The World in Britain

…everyone was tired. After a flight cancellation and several delays, everyone is finally safely arrived, but exhausted. But let me begin from yesterday.

Yesterday a few of us were already here - I think I was the last; Leah, Katt, Michaela, Curran, Hannah, Joanna, and Victoria were already here. After a train from Beauvais to Paris, the Eurostar from Paris to St. Pancras (London), the tube to Paddington Station, a train to Reading Station, and a taxi (whose driver was very cheery and gave me an impromptu history lesson!) to Whiteknights, it was most wonderful to be greeted at the door with hugs and help with my luggage.  My room is on the upper landing in 141; I love it! It’s one of the larger rooms, I think, with a high ceiling and large windows. There are two beds and two sturdy desks. The two closets each have room to hang clothing; four drawers; three small shelves; and two large shelves. They’re covered by sliding doors, one of which has a massive mirror on it! Each side of the room has a (very) large bulletin board on it to which we can affix posters, photos, etc… I took the far side of the room since its bed was the one that was made; the other side of the room I’ll call Megan’s side, as it’ll be hers when she arrives in January. There are three shelves for books, there, and a blocked-off fireplace (with mantle), and a small wash basin. I’ll try to post photos! The other rooms are similar, I think - I’ve seen most of them.

At any rate, while I unpacked, the others had gone out for a walk around the town - apparently it was fun but quite tiring, but I don’t know the details. All I know is that it involved a pub, dirty flip-flops, and some drink that tasted like Windex, according to someone.

The girls decided to have a sleepover in 153 for the first night - Michaela, Joanna, Katt, Hannah, and myself spread ourselves throughout the common room and stayed up until midnight chatting, which was a lovely way to end our first day here together. I think that we all liked having a small group here to begin with, although we missed our absent Macon sisters (silly flight delays!); after such an overwhelming day, much more “meet’n greet” might have been too much. We awoke bright and early (at 8 am…), eagerly awaiting the rest of the group’s arrival (which ended up being around 3 pm). They were tired, as predicted, but ready for hugs and house tours - THEY didn’t get any respite from “meet’n greet” after travelling, the poor things! But they seem happy to be here. In 141 we have Leah, Curran, Stevie, Melissa, Sara V., Tara, Michaela, Kelly, Victoria, Joanna, Elysia, and myself… with Megan to be added later. The lovely ladies of 153 are Hannah, Sam, Robin, Katt, Reena, Sarah B., and Brooke!

And so we’re all here. We have our keys, we have our rooms, we have our friends. We have the Ivys, we have some pounds sterling, we have basic provisions. We have umbrellas, rain boots, and jackets.  And, of course, we have our tea. Let the adventures begin!

WOW! I cannot believe the summer has gone by so fast and we only 20 days left in the States! Reading the other posts, I find my feeling in accord with yours on so many levels.  I’ve been so excited about this experience since the acceptance letters went out–I swear I manage to work the “So I’m going to England for the next year” comment into nearly every possible conversation.  But now that the remaining pre-Reading days are winding down, the actual reality of the situation has begun to set in.  Suddenly, it’s not just “OH MY GOD I’M GOING TO ENGLAND!!!!” It’s also “Oh my God, I’m leaving the country for the first time in my life and I’m terrified!”  But somehow the combination of outrageous excitement and intense nerves encourages me even more.  I’ve discovered in the past two years that the only way to truly grow is to jump right into the fear and embrace the experience.

    Like the rest of you, I’ve done the entry clearance and am now waiting anxiously for the return of my stamped passport.  I’ve also attempted to start the packing process. Right now I’m at the debating stage: what do I need versus what do I want? And on questions like clothing this debate is proving so difficult that I have yet to even thing about facing the issue of my book obsession.  Like Rissa, I’m planning on sending out a plea for advice from former Readingites so I guess amongst the group of us, we’re bound to figure it out.  I’ve been enjoying the Bryson book–Robin’s right, it is really funny! I’m trying desperately to fit in planning time between the insane hours of my summer job.  I emailed Dr. Ivy about classes and I’m ridiculously excited about studying British Literature in Britain!  But most of all, I’m so happy to be going on this adventure with this group of people! I can’t wait to embark our Reading adventure together! Only 20 days ’til we begin!