The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge

Today is a day that will go down in my history book. Today I was about 10-15 feet away from the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. It was their first visit to the city since being appointed with their titles. I have seen Prince William stand out on a balcony before at the Queen's birthday celebration two years ago, but never have I seen Princess Catherine. She is absolutely stunning, I really wish I had her wardrobe.

Michaelmas Term

The end is almost here, the Michaelmas Term that is. Yesterday I finished my essay and sent it to my supervisor for revisions. My paper stills needs some work (reference page, whatever corrections or suggestions my supervisor may have), but at least the bulk of it is finished. This week is my last week of lectures and Friday my bound copies of my essay are due, so I am really looking forward to Friday when I will get to have a little more "down time" and enjoy England at Christmas time before heading home.

To celebrate the fact that I sent in my essay to my supervisor on time, Jennifer and I decided to go to Bill's to enjoy a nice sit-down brunch. Bill's restaurant is actually a small chain in England that has its own shop, which sells sauces, marmalades, jams, cooking oils, etc. I enjoyed the grilled vine tomatoes with basil pesto, rocket & balsamic on toasted ciabatta, while Jennifer had french toast topped with fruit and walnut yoghurt. I think we may have to make going to Bill's a monthly thing, because everything just looked so delicious.

Afterwards, we walked towards the Senate House to observe the gathering college students in Santa Claus outfits who were partaking in the Santa Dash vs. Oxford. Every year both schools have a Santa Dash where students run around the town to all of the colleges to raise money for a particular charity. Now that Cambridge is decorated for Christmas with festive lights everywhere, it only seemed fitting to have people dressed as Santa Claus running around. Next weekend I will continue my kick-off to Christmas by heading into London. Every year Hyde Park is transformed into a Winter Wonderland with an ice skating rink, Christmas markets, and carousel bar. I can't wait!

Giving Thanks

I know the British don't celebrate Thanksgiving, but I couldn't believe that I actually had to attend lectures today. Imagine, class on Thanksgiving; it just felt so strange. Even though the Brits don't celebrate this glorious and delicious holiday, I still got to. After class I made my way to the Graduate Union Main Dining Hall because the Alumni Association was holding a Thanksgiving lunch for all of the American students. I went to the lunch with my friend Dawn, who is studying in my course.

The meal served wasn't like Nanny's, but it was nice to be around people who appreciate the greeting "Happy Thanksgiving". I had lentil and tomato stew, a corn pancake, roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie. Like I said, not the same as the traditional Thanksgiving meal I am used to, but I applaud the Brits for their effort.

After our meal, Dawn and I decided to walk around Cambridge and explore some of the colleges that we hadn't been to yet. During our walk we kept saying how thankful we were to be at such an amazing, beautiful, and well renowned institution. I really can't even begin to express how thankful I am for all of the people who have made my time here at Cambridge possible. I have been blessed with extremely supportive friends and family and I thank God that I have them in my life.

The Junction

Read. Study. Write. Repeat. My life in Cambridge these past couple of weeks has been pretty uneventful because term is almost over, which means my paper deadline in quickly approaching. On Sunday night I decided to give myself a break and I enjoyed a concert at The Junction.

Man-oh-man have I missed going to concerts, especially ones that are held at smaller venues. Smaller venue concerts are obviously a lot more intimate and allow you to stand, literally, a few feet away from the performers. The opening act was a band called The Chvrches; they have an 80s electro-pop vibe. The main act was Passion Pit, and I have been fortunate enough to have seen them three times now. I love their energy and interaction with the audience, they really know how to put on a performance. Below is the song "The Mother We Share" by The Chvrches. Enjoy!

Weekend in Luton

Last Saturday I made my way up to Luton to spend the weekend with Annie and Paul. I am so thankful to have family close by because it always me 1) delicious home-cooked meals, 2) a change of scenery and 3) a couch to snuggle up on for lazy weekends.

Last weekend was a bit more hectic than the usual weekends I have in Luton. My cousin Neil, his wife Steph, and their beautiful daughter Daisy where over from Ireland for the week. It was so great to spend time with my baby cousin, and let me tell you, she is one smart cookie. Neil's friend Dave and his fiance Nikki also came down from London so it was a full house. Annie cooked a fabulous Italian dinner and after we stayed up and talked for hours while enjoying bottles of wine and whisky from Paul's impressive stash.

On Sunday Annie cooked another fabulous Sunday roast. Some of Annie's friends came over, as did my other cousins who live in Luton, and Paul's son, daughter, and granddaughter. After dinner we went outside and set off fireworks in the backyard, which I thoroughly enjoyed. In California it is illegal to set off your own fireworks so this was quite a fun experience. I sampled a slice of Annie's famous Lemon and Lime Cheesecake before packing my bag to head back to school. I would say that it was another successful, fun, relaxing weekend in Luton spent with family and friends.

Living in a Cambridge World

Tonight I went to another formal hall dinner. As I walked back to my room after sharing a wonderful dinner with some of my Eddie's friends, I realized just how lucky I am. I have been blessed with an amazing family, one that loves, supports, and encourages me to go after my dreams. They have always believed in me even though I constantly doubted myself repeating phrases like "I can't do this", "I'm not good/smart/funny enough". I am so extremely thankful that some how with the help of God, my family, and the U.S. Government, I have made my way to Cambridge University.

I know that I complain sometimes about the traditions of the university, but I really do feel as if I am living in some alternate universe; a universe where it isn't unusual to see young men, strolling through the city centre, dressed in tuxedos and academic gowns. Although I do not particularly enjoy wearing the academic robes mainly because they are so unflattering, I do enjoy the setting of formal hall in which we are required to wear them. I enjoy getting dressed up and having candlelit dinners with my friends. *We aren't allowed to take pictures during formal hall, but I found this picture of one of my friends, Ben. Gives you an idea of the formal hall atmosphere.

Analysis of Picturebooks

Analyzing Picturebooks on Prezi

Remember, Remember

Remember, remember the fifth of November Gunpowder, treason and plot. For I see no reason, why gunpowder treason Should ever be forgot. The dark shadows of winter are fast approaching and the cold winds are creeping eerily near to the East Neuk of Fife. What better way to keep warm than to join the History Society and the English Society to celebrate that ever so famous event – the Gunpowder Plot.

On 5th November, 1605 a group of conspirators attempted to assassinate King James I of England and VI of Scotland. Had they pulled it off, November 5th would have marked one of the boldest terrorist atrocities in the history of the British Isles. The now (in)famous Guy Fawkes and his co-conspirators were caught red handed in the cellars of the Royal Palace of Westminster (now the Houses of Parliament) stacking the gunpowder which would have blown the King of England and Scotland into oblivion. Since 1605, celebrations have been held every year on the 5th November to celebrate the discovery of the Gunpowder plot. Join the History Society and the English Society on East Sands for St Andrews’ biggest Bonfire Night Bonanza where we shall have the traditional ‘penny for the guy’, hot cider and marshmallows.

“Guy Fawkes, guy, t'was his intent To blow up king and parliament. Three score barrels were laid below To prove old England's overthrow.

By God's mercy he was catch'd With a darkened lantern and burning match. So, holler boys, holler boys, Let the bells ring. Holler boys, holler boys, God save the king. And what shall we do with him? Burn him!”

Words of Encouragement

"So, in our time at Cambridge, it helps to remember that a supervision which we muck up is one out of a hundred, a single step on a much longer journey; that, even though we can find it tough going, we are gifted and privileged people who earned our places in the face of fierce competition; that even those who seem to glide effortlessly swan-like are in fact ducks paddling furiously under the surface to stay afloat. The big picture is that we have been given a great opportunity and we’re going to have lots of experiences we have along the way, good and bad; the difficulties of any particular moment or set of moments are part of the picture, but not the main part, which is that this experience, this opportunity, is there to be grasped and enjoyed and will help us become who we’re going to be."

- Rev'd Philip Hobday (Magdalene Chaplain)