I'm sorry

for my unfaithfulness to this blog. I have made efforts to update; I promise. They are just always interrupted. So....in an attempt to summarize the past two weeks, I am going to post a lot of pictures. Prepare yourself for the beauty of Oxford...


The building on the left is called the Radcliffe Camera, and it is a part of the Bodelian Library (picture courtesy of Scotland Hubbard). You can only get into the Radcliffe if you are a student at Oxford...you have to present your id card at the front desk, and allow them to look through your bag before you leave to make sure you aren't stealing any books - you can't check out any books from this library. Actually, the library system here is really complicated. It involves ordering books online to your name. You have to specify which library you want the books delivered to, and half a day later they will appear, reserved in your name. They aren't allowed to leave the location.Also, they transport them under the streets on a river type thingy. Sorry for the poor description (I wrote my first paper last night and only got thirty minutes of sleep...the latest night pulled in my college history. Needless to say, my writing skills are a bit weary).


Here I am with Pearson, Jamie and Mikey in the oldest pub in England, "Ye Olde Fighting Cocks." Pub food is a bit tricky - some of it is warm and tasty, fish and chips makes me feel a bit sick, and after a bad experience last Friday, I now avoid all cottage pie.


<-- I love fall. Enough said.


I went to London, and I only took a picture of pigeons eating french fries.



<-- Here is Wycliffe College, where I spend about three hours a day watching British History videos and listening to lectures. We also have at least one tea break a day...


This is the sunset view from my window at the Vines. It is even more beautiful in the mornings, when the fog is still sitting on the city and I am sipping a steaming cup of coffee.


There are lots of bikers in Oxford. I have recently joined them.Unfortunately, I am not skilled in this sport. I spend most of my time running in to poles, getting lost (I think the count is up to four), violently jumping off it to avoid bees, and breaking traffic laws. A couple of days ago, I almost got hit by a car. I just can't get used to their reversed streets.

Well....that gives you a small picture of my first weeks in Oxford.

Until next time.

From Pacific to Atlantic...

Read these photos as you would a book and you will glean several bits of information:

First, my mom is a Pilates superstar. Though she was sad about my departure, and tired from helping me pack my suitcases all afternoon, her core is tight and her breathing right on.


Second, my parents have interesting ways of expressing themselves - they use stuffed rabbits (named Jack and Jill) to "personify" their emotions. Here it is clear that they love and will miss their daughter.


Third, my mom sadly, did not get to come to the airport. But more happily, Alex did. Observe the three of us standing there, with two suitcases.


Fourth...oh wait...is something wrong here? Why am I standing with only one suitcase? Why does my face look sad?


Yes, that is right. British Airways lost my suitcase -- it made it to Heathrow, but it didn't make it to the baggage claim.

I am still waiting for its return, and have nothing more to say on the manner.