Croquet

You may hear the word "croquet" and have a reaction similar to mine Saturday afternoon: last time I played that was when I was 5, without any rules, in my backyard. Or simply, that croquet as a sport is, well, dead.

I am here to tell you, with objectively verifiable proof, that this in fact, a grossly false perception of the sport that claims origins in both France and England and typically should be played with a rather large hat and petticoats to really look legitimate. That said, argyle sufficed for the day. There is competitive croquet, croquet clubs, and even the Prime Minister of England likes to take time off to dabble in the sport.

So, after reading hard for hours on Saturday, a group of us headed over to the Pembroke College grounds for a friendly (but also very competitive) croquet match. It quickly seemed to be a match of Harvard's best versus the rest, and teaming up with Anna and John, we came in at third, but not after what was a good 2 1/2 hours of working to get the balls through the wickets!

Taking the final shot for the team.

The ladies of Maid's Causeway take this sport seriously.

Well, Chloe does at least.

It provided a great break from the studying, and this past Saturday afternoon in Cambridge was absolutely divine. The sun was shining, the leaves changing, and the grounds at Pembroke are some of the most beautiful to be found in Cambridge. It was also great to meet some new people, and I am just blown away constantly at how small this world is. I am meeting people from places I have never heard of, but with whom I share multiple mutual friends.

By the time we finished croquet it was dark, and so we headed to the dining hall of Pembroke where those of us who are members of Queens' eagerly looked forward to comparing food quality (and price) between the colleges. Queens' is still better, price and quality. Ambiance, however, definitely goes to Pembroke.

Pembroke croquet grounds.

Although I know I am primarily here to study, sunny Saturdays in Cambridge are to be treasured as winter is rapidly approaching, and I certainly hope to participate in a croquet re-match very, very soon!

As Housemates, we are obligated to remain friends even after she won. Big time.

Overload

The past days have been filled with more fresher's activities on top of course induction and choosing my classes.

Yesterday was the official "Fresher's Fair" and can I say, Chariots of Fire, anybody? I felt as though I were in the 21st century version of the film where they arrive at Cambridge and shortly thereafter find themselves in a massive hall with all the societies from debate to choir, politics and cricket. All of these activities are open to anybody to join. I counted, and I found there are at least four separate ski vacations planned to France or Austria each year, there are at least three socialist societies, and even an archery society (who were very eager to find anyone to join).

The highlight, of course, were the free cadbury chocolates found at every booth, the free pens and other such delights. I ended up volunteering my name for the ski club, yoga club, sailing club, and graduate union (Debates, speakers etc.), but am likely to maybe only participate in one of those because...

I had my first set of lectures today, and the next year is going to be nothing less than super intense.

At this point I am probably going to stick to my original choices of War and Society, International Law and Middle East Politics, although I am also going to attend International Security and perhaps choose that as an alternative to one of the others.

The required reading is close to 1000 pages per week (all the classes combined) at minimum. Also, I am expected to be devoting 25% of my time to research already. Needless to say, it was a bit overwhelming, but these are subjects that I also thrive on so I look forward to the challenge and all the knowledge I will hopefully gain.

Finally, yesterday after we had our "induction" (basically orientation), they had a luncheon for all the MPhil students in Politics and International Relations, and it was also a chance to meet our supervisors. Come to find out, James Mayall will only be supervising my thesis which is a bit intimidating but also very exciting. Some of you know that I was playing around with the idea of completely shifting my thesis subject (which would inevitably mean a new supervisor), but after only a brief chat with Dr. Mayall, I knew that if I changed my focus I would be missing out on a once in a lifetime opportunity.

I am actually still bubbling with excitement over the prospect of working with him. For a little background, he has worked in the British Foreign Service, London School of Economics, and is former Chair of the Centre of International Studies here at Cambridge (my department). His area of focus is North-South Relations, Africa, Nationalism, ethnic conflict (and other sources of conflict) post Cold War and more recently he has focused on post-9/11 international relations.

This is right in line with what I have focused on the past few years, and I have even turned to his work in much of my research on Somalia. So, as of now, my thesis will remain focused on intervention but rather than solely looking at Somalia, my plan is to step back, look at a broader framework of the relationship between human security and security/defense, and use Somalia as a case study of the failures and potential solutions to Western response.

It seems the days of simply being a tourist here in Cambridge have rapidly come to an end. Though this was quite a bit of information overload, on several different fronts, the bottom line is: I am so excited and ready for the academic year to begin!

Some More Photos..

Just some more photos from Kings, Queens', The Backs, and St. John's

Welcome to Cambridge, Queens', and "Maid's"

I am finally posting after arriving and settling in at "Maid's" (our token name for the house) in Cambridge. Although I had some intense jetlag and some serious errands to run to get everything in order, mom and I also had a chance to do some biking with her friends through the city. We ended with a delicious dinner of seafood and good company.

Lesson 1: biking is by far the best way to get around Cambridge.

Lesson 2: get the oldest bike possible. if not, it is only a matter of time before it is stolen

I am living with 16 other students (representing the UK, US, Greece, Austria, France) and have a very large room all to myself (visitors welcome)! They all have interesting and different backgrounds and we are already having a great time.

Apart from the numerous "Fresher's" activities well under way, both with Queens' College and Graduate Students, mom and I had a chance to walk to Grantchester where we took tea in the "Orchard." It is where Forster, Virginia Woolfe, and several others took their tea whenever it rained. The tea, clotted cream, scones (and even lunch food) was all phenomenal.

Sunday we had a rare opportunity to be special guests at King's College, thanks to Kina who works with the boy's choir. We attended the EvenSong service where we heard the King's College Boys and Mens Choir sing, and also saw four new members of the choir inducted. Before going to King's, we walked through St. John's, Trinity, Clare and Queens' Colleges through the "backs", which are essentially the gardens found behind several of the colleges and provides a beautiful and scenic walk in Cambridge.

Some other highlights since I arrived include attending the Queens' boat club "squash", where my friend Anna and I signed up to join the rowing team (as total novices, no less). I also learned the legal, technical difference between a "cake" "biscuit" and "cookie", learned the terms "fizzy drinks", "hub bub", and "nibbles", and was informed that pants are actually "Trousers". That last one is of particular importance.

I still feel like I am a living dream and am not sure if I will ever fully realize what a phenomenal opportunity I have before me to study here at Cambridge. Being surrounded by buildings that date back to before the Magna Carta (circa. 1200), is inspiring and humbling.

Queens' College Mathematical Bridge and Cloisters by the President's Lodge

We'll Meet Again

As depressing as the title may sound, I could not help it. I love the music, and song titles, of the 1940s.

That said, I wanted to post a little shout out to my friends and family, all of whom have provided me with so much support throughout my education and continue to do so. The past couple of weeks I have spent meeting up with friends, including a quick trip down to California where I met up with Katie, Lauren, Tori and Scott. They showed me around the Stanford campus (a city of its own, really) and we made some wonderful discoveries including Tori's secret homemaking skills, the millions of free samples at Whole Foods, Mayan Hot Chocolate at Coupa Cafe (a must), my inability to play saxophone, and the pros and cons of zipcar.

Katie and I also embarked on a day-trip adventure to Carmel-by-the-sea (Clint Eastwood's town, for those who are not familiar), and though it was a bit chilly we wandered down to the sea, ate delicious european food and felt, for at least a moment, that we were back on one of our European adventures.

Finally, in the midst of getting all things in order, my mother made a delicious Saturday morning brunch as an incentive to get the whole family together. We grilled peaches (thank you Mindy, for the idea), made zucchini o'gratan, and mini filet mignon with prosciutto.

(For those of you wondering, yes I made an exception and ate red meat).

I will miss all my darling friends and family, and hope that each and every one of you will stay in touch. Next post: England!

Hopping Across the Pond

In just a few short days (and after what is going to be hours upon hours of packing and sorting), I will be moving to Cambridge, UK to dabble in my passion for international relations a little while longer before I take on the "practical" legal education. Hopefully I can keep up to date on this blog to let you all know how life is in the town where both DNA and Pink Floyd were discovered (both in bars, for that matter).

The reading has already begun, and although the photo does not quite give it justice this is just one of several books that technically should have been read by the time I depart. Estimated weight: 10 lbs. That would be 1/5 of my allotted checked baggage weight.

Needless to say: Wish me luck!