Retail, Friend and Food Therapy!

Last Wednesday, I had lecture for Sports class, got paninis with Meg and Lynnette, (Meg's big sister from Kappa back at school!), and then we went shopping. Especially during the early weeks of the classes, little work is required so it is fun to be able to do summer-y things with friends. I found a cute skirt that Meg talked me into buying at Zara that I absolutely needed! We all went to tea then for carrot cake, scones and/or chocolate cake. I sure do love those English tea parties, such good food and such a great opportunity to socialize. After that, I went to the gym and then we all went to dinner in Pembroke. After an average dinner, (like always!), we went punting! We rented the boat from King’s College and Ben started as the punter. He made it look very easy, and so I decided I wanted a turn. Let me tell you though, it is NOT as easy as it looks. Simply by pushing off the one side, it makes the punt veer sideways, so it is necessary to use the long pole as an oar as well, guiding the boat on a straight line. I managed to get the hang of it, although I was very cautious—surprise, surprise—and we went very slowly. Duc, Meg and Ken each took turns, but the drama didn’t start until we were done. Ben accidentally dropped the lock into the Cam and so he and Ken changed into swimming trunks and jumped in the river to find it, but unfortunately with no avail. After punting, Lynnette, Meg and I walked around Cambridge before calling it a night.

July 28

Thursday was a marathon day. I was kind of stressed because I was leaving the next morning for Dublin and I just didn't feel prepared for the trip. I had seminar and my art class (we’re painting models now—something I’ve never done before!), and then formal hall for dinner. It was another chance to get dressed up and be served a three course meal. The group took lots of pictures from the night, and the dinner was fantastic. The starter was a “Fresh Tuna Ceviche with Avocado and crisp tortilla,” the main course was “Supreme of honey roasted chicken, pont neuf potatoes, peas, broad beans, and baby gem lettuce,” and the dessert was “marinated strawberries and peaches with sweet basil sorbet.” The meal was made complete with champagne, and after the formal hall, we socialized in the Pembroke bar before going to a bar in the main part of the city to celebrate Meg’s upcoming birthday! Meg and I headed back after the mini celebration to finish packing for the next (EARLY!) morning when we were going to DUBLIN!!!

July 29