Deadlines and Dorm Rooms: Work and Play

Church this morning was refreshing, especially since I didn’t get to go last week, being in Wales. The music was interesting; I didn’t know most of the songs, and the singers didn’t always agree on the pitch, but there was a small band and two saxophone solos, so I was happy. We also had communion today – they literally pass around plates with pieces of bread chopped up into squares.

There was also a children’s sermon during the service, which was adorable. The man giving it sounded like he’d started off American and was slowly morphing into a British accent, a few words at a time. This was particularly confusing when he began to talk to the kids about ‘revising’ in school – it was a few seconds before I remembered that he meant ‘reviewing’ in American English. After the service I stayed for tea and ‘biscuits’ – cookies – and was able to speak with a few of the members; they were all very sweet. I’m very glad there’s a Baptist church here.

Of course, there are lots of other churches as well. A little while ago I was able to look around St. Mary’s Church, which is only about a minute away from the college where I’m staying. Different colleges, I should explain, are kind of the undergraduate version of different graduate schools in one university. They’re a combination of dorms, classes, and affiliation, and when you apply to go to Cambridge as an undergraduate, you apply to specific colleges, not the university as a whole.

I was also able to go to the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge. They have free admittance, which was nice, and a lovely collection of art, statuary, porcelain, and other things; I spent quite a while there, and I’ll probably end up going back at some point. I also took a stroll around a couple of the little parks they have here – they’re called ‘pieces’. The weather here is a little nippy and drizzly at times, but I find it energizing, and on the whole it’s nice to go outside.

I still haven’t quite gotten used to eating here. They’re always having luncheons or banquets in the dining hall, so I’m never entirely sure it will be open, and you’re not intended to get all your meals there in the first place, only ten a week. So I usually end up wandering around town to find a sandwich shop or buy groceries.

Luckily, walking is the way to go here. We’re close to a farmer’s market and lots of restaurants and shops. Close to the colleges it’s almost impossible to drive, although people manage it. You can usually walk in the middle of the street without much trouble, although there’s no telling what the bikes will be doing: on the sidewalk, off the sidewalk, left side of the road, right side of the road, makes no difference. Today was particularly crowded because Race for Life was coming through; I felt very sorry for the few cars trying to navigate through the crowds.

I have my first final a week from today, and after that I’ll only have two classes instead of three. My only assignments for my classes here are a paper and an exam for each class, which makes it easy to plan. I was going to do some touring yesterday, but due to logistical issues ended up staying home instead, so I took the time to write the first drafts of two of my essays. I’m making good progress toward getting my work done without being terribly stressed; I love it when that happens.

And of course, there are things to do besides work. This week I’ve gone out for dinner and ice cream, attended a birthday party, and watched fireworks from in front of my dorm for a Cambridge University celebration. It’s a nice balance between taking interesting classes, touring, relaxing, and spending time with friends. Time is going to fly by until I’m back at Harvard, but the summer seems as though it will be an immensely enjoyable one.

Pictures:

This is St. Andrews Baptist Church, where I went this morning.