Eucatastrophic Moments

I had every intention of continuing where I had left off. However, what they don't tell you about the Oxford system is that you will appear to have so much free time, while actually having none. Two tutorials a week doesn't sound so bad...but when you wake up at 9 and don't stop working until 11 at night, things like blogging and phoning home tend to get pushed aside for the time being (sorry fam).

Anyways, my first tutorial was today. It was exciting, terrifying, and thrilling all at once. I have already decided that being an Oxford tutor might in fact be my dream job. How exactly does one accomplish this? This tutorial was on Oxford Fantasists. And yes...I spent my first tutorial discussing Alice's Adventure's in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass. But it didn't end there. Through the course of an hour we also discussed The Hobbit as a traveler's tale (There and Back Again), Tolkien's eucatastrophic moments: including when the Elves come during the Battle of Helm's Deep, when Gandalf comes at dawn, and when the eagles come. Excellent. We also discussed Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland as well as the Disney version. The fact that I am at Oxford discussing fantasies and children's stories kind of makes my life.

On a fascinating note, I discovered (in truth, as I have heard rumors) that the gardens in the Alice stories were based on the Worcester gardens. My life basically rocks. On the other hand, I still have 70 pages of Moll Flanders to read as well as write an essay on by Friday...so perhaps things aren't perfect, but I'm not complaining.

Tonight there is a "Booze and Bangers" party for English people at the Big Bang Restaurant. I don't really know what this involves other than I was told to bring a bottle of wine and that sometimes things get a bit rowdy and we are forced to leave the restaurant. Interesting. These Oxford kids really know how to have fun I guess. I am not overly thrilled by the Bangers portion of the night, as everyone who knows me should know...I don't eat sketchy meat. But, hopefully its nothing to worry about. After all, so far the food has been absolutely divine. Particularly when compared to Stonehill's selection. Ironically, you typically only get one choice for dinners and lunches...but it is always bangin'. My first formal hall was on Saturday night and it was a delicious three course meal: risotto, quail, and pudding. Yum. Speaking of Yum, if anyone is every in Oxford get a Yum Yum. They are the most amazing real donuts I have ever had. No idea what the name of the bakery is...but its super close and delicious. Another prized food recommendation are the food trucks. Always a great late night snack, always get chips (don't embarrass yourself and order fries) with salt and vinegar. It seems my blog has turned into a food review of Oxford, but I have one final recommendation. Tesco's. Most amazing store ever. You can buy a million things for just 20p, and they have super cool reusable burlap bags that say I "heart" Oxford.

It's Moll Flanders time. Bring on the Defoe.