Writing from a public library a few doors down from the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, where we are having our classes/lectures/discussions during the day. The rate is actually pretty steep, I've got 15 minutes to catch you all up on everything!
Tuesday we went to Oxford and a town called Cotswold. We took a bus and a jolly lady named Claire served as our tour guide for the bus ride, subesequent touring, everything. She was like a living local encyclopedia, friendly and fascinating for the most part, but after a long day of wlking and scattered showers, we were all ready to be home as she guided us through an hour of rolling hillside and meandering, somewhat pointless local anecdotes. She was absolutely lovely, but much more infatuated with every note of the town's history than our travel-weary attention spans. The best part of Cotswold was some soft serve...
In Oxford, the most interesting moments were hearing and seeing where C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Toilken studied and hung out. Both former students, they returned as professors and frequent the "Eagle and Child" pub. Lewis's lectures were always packed and he was adored by his students despite being completely absorbed and pre-occupied with creating his literary masterpieces. Our tour guide had recently met his stepson and recanted his battle with Disney wover the Narnia movies and their insistence on altering detail of the storylines. His stepson refuses all changes, of course, because of the intricate and elaborate symbolism in every detail of the chronicles.
Tuesday was long, and most of us had a quiet evening in, enjoying the often bizzare hilarity that is British television. The weather over here has multiple personality disorder. Rain and sunshine turn on and off like light switches, and the temperature is anybody's guess at any given time.
Wednesday we heard a lecture by one of the well-known resident scholars and held a Q & A session with the assistant director of Julius Caesar, which was fascinating. We also toured Shakespeare's childhood home. And ate Subway for lunch.
Last night, we saw As You Like It, which was brilliantly fun. We met a few of the actors at the Dirty Duck after the show, and that was a thrill. Rosalind was a joy to watch, as well as Jaques, whom we all agreed comically resembled Beetlejuice on some occasions!
Today we've had follow up discussions and lectures on As You Like It and will be seeing The Winter's Tale tonight, which I'm particularly looking forward to, it's one of my favorites.
Computer time's about up and need to get off to our mock voice lessons with the Royal Shakespeare Company (the enesemble of players rotating through the productions).
This trips becomes more memorable and incredible with each passing day. Not exaggerating or trying to be cheesy, honest. Wish you all were here, but on the other hand, it would take a true English major's heart to fully enjoy. My nerd levels have grown catastrophically since arriving.
Hope everyone is well, will update again when I can!
Cheers!
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