W.B. Yeats was right when he wrote, "I wonder anybody does anything at Oxford but dream and remember, the place is so beautiful. One almost expects the people to sing instead of speaking. It is all . . . like an opera.” It's been a fabulous four months abroad... and I've learned so much in this blessed earth and realm. The past term has been a true education... a fabulous and wonderful series of encounters. But alas, as parting is such sweet sorrow, I'd like to offer a few thoughts regarding my past term.
On doing your homework:
Watch Inspector Morse and Inspector Lewis, read your Sherlock Holmes and Agatha Christie, laugh through P.G. Wodehouse, glance at a map, study a travel guide… gather as much information as you possibly can prior to your arrival. Use that knowledge as a starting point for everything else you will learn.
On Food:
Tea is a lovely way to spend an afternoon, and a perfectly acceptable “substantial” meal.
On buying your own tea- if someone is charging 35p for 85 tea bags… there’s a reason. It’s probably completely unpalatable tea…
Similarly- don’t buy a 55 p. for 24 a package of wheatabix knockoffs… it will be even more indigestible than true wheatabix- and you will neither eat it nor enjoy it. Save your 35 p. for a Ben’s cookie.
Moo Moos and Ben’s Cookies are a perfectly acceptable meal. Less recommendable, however, is the Moo Moos, Ben’s, Ahmed’s combination within a 24 hour period.
Only Americans complain about how terrible British food is… British people actually like their food. If they didn’t, other things would be served.
On Shoes:
If you are walking long distances, don’t wear heels- the cobblestones will eat them.
It’s ok to spend your food stipend on new shoes.
Life is too short to wear ugly shoes.
On Making Friends:
Always make friends with café owners and shopkeepers- they’ll keep their store open for you.
Sitting with students you've not yet met promises new conversations and the possibility of new friends.
Sitting with students you've not yet met promises new conversations and the possibility of new friends.
On Local customs:
In Oxford, assume that everything will close at 5pm... plan accordingly.
Don’t complain that everything closes at 5pm. It just shows that you are a tourist.
Be aware of local rivalries- sporty, political, and otherwise.
There is absolutely no reason to be out on the street after 2am.
Unless you are celebrating May Day, or the World Cup.
Unless you are celebrating May Day, or the World Cup.
On Globalization:
If your host country believes a very American product (ie. Starbucks) is their own design… don’t argue, just silently applaud the brilliance of the PR department.
Realize that it is a small world- your barista will be from Dallas, your server from NYC, and whoever you just sat next to at Formal hall will have a brother’s girlfriend’s sister’s cousin who is a PhD student at Stanford.
Chatting with people on the street is very American- but fulfill your curiosity anyway- when you see someone wearing a Cal Berkeley sweatshirt, a University of Washington jacket or a Notre Dame tshirt- ask if they are students… you’ll be amazed at the answers. But recognize that if they are wearing a Stanford tshirt in blue and gold colors… they are definitely neither students, nor worthy of a conversation.
Refrain from obvious tourist behavior that includes, but is not limited to:
• Pulling out a map or guidebook in public areas
o Go into a store or shop to study your grids, instead
• Wearing white sneakers
• Speaking loudly
• Wearing a Tommy Bahama knockoff
If you ever lack for conversation, the following topics are universal and recognizable:
the Beach boys, Elvis, Starbucks, Uggs.
the Beach boys, Elvis, Starbucks, Uggs.
And finally, take comfort in things you recognize (ie Starbucks, McDs, Coke, Pepsi, Gap/Banana Republic, Almond Roca) and take adventure in that which you don’t.
Now that I’ve returned home after such an extraordinary term, I’m surrounded by sweet reminders of my time abroad. I love seeing Walker’s Pure Shortbread rounds, smelling fresh scones, served with raspberry jam, and enjoying a cup of Earl Grey tea with breakfast… the past four months were extraordinary, and I wish you all well!
the game will always be afoot,
Cheerio!
ej
