Weeks 7 & 8

So, I realize that I didn't blog last week, but not a lot happened. Mostly I've been reading and writing. I've turned in both my formative essays (drafts basically). I feel pretty good about them. I have to rework my Public History one to turn in by December 6th but I don't think that will be too hard. My final essay for my evolution class isn't due until January, which is nice.

I've been going out with my course group and that's always a lot of fun. Wednesdays and Thursdays are the best days because they have the most stuff. The rest of the week I spend most of my time reading or watching TV. Wednesdays have class and course pub night. Thursdays have free cake, CaSSoc and then drinks with CaSSoc. I've also gotten involved with a choir for Mass. It's fun, but sometimes a little intimidating because the last time I was in an actual choir was the 6th grade. We are singing in Mass for the first time this Sunday (luckily though, we have to sing mostly stuff the rest of the people can sing too).

Because I know it is of supreme interest to all of you, recently I finished watching The West Wing. I highly recommend it to anybody who enjoys politics (although it has a very liberal bias) or fast talking or good dialogue. Surprisingly, I've met quite a few people here who really love the show... obviously not something I expected. Last Wednesday when I was out with the public history people, I had a good discussion about it. And for the last two Thursdays I've talked to people about it. The best part is the people who have no idea what the show is or what it's about. I realize this was a bit of a tangent, but it's an update on my life.

Also, pictures, although not many.

 Guy Fawkes Night fireworks over the lake.

 Fireworks over the Wentworth building.

Sunset over the lake and the Wentworth building, from my room.

A beautiful rainbow over Wentworth, from my room.

The university recently put up these signs, but there isn't much need for grit (aka crappy salt/sand mix) nor do they use it well.

The contents of my most recent box! Mittens and a scarf, allergy pills, twist ties, post-its, candy corn and pumpkins. And for some reason a print of a picture of myself (I like it, but I really sent it to my dad so he could get a print for his desk).

I'll try to update in a more timely fashion! Next week I'm having American Thanksgiving with some of my friends so I'll try to snap some pictures then and also when I'm in town of the Christmas decorations!

Happy November!

I can't believe it's already November! It's a little crazy. This past week has been really good. Class went well and I wrote one of my essays (now I'm just polishing). I got a box from my mom and I enjoyed my non-class time.

Last Friday, I went into town with one of my friends and her grandparents to the Illuminating York festival. It was really cool. We went to the Treasurer's House first. One of their main attractions is the number of ghost stories/odd happenings stories that can be told (perfect for Halloween). They had the inside lit up to reflect the ghostly theme. It was really cool and highlighted how creepy old houses can be. After that, we went to Clifford's Tower. They had a movie playing on the hill and the side of the Tower about the Viking/Norse/Dutch rule in York. It was really cool and an interesting way to present the history of that time to a diverse audience.

Last night, I went to the Lord Mayor's International Student's Welcome. I got to see the Mansion House, the residence of the Lord Mayor, get my picture taken (it was a group picture) with the Lord Mayor, the Sherif, and their consorts, and learn a little bit about government and history. It was really cool and I have some pictures.

One last thing before pictures. Today is the 5th of November, which I assume most of you know. Many people know the "Remember remember the 5th of November" rhyme (made popular in "V for Vendetta," which I have not seen). Here it is known as Guy Fawkes Day/Night or Bonfire Day/Night. There are fireworks on campus tonight (so maybe pictures next week). But it is also a chance to see/experience celebrations for an annually celebrated national event. Not that I've participated in really anything/know about a lot of the celebrations, but still. It differs vastly from the annually celebrated national event in the US, aka 4th of July. I won't go into detail because for the non-history folks out there, it's a little, not complicated, involved. (If you are interested, comment and I'll tell you about it).

Ok, now pictures!

This is part of the movie on Clifford's Tower. It's a ship going across the sea.

I've honestly forgotten who this is... but I think he was a king.

This is another picture of the ship, but it has the shield's of different tribes/groups on it.

This is the crest of York above one of the fireplaces in the room we gathered in at the Mansion House. There are five lions that, supposedly, symbolize the five tribes that fought against the Vikings (I think).

This is the royal crest above the other fireplace in the room where we gathered at the Mansion House.

This is the outside of the Mansion House. It is in located in St. Helen's Square in the city centre.

They let us dress up in the Lord Mayor's ceremonial robes. This set replaced the old red one (it's lined with fur, ermine possibly) about 100 years ago (I think). It was pretty fun!