April Cool

Quick update of the day's activities

After lecture a group of Eurospringers went PUNTING. Many may not be familiar — I know I wasn't before I came here. Punting is essentially gliding along in a silly little flat-bottom boat man-powered by a pole. The river was about 13-ish feet deep with a muddy bottom so the pole would occasionally get stuck. It was very cool and extremely fun and relaxing! We were on the River Cherwell, which turned into the Thames midway through the trip.



Punts lined along the Cherwell outside of the University Botanical Gardens.



Just leaving land — unsure if we'll make it back!



There was one guy on our punt and we made him do all of the "punting"; however, I did give it a try! It's very difficult for a little lady!



Me in command — we didn't get too far, but did hit a few walls and trees!





Like I said — RELAXING!





In the evening, I joined a group to Christ Church Cathedral for excellent choral evensong. The service was about 45 minutes of song, scripture and prayer by many talented voices!



Our group (and Dr. Chapman, too!) in the Christ Church Courtyard after the evensong.

The group — including MSUM professor Thom, who accompanied us on Eurospring, ate at Wagamama afterward (see earlier mention — I really like this place!) where I had fantastic yasai itame in a coconut-based soup, and for dessert the BEST THING I've eaten since I arrived: Coconut reika, a coconut ice cream with mango sauce, coconut shavings, and mint. UN. BE. LIEVABLE.



Coconut reika. Impossibly delicious.

A night cap followed at the Lamb & Flag pub! The perfect ending to a productive day.



Thom, Kayla and I enjoying libations at the Lamb & Flag.

I was thinking of going to London today to see a play, but with the G20 protests, I don't want to run into any sort of chaos. I am going again on Sunday instead. ( ! )

Other than that, things are very well and I am continuing to adapt to this European lifestyle. I am, however, counting down the days until the grand tour!

muchlove.
jc