I've been in Oxford for a little over a week now, and I am loving it. It's nice to actually settle in somewhere, and feel kind of local. Christ Church, and the whole string of Oxford campuses are stunning. I wish I could stay, and live in this town that sleeps often and well. I do miss the states, though. I miss my family and some friends. Oddly, I miss Baylor, though I'm nowhere near prepared to go back to it. My goal for the next 17 days is to enjoy this time. I don't know if or when I'll be able to come back, but I'm here now. I'd love to slow down.

Several people have asked me how the classes are. To answer: they're great. When the weather is right, we have been meeting in a private garden. The classes are low-key and discussion based. I've written a few short papers, but I haven't been overwhelmed by any of it.

We read Tolkien, and I was reminded, as I often am, of what an incredible man he must have been. Traveling by train across the English countryside, with its lush, rolling hills and sun yellow fields, I felt like I was looking at the Shire. Hearing passages from Return of the King read aloud reminded me of how lyrical Tolkien could be. His work needs to be read that way, surrounded by nature. That an Englishman, a veteran of the First World War, and a man who was, by all accounts, stoic and dignified in person could write so beautifully about friendship and love will never cease to astound me.

My new friend Alyssa and I found a dance club a few days ago, and we spent two long evenings dancing our cares away. Anyone who knows me at all knows how excited I am about dancing, so I won't bore you with that tangent here.

Sorry for the grapeshot style post, but I'm surprisingly tired for 2 in the afternoon. I'll post on English food later.