doing much strenuous work today, I felt that I did well helping to move the sofa up and down three flights of stairs and outside in the snow, amongst other things. 

Hungry from manual labour, we made our way over to lunch and then it was back to B to relax in the warm. We stayed sheltered until it was time to venture out for dinner. This evening, we had hot chocolate, toast, and sat down to watch 'Bobby'.

The crucial question on everyone's lips is of course: will we have classes tomorrow?

German Suit Get Together...

So, the first day of classes has been and gone. The schedule and rooms stayed the same as last semester, which made it easier to get back into the swing of things. From the course booklets they look good, and now I have Lenka for all of them which is a bonus. It was a long day in the end, with the film class running on past 5:00pm, but the movie was good, so it wasn't too bad. 

To pass the time in between classes I went down to the piano and then after dinner, the German suite were good enough to host the internationals, new and old for a big get-to-know-you session. 

The Rest Return...

Yesterday saw a bit more of the old routine return with brunch in the morning. I had chance to catch up with Will, one of the new Australian internationals and then we were joined by Lenka and Shannon later on. After food, I headed over to KC with Shannon and Lenka to make some initial plans for Spring Break in March. So far we haven't made any definite decisions, but if we can't source somewhere beachy that it relatively cheap, then we feel a road trip for the week is on the cards. 

The afternoon passed idly and then we made our way over to dinner. - I realise that making the blog less food-centric isn't off to a great start, but when you have nothing to do meal times really are the key points of the day. Yesterday's dinner was especially key because we met up with the rest of the internationals who had arrived throughout the day. I did get some sad news that I have lost Marcela as my breakfast companion for the semester because of her new schedule. But, Sean is boldly stepping into her shoes, which means I don't have to spend my time alone and looking expectantly at the stairs or pretending to text some nonexistent food companion who is running late - not that I do that. 

Then, the evening was spent over at Lenka and Kristine's catching up with Axel and Kanta, discussing what we might like to do as days out and small trips throughout the semester - it's already looking like a pretty full few months. 

The Swimming Social...

After a very relaxed start in the hotel this morning, I had some breakfast and then boarded the hotel shuttle to BWI. After some slight complications with shuttle timings and pick up points I was on board, and making my way towards WAC, crossing the mighty bay bridge. 

Upon arrival campus was very quiet, with many people arriving tomorrow. The wind certainly makes the weather colder than I has been back home, but I braved the walk to Walgreens to pick up some essentials. I spent the afternoon reading and chilling out. This evening I headed over to KC where Sam cooked me a great chicken recipe that I mostly forget, but it was very tasty all the same. 

Tonight, after going to Hodson for a while to meet up with the new internationals, we headed over to Calvert to somewhat crash a swimming social. However, the evening passed well, and was a great way to catch up with Ellie and Danny, as well as a chance to make some new contacts. 

Starting Off Spring Semester 2014...

Greetings readers and a happy 2014 to you all!

If you are reading this then you have clocked for part two of my year studying abroad at Washington College. With a slight feeling of deja vu, this post is coming to you from by room at the Hampton Inn. (Free upgrade to a king, don't mind if I do!)

The five weeks back in Blighty were surprisingly warm, which meant one thing - lots of rain! But, fending off the occasional downpour, they were five week jam packed with great times - poker and games days with the guys, champagne lunch at the Ritz and other early 21st prezzies, the theatre, an Australian New Year in London, and much relaxing in between. 

But, now my mind is very slowly turning back to the idea of having to do some actual work for a change - not that we won't try to have heaps of fun as we go. I don't know what definite plans we have for the next five months, but I can't wait to find out what they have in store. This time tomorrow I shall be back in Worcester, and probably thinking back on the luxurious king-sized bed that now awaits me.