Sailing in Croatia

words can hardly discribe how stunning this last the dalmatia coastline was. we had 2 boats, 17 MBAs, 4 islands, 2 caves, 1 cliff jumping, and countless memories. Sailing which I have never done before is Fantastic and the Adriatic Sea was spectacular. It is easy to see why the region has inspired so many stories and legends. We would spend most days on the boat stopping to swim in lagoons. Each evening we docked in a new harbor for yummie fresh seafood. It was a surreal way to wrap up the year.
 

Keble Dinner

The Sports and Social Committee of our MBA class hosted a formal 5 course dinner in one of the old colleges of Oxford, Keble. Over 200 people attended sitting at 5 Looong tables. It was a special evening to be with friend and family as we toasted the year, friends, family and the future.

An interesting note, is that this dining hall was actually the first choice for filming the Harry Potter dining hall scenes, but it was already booked for an educational conference.
 

Family Comes to Town!

The Claytons made the treck across the pond to visit me for the Graduation events. It was great fun to show them around and show them off to all my friends. We also had a nice visit with the President of my College and the Registrar. Not to mention the unbelievably nice english weather!
 

The Sheldonian Theather - End of Course!

Our end of course ceremony was held in the Sheldonian Theater - 500 years old. It was quite long but at least -as it was pointed out by Lord Patton - Chancellor of Oxford University that at least it was no long conducted in Latin. Following the ceremony was a reception in the modern courtyard of the Said Business School. LAST TIME to wear the "Harry Potter" outfit!

LAST Exam

What is more fun that taking a cummulative exam with 225 other MBA's at the examination hall in subfusc? the tradition of going to the Turf -famous Oxford pub amoung students- for a pint (s) after your exam.
 

Rural American flare comes to Oxford

What happened to my little town?!? Im walking down the same quiet street I always do, to get coffee at my favorite shop and I round the corner to find a GIANT american-style carnival with rides, games, cotton candie, big stuffed animals and something that was labled "Texas Steak"! I see Beyonce and Usher silk-screened on a ride next to one of Oxford's 500 year old buildings. It was a strange juxtaposition!

Appearently it is part of a Traveling Carnival that comes to Oxford for 2 Days each year. While the 2 blocks of stands does not rival the acres of entertainment at the Texas State Fair, it is the largest and one of the most popular fairs in the UK.

what happened to my little town?

Castles, Sheep and Rain

While in the Brecon Beacon National Park we did some hikes. Below is a picture of us walking in the rain and above is a view from the top of a mountain. We hiked 3 miles to reach the top and nearly were blown into the welsh countryside. seriously, I have never experienced such strong wind. It was a blast inspite (or mabye because) of the weather. On the way back to Oxford we drove through the Wye Valley - the birthplace of british tourism. There you find lots of castles and ruins like Tinten Abby build by Cisertcian monks in 1131!

Mini-Break to the Welsh Country

We turned in our final papers on Friday September 1 and a few of us headed off for the weekend. We headed to Wales for some nature hikes and castles -- and a little R&R in a B&B! In case, you have never seen the welsh language it is interesting old celitic language. To many consanants for one word. Ysbrydoledig. defnyddid. cyrhaeddwch.

Here we are relaxing at the Penpergwn Lodge.

some of my favorite sights

As I approach the 1 year anniversary of arriving in Oxford, I realize there are some little things I see everyday that I really enjoy. I have a couple different 3-5 mile loops I do when I run and on the last couple I took my camera. These are 2 of my favorites. The view of Oxford "skyline" across Christ Church meadow and the other is Observatory Street in Jericho- where every house is a different color.

"What do you do with a BA in English?"

Went to "Avenue Q" the smash hit from Broadway is playing in London's Leister square. For those skeptical of muppet show, let me suggest this show is really clever. Its about a kid who graduates from college, and is trying to figure out what to do with his life. Aside from the fact, graduating from a masters program is no different, the silly child-like songs mixed with adult content had the whole audience rolling with laughter.

When I'm not in London, I've been keeping busy job hunting and working on our summer project - which we will finish this week (keep your fingers crossed!). I had a surprise visitor this weekend, when Ali (from DC) came intown. He got the 3 hour tour of Oxford sights and pubs.

I cannot believe I'm so close to finishing! Final CUMMULATIVE examination is Sept. 7. Whole family is coming for graduating cermonies. Then I'm going sailing in Croatia for 5 days with 2 boats full of MBAs. The exact plans for after that have not yet be finalized, but you can bet I will be headed to Tejas soon -- at least for the short term.

Strategic Consulting in London

Our summer project is rolling along. We went friday to IBM's south bank office in London for a meeting with our project sponsor (we dont have to go everyday which is nice since the trains in the summer are often hot and unpredictable). If you have not looked a the link on the side of this page to the Summer MBA projects blog you should... its really cool to see my friends all over the world (India, Nigeria, Peru). I have some serious travel envy!


It was also a good chance to catch up with an old Blue Mountain Ranch (summer camp) buddy, Will, who was in town with his new law firm. Congrats on the job offer Will!

Sonic : our new flatmate?

So last night my flatmate heard something moving under the stairs -- a closer look reveal this little guy in a shopping bag. For some reason we have been seeing alot of hedge hogs around Oxford this summer - just didn't expect to see one in our own house! Of course, what do you do when you find a hedge hog in a bag? well you take pictures and run to show all your neighbors!

The Wind and the Willows

After a day in Manchester, I went to Glossop to see my aunt Karen who was in town for work. Glossop is a town on the edge of Derbyshire and the Peak District. Karen was stayin a charming B&B(where each room was named after a character from the wind and the willows stories), and we had some lovely hikes in Glossop and the nearby town of Hayfield. Interesting English trivia fact: the difference btwn a city and a town is whether or not it has a cathedral in it, ie you have to have a cathedral to be a city.

(england rose)

high tea

Manchester

England's second biggest city, home to 3million people, 50 thousand students and the Mancester United team - was hosting a jazz festivale this weekend. In an effort to see more of the UK before leaving I headed up north for the weekend.

Summer in the City

One of my favorite things about London are the urban parks, tucked in between bu. I have been going back and forth a bit to London and like finding new parks to lunch in. We also have been gathering for thursday happy hours in various london pubs for all the MBA's who are in London or Oxford for the summer.

Tour d' Angleterre

Lance Armstrong watch out! we biked 17+ miles today! and while I think I will resting the rest of the night, it was an awesome day. We decided to bike to Blenheim Palace -birthplace of Winston Churchill and home of the 11th century Duke of Marlborough- which we thought was just about 4-5 miles away. It was a bit further, but we had a lovely day getting out side of Oxford and biking along the canal.

Summertime

I moved a few weeks ago for the summer as my old room is being used by the college for conferences. Similar to the way interns invade DC for the summer, undergrads from all over come to Oxford for the summer for "study" abroad programs. Anyway - it has worked out ok for me b/c I got to upgrade from a dorm room to a lovely flat with 2 friends.
(new roommate claire)

Its in a complex commonly called the "Melrose Place" of Oxford as all MBA's live there. As it stays quite light outside late, we have been having lots of cookouts - other students that are here in Oxford for the summer come round.
(boys fighting over the first burger)

Speaking of those students who are off to far away places - we have people in our program in Peru, India, Africa, and Europe - to see what they are doing our class has been keeping a MBA Summer Blog.

Wales

Our summer consulting project started Wednesday. This the final component of our degree. We work for a company for 8 weeks then write a 15,000 word report. Our team is working with IBM Consulting who has a client based in Swansea, on the coast of southern Wales. Did you know you the Prince of Wales has no governance over the country? The Welsh language is quiet interestsing with entirely too many consonants to work out any of the words.

So we drove (about 3 hours) and stayed over night. For a team who had never driven in the UK we did surprisisngly well navigating all the round-abouts! We had loads of meeting and a tour of the facility. Before returning home we had lunch in an area called "Mumbles" on the coast.

Punting and Pimms

two of the quintessential English summer items....

Punting is this funny little summer pass time that is incredibly popular as soon as the weather turns remotely nice in the UK. It involves a small canoe-like boat with 2-4people. One person uses a really long pole that you dig into the bottom of the river to navigate the little boat. In Oxford the person stands in the "front" of the boat because the back end of the boat is referred to as the "Cambridge end" - just a bit of school rivalry.

So the idea is to just float along the little winding rivers of Oxford. Its very relaxing. You take wine or pimms and some snacks like strawberries. Whilst floating you see loads of other people in boats or picnicing along the river back. We learned a bit to late that you have to watch out (or mind) the rowers - who come through at a very fast pace at some "intersections". Interesting facts I learned while punting: "mooring" means docking, ie we saw signs that said "no mooring"; and the Queen owns all the swans of England. odd.

Pimms is a drink you will quickly be talked into trying in England. It's a summer cocktail that is to be somewhere between a long island ice tea and sangria. Either way its quite tastey and refreshing.

Oriel Ball

Oriel college was founded in the 1300's and every three year they host an extravagent Ball. the MBA collectively decided we would all go. The theme of the evening was three tales of three citys and each of the beautiful court yards was transformed into Rome, New York and Delhi with food, music, entertainment and decor to match. The evening started at 9pm and they have a tradition of a "surviors" photo which is taken at 5:30am....

Arabian Nights

I realize I am supposed to be studying for exams, but its "Ball Season"in Oxford and there are just to many fun parties to spend too much time studying.(Each spring in Oxford, different colleges host different themed balls.) Afterall, its our final term and everyone has a wee bit of senior-itis. Thursday night we went to the St. Cross ball where the theme was Arabian nights. The food was declious and there were bellydancers, henna artists, fire-eaters, palm readers, and SNAKES. It was even more fun because my good friend Claire (see photo above) helped to organize the whole thing!

Proof!

I have been getting alot of comments from people thinking perhaps I have dropped out of school or was never actually in a program - and that I am just having a year long European vacation! While that would be a very clever and funny trick to play on the issuers of my student loans, let me suggest the dark circles emerging under my eyes hopefully could be proof of the long days and late nights at the library. For the past 4 days I was at the library for more that 14 hours each day. Here's me last night working on my Behavioral Finance paper - which submitted today!

So for those who say they have not seen ONE picture of me working... here you go. (see - told you the studying is boring).

Drumming and other funny things MBA's do

Saturday (yes, Saturday) was our last day of class--- EVER. It should have been friday, but some of us had finance professors who rescheduled class for Saturday Morning... I digress. So Friday night was the end of class celebration. We had a barbeque (England Style) on in the back garden on the croquet field.

This group (Drum Cafe) that does team building exercises with African drums came with 200 drums. At first we all thought it was really silly, but everyone went to try it out. It was on the open air theather in the middle of the business school quod. And it actually, turned out to be really cool. They taught us how to play some different rythms together. Chalk up another one to brand new experiences this year: African Drumming.

For a little more of the drumming - click this video.

Hogwart's

Last night I was lucky enough to get invited to Christ Church for formal dinner last night. The scenes from Harry Potter in the dining hall were filmed here - looks almost exactly the same minus the floating candles. (below : quittish scenes were filmed in the main quod).

No Harry Potter Analogy would be complete without some photos in my subfusc (black and white worn under graduate gown). Class photos were today -- only a few changes left to wear our awesome outfits!

Awards Night

3 years ago the MBA Students started a tradition of an awards show a the end of the year. Its one of those silly ones where you award people for "best class sleeper" or the "better late than never" award. There were skits, musical numbers and lots of photos from the whole year - it was hysterical. It was fun to dress up as if it were the Oscars. Its one of those special nights that makes you realize how much fun its been in between all the hard work and all the wonderful friends that are about to scatter back across the globe.

Shakespeare in the Park

I had a very "Oxford" evening last night. The weather has been wonderful this week (finally!) and it stays light until about 9:30 pm. Lots of summertime activites bring people out to all the beautiful parks and gardens of Oxford.

On my way to see the undergraduate production of Shakespeare's HenryV , I passed a cricket game. The performance was held in the Gardens of Worcester College.

Around the World in 80 days

Friday night, Templeton College, hosted an "Around the World in 80 Days" themed party were you dressed up from the coutry you are from or just represent a country. Last minute scramble afterclass left me few wardrobe options. Bumper sticker on my purse reads "I'm from Texas -What Country are you from?". Since one of my nicknames at school is "Texas" - I figure I should play it up! Plus, there are not many opportunites to wear my cowboy boots in England!

Paris

While at the MBA Olympics we had the chance twice to go into the city. After a brief bus around the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Trompe, Saturday night we went into Paris to a famed night club near Sacre Coeur and the Moulin Rouge area. We then returned to Paris Sunday after the closing ceremonies. We had crepes with nutella and wandered around Notre Dame before catching our flight back to England.

Salsa !

(left - pics from after the performance)

Adding to my list of trying new things this year that I have never done before is salsa dancing. At the MBA Olympics, there are lots of non-traditional sports like tug of war, chess, ultimate frisbee and a salsa dancing competition. I just began learning about a month ago and was lucky enough to compete with the Oxford team. I have not danced in front of crowd since 3rd grade ballet! It was really a lot of fun learning the dance and spending

countless practice hours with the team. The competition was tough as the teams from Spain had a slight advantage over us “Brits”.

Cross Country

(French Country-side where we ran)

I filled a last minute vacancy one of the cross country teams (at the MBA Olympics) for a 7+ K run through the hills of the campus. I did not think that “country” part was serious and envisioned a flat track – nope. Not this course. It was serious trekking at a personal best speed for me. The other Oxford team received a silver medal. Our team was disqualified when one member was not able to finish. But it was an accomplishment for me, as I have never ran in a race for speed before.

The “best” part was when I crossed the wrong finish line. I sprinted to what I thought was the finish only to arrive and find I had to do one more lap. At the time it was not funny, but now I can only imagine how silly I must have looked!

(after the race, johannah, kelly and me)

MBA Olympics

This past weekend was the MBA Olympics. We stayed at the HEC (Business School just outside Paris). Over 1700 MBA from 10 schools (Cambridge, London Business School, IESE, Mancester, Rotterdam, etc) with students from 59 countries participating. We placed 1st out of the mid-sized schools with medals in rugby, swimming, cross country, basketball and volleyball. But mostly it was just a blast to be with over 100 of my fellow classmates for 4 days - SBS was nice enough to rearrange our classes so we wouldn’t miss lectures.



Nb. Clearly I was able to resolve all the passport issues of last week – as well as purchasing a new camera). Let me just suggest say how great the US Embassy in London is for Americans.

"Awful Beautiful Life"

(Sometimes the lyrics to a country song say it all.) The last week has been a bit of a rollercoster for me.
Up - fabulous trip to Cologne - Germany's oldest city. I met up with 2 friends from UT who are now in an MBA program that has a few international programs each year. We cuised the Rhine and saw beautiful little villages dotted along the river bank and castles nestled in the hills. We also sampled a fair share our the local beer!
Down - passport and camera get stolen/lost at London airport on return trip! so Im stuck here for now and have no pictures to share - yet.
Up - Sunday, I ran a 10K for charity. A personal accomplishment, as I have never run that much before (6.24 miles). My friend Claire and I finished in 1 hour and 3 minutes! - and that was in the lovely English rain.
Down - immediately after the 10K, I had to write a paper for my Hedge Funds class - had to structure a Fund of Hedge Funds - which until about 2 weeks ago I had never even heard of - if you dont know what it is either - let me just say it involves lots of spreadsheets! I wouldn't recommend investing with me just yet either. ha ha.

So the adventures of the year continue....Headed to the US Embassy in London tomorrow to try to replace passport. Wish me luck.

Almost mid - term

I cannot believe how fast this term is going! The buzz around the business school these days is all about "SCP" our summer consulting projects. We are in the process of sorting out where everyone will be this summer and what they will be doing. We recieved our grades from last term - a terribly nerve racking experience as they make you wait in line (or que up) to get your sealed envelope. All turned out well for me! Now, to finish this term....

I'm rehersing with the salsa team (for the Texans - its the dancing kind, not the eating kind!). We have 5 couples that will compete in the upcoming MBA Olympics. In 2 weeks time over 100 of my classmates will head to Paris to compete in soccer, rugby, track, swimming, table tennis, tug of war, biking, rollerblading and salsa dancing - to name a few. MBA's from all over Europe will also be competing. And this coming weekend Im off to Germany to meet some friends from Texas studying there!
Stay tuned...

Remarque-able

Finally, after 4 months we turned in our final report for our New Business Development project (a major component of our degree requirement). For this project our team examined the profitablity of investing in emerging market art as an asset and diversification tool. Our team, Remarque (named after a small mark or sketch in margin of a painting), presented our findings to our corporate sponsor in London on Friday. While we had a great team and all learned alot on the project we are all very happy to have this project over and done with! Here we are after a celebratory drink in Mayfair.

Madrid

Ok, so I really like spain. I realize 3 trips in 6 months might seem excessive to some. But before living in the UK, I had never been and its just such a lovely country (and not to mention it one of the easiest sunny places to get to from the UK).

I joined the marathoners for a weekend in Madrid. Again I was struck with the beautiful architechure, the art, the food and the friendly people. While Stacey, Rachel and Jan rested and recovered from the Marathon, I took off for some exploring. Lunch in the impressive Plaza Mayor, walks through the sprawling garderns and palacio Real. The Prado musem and the Reina Sofia (modern art) were 2 highlights for me. Truly world famous collections of Picasso, Goya and Velasquez.

Bravo!

This past weekend I cheered Jan, Stacey and Rachel (left to right above) on from the sidelines as they raced for the Leukaemia Lymphoma Society in the Madrid Marathon. With a small percentage of women in the race these "chicas" had alot of spectator support. It was a beautiful sunny day and these women were quite inspiring as they raced up and down the hills of Madrid! Inspite of the incredible personal success they each achieved, they raised a signifiant amount for charity.

Flora London Marathon

(tower bridge in background)



Two of our classmates (Graeme and Jon) participated in the London Marathon this weekend. A group of went to London to cheer them on. It was great fun to watch all the runners as they jogged past the Tower of London and the Tower Bridge. Some of the costumes the runners wore were pretty crazy. We saw some rhinos, paddington bear, cross-dressers, flowers, and human caterpillars! Our friends wore normal jogging clothes. They ran for spinal research and both finished in record time.

In search of a quaint little village in the mountains...

So after a few days in Valencia we were curious to explore outside of the city. We asked a tourists information center for a good day trip to a wee village in the mountains. We invisioned a day hiking through the spanish country-side. However, As we road on the train to the town of Sagunt, we became increasingly concerned. Not just for the rustic, "authentic" grafetti covered Spain we were seeing out the windows, but the general lack of mountains anywhere. Flat as you could see. We get of at our stop and follow signs to the "centro urba" or urban center. BAD idea. We found ourselves in an industrial and EMPTY party of the town. Well, it didnt take too long before we found the historic center of town. And soon our luck turned around. Here the artichture was beautiful and you walked up the winding roads. After the best tapas meal at an outdoor cafe, we hiked the hill to some amazing ancient roman ruins and ampli-theater. The view was impressive.

Semana Santa in Valencia

I spent the Easter Holiday Day weekend with four fabulous friends (Catherine, Johannah, Marty) in Valencia Spain (southeast coast of Spain). Its the 3rd largest city in spain, and from all the construction go on we quickly released it will be home to the 2007 America's cup. Valencia is the city where "El Cid", Spain's national hero, fought against the Moors, but is probably most well known in the US for its delicious oranges - and there are plenty of orange trees. A flood of the city caused the resident to re-route the river, so in the old river bed you find parks, playgrounds, fountains and new cultural buildings and museums. The modern cultureal centers are a stark contrast to the old historcial city centre.

We quickly settled into the Spanish lifestyle of sleeping in late, cafe con leches, a stroll along the beach, seistas, dinner at 9:30 of sangria and paella (watch out for the paella negro - its black from squid ink!) , and out late to hear "authentic spanish" music at a club. We also fit in some shopping and sightseeing. Desserts were not overlooked either, I made it a serious effort to have gelato, at least once a day. Not to mention the hot chocolate so creamy you need a spoon to eat it!

It was a wonderful four day escape from Oxford filled with lots of laughs. A great way to recharge before starting my third and final term.

My Secret Garden

Oxford is full of traditional English spired colleges (as you see on any post card), but inside each of these stone buildings are beautiful gardens and quods that are seen only to college members. Just outside my door is a gate which opens to the Worcester College grounds. While there has been college education on this site since the late thirteenth-century Worcester College was founded only in 1714. Inside the walls of this unassuming college are sporting grounds, a pond, ducks and gardens.




Right: the quod

Left : white ducks sleeping by pond

Back to Sur-reality

I only had enough time before catching my flight to explore 2 floors of the MoMA. Its a beautiful new building (just opened about a year ago I think) which a great collection of Picasso (seen right), Dali, Munch, Pollack, Warhol, Matisse, Van Gogh, O'keeffe and more.

Being a art and museum junkie, my term paper is art related - which is what I am now back in Oxford working on. I am working with a team for a private equity firm in London exploring art as an asset class. Basically, the company buys and sells pieces of art not for the aesthetic value but rather to create better than average market returns. It's a quite interesting project that is a combination of art and finance/commerce.
While, its not fun to be stuck working on a paper over the break, I have a great team to share the load with (shout out to Dan, Ilan, Rachael and Vikram!).

God Bless America

As many of you know I just returned from "the States" where I got to see and catch up with many friends. I started in New York City for some Oxford Alumni events. Alumni from all over North America hosted a reunion at the Waldorf Astoria. Friday night the reception was held in the elegant main ball room. After a beautiful sunny day of walking through Central Park and a bit of shopping, I had a college cocktail reception first at the Waldorf, then another in a 5th Avenune Appt. It was a beautiful appartment hosted by a friend of Kellogg College, with a view of the park. There were about 6 other MBAs from my class who also the weekend events to work on securing summer internship in the US.

Then it was south to D.C. for a quick few days where I got to see many of my old haunts from my days on the hill. I caught up with many friends, co-workers, and several of my favorite restaurants! I had to get back to NYC to catch my flight but not before hitting Soho, Chinatown and the new MOMA. It was a great trip and it was wonderful to have some my American conveniences back for a few days.

(Left: Myself and my friend Jennifer, a classmate from Oxford, at Alumni reception at the Waldorf)

Oxford Town and Gown

Now that the days are longer, and a bit warmer, I have been getting outside more. I have found jogging an excellent de-stresser, plus with a beautiful running path its a nice distraction from studies. Im going to participate in the Oxford 10K Town and Gown race in about a month. Its supposed to be quite funny as many of the runners dress in costumes. Should be a fun experience as they shut down all motor vehicle traffice for the morning in Oxford. Here are some photos of the canal that runs through Oxford. I will also be joining Stacey and Rachel in Madrid at the end of the month - I will NOT be running the marathon with them (see link to right). I will however be cheering them on from the sidelines.... with a sangria!

Hilary (Spring) Term almost over

After a brief study break to celebrate St. Paddy's Day last weekend, we had 5 days of cummulative exams. Left is the Examination School where we turn in our assignments and normally "sit for" (rather than take) our exams. This term 225 of us dressed in black and white (see matriculations photos) invaded a small "suburb" of Oxford, Summertown. Now we are all scrambling to finish our final term papers before we scatter across the globe for the next few weeks. Check out what 2 of my classmates are doing with their breaks in the Business Week article.

High Street - Oxford

My Silver Chariot

one of the rare occations for blue sky!

Said Business School

The Said Business School, my home away from home. While Oxford has been "educating leaders for over 800 years" the Business school is just 10 years old. You will notice it is very modern compared with the traditional architechture of Oxford. With 18 hours of class a week, plus countless group meeting and endless studies, its safe to say I spend a fair amount of time here.

Worcester Place - Where I live

Here is some pictures of where I live. My building is tucked on a quiet street down by the canal. The area of Oxford I live in is called Jericho. The area has some delightful shops, restaurants, pubs and home to the famous Oxford University Press.

View from the Thames

Big Ben

Masquerade Ball

To the right: winners of the costume contest.
Below:
Some of my friends from Worcester (pronounced Woo-ster)
Masquarade Ball

Radcliff Camera - Oxford 

Oxford Sights

Right: Christ Church (where they filmed the Harry Potter Dinning room scenes)
Below: Bridge of Sighs (Hertford College)
The Bodliean Library (The "Bod")

My first day at Hogwarts.

Matriculation

Barcelona

Gaudi Architechture

Barcelona

Stockholm

View from our hotel window



Right: Changing of the guard in front of the Royal Palace

Oxford v. Cambridge Varsity Match

Twickenham - Home of England Rugby

Oxford Rowing

Torpids Rowing

Archived Email: December Travels 2005

I had the lovely privilege of going with two good friends of my to Shepton's Mallet (where they brew Blackthorn Cider). From there we took day trips to Bath, which is lovely old city, much like Oxford except more hills. It was lovely walking the old cobblestone streets. I was reminded of how "Americanized" everything is becoming, when you walk out of the ancient Roman Bath's you size a big Ben and Jerry Ice Cream Shop!
Then we went to the Town of Wells - a true hidden treasure. Smallest city in England. In the Uk in order to be a city (not a town) you must have a cathedral. There was a local market going on that day and it had some delicious cheeses! We toured the old palace which had a mote and proper draw bridge.
Then we head to London where we walked the entire city! Tate Britan past Westminster abby, to Trafalgar Square, Picadilly Circus and up Oxford Street (good shopping) to Covent Gardens. Its great to explore the city above ground (not by tube).

Then this happy girl headed to Texas for 3 weeks!

Archived Email: October Matriculation 2005

Howdy yall!
First, thanks to so many of you who have called and emailed me this week! It has been a whirlwind. My classes are all incredibly hard but incredibly interesting. I have some really good professors who, amazingly enough, keep us relatively entertained for the entire 3.5 hour period (that’s how long each of my classes are!). I may start having my mail forwarded to the business school – because I feel like I live there.

So the biggest event this week was Matriculation, which was today. This is a right of passage type program. Similar to a graduation ceremony, but schools like Oxford and Cambridge have these at the beginning of the term to officially induct you into the University. Up until about 100 years ago, students would have to take an exam in Latin during this ceremony to prove the University had selected quality students – thank goodness that is no longer a tradition!
It’s a lot of pomp, but you will see the funny outfits we all have to wear. We parade through town with your college and all the tourists took pictures of us. The theater where the matriculation happens is beautiful and right in the heart of Oxford. Following the ceremony we took a group picture and had a tasty lunch at Kellogg College. Anyway, enjoy the pics!

Hope you all have a nice weekend!
Miss you,
Christina

Archived Email: Thanksgiving 2005

Happy Thanksgiving! I hope you all had a wonderful holiday weekend. Surprisingly, I was able to have a proper Thanksgiving meal with Turkey and pumpkin pie! I was invited to a formal seated dinner at one of the old college dining halls. While the holiday is clearly not observed here, the chamberlain of that particular college spent 9 years at Princeton so he and his wife became fond of the holiday. (they also said they like hosting thanksgiving b/c they get to dine with American students who are much more fun and interesting that the English students!).

This week was particularly stressful - the semester is wrapping up and its really crunch time. Lots of assignments and I’m getting ready for 6 (yes six) exams! and while it was strange to not be with my friends and family in the states, I realized I have so much to be thankful for, and I guess that really is the point of the holiday (other than football!) . Thanks to all of you for all the notes, calls, care packages. It was really to hear from so many of you this week. You have no idea how nice it is to hear from friends and family from home.

I finish on exams Dec. 14 and head to Ireland for a few days where we plan to visit some castles and the Guinness brewery. Then I head to Lyon, France for Christmas week with my family!

So I guess Im signing off, as I am about to enter a black hole of studying world. I hope to catch up with you when I emerge after exams. Know that I think about you and miss you all a lot.
Hugs,
Christina

PS. attached is a photo from my birthday outing this weekend! as you can see, my new friends let me be a birthday princess!

Archived Email: March 2006

Hey-eh (that’s how they say it in Stockholm)

Happy March! I cannot believe how fast this term is going! We have exams in just 3 weeks. And I have 4 major term papers due in the same time. I’ve been pretty busy since the last update. Ive been to Stockholm, a Venetian Masquerade ball and I have had two lovely dinners in London with friends (Steve S. and co, and Greg W.) in from Texas – its always nice to see a see a friendly Texas face and hear a “y’all” from time to time. And yes going to class and studying LOTS too.

Stockholm last weekend was cold – but very sunny. Travelling with 18 of your closest friends is always a fun adventure. Lots of laughs on this trip – and I thoroughly enjoyed the well needed – 2day break from studies. They always talk about the light in Stockholm (how it reflects of the snow and water) and it really is amazing. We toured the royal palaces including the place with Queen Christina lived! We walked around the Gamla Stan (the old city) and saw a Viking ship that was excavated in the 1950’s after 300 years underwater! It was a charming city and it was wonderful to learn more about my Swedish heritage.

I went this morning to the Torpids race – which is an annual rowing race down the Isis river. Teams from the different college race each other in this epic battle for bragging rights. Rowing is a big deal sport over here. After the races everyone heads to the boat houses for bacon sandwiches. An odd little tradition.

“They” say March is the most challenging month of the course (I didn’t know it could get more challenging!). The snow is pretty when it falls, and but has not been sticking – which is good for us bikers! But the good news is that then I get 3 weeks off after exams, and then come back for our 3rd and final term. Trinity term should be the best b/c it is all electives I am really interested in. Now all I have to do is figure out what I want to be when I grow up! I am openly soliciting career advice from any/everyone – so please send me your thoughts.

***I will be in New York March 31-April 2 for an Oxford Alumni networking event and hopefully some interviews. Then I plan to pop down to DC for a few days April 3-6 to see friends.*** Then I return to Europe for some city hopping for 2 weeks – locations TBD. Let me know if you want to meet me somewhere exotic!

Hope to hear from you all soon!

Cheers,
Christina

Archived Email: February 2006

Hello!

My first month 2006 has flown by! Looks like this term is going to be just as busy as the last one. 6 classes plus I’m working on a really cool project with a company in London as part of our new business development requirement.

I went to Barcelona 2 weeks ago. It was a great mini-break! Beautiful city, delicious food and clubs that stay open all night… literally. Two nights of 6am dancing and I really felt like a rockstar! Additionally, the gothic quarter and the Gaudi architecture were unbelievable. I even picked up some more Spanish vocabulary. Next stop is Stockholm in one month. Ryanair (the southwest of Europe ) has flights that are free --- you just pay the taxes – too all these cities in Europe. Our spring break is at the end of March travel destinations for that are to be determined….

Additionally, I moved this past weekend to accommodation very close to the business school (which really I should just move in there, b/c I feel like I live there!). A savings of 10 minutes each way on the bike in the cold and rain has been worth it!

Please send me updates on your life, I love hearing from home. I hope you are doing well you are in my thoughts.

Cheers,
Christina

Archived Email: December 2005

I did it! I survived my first term at oxford!

As brutal as the exams were, there have been some memorable and distinctly British moments the past couple of weeks.

I went to my first rugby game Cambridge vs. Oxford. It as big for them as TEXAS – ou weekend is for us. Rugby is bit confusing – you can only throw the ball backwards – and very violent - 4 people carried off on stretchers.

I had Christmas dinner at my college and had my first minced meat pie. Which was explained to me that you must eat with your hands (no fork) and interestingly, there is no meat in it.

The exam taking system is quite regimented. First, you “sit for your exams” not take exams. And to sit for an exam you must go to the Examination school. It is an integrity issue that all exams must be administered by independent proctors, not your professor. To be allowed in the Examination School (with is a beautifully old large oxford building right in the centre of town) you must be dressed in our black gowns with white shirts (and neck ties (you may remember the pictures earlier in the year). Quite different from the flip flops I wore to take exams at UT!

Im going to Bath today with my housemate who went to the University there for undergrad. It’s supposed to be just beautiful – so hopefully I will have pictures to send after Christmas.

Most importantly, our Christmas plans have changed a bit. My family is postponing the river cruise to France – which means I will be in Texas for Christmas (I get in on Friday)! Let me know if you are in the Dallas area (email me if you don’t have my parents home phone number already so you can reach me).

Hope you all have a wonderful holiday and enjoy your time with friends and family. Hope to hear from you all soon!

Cheers,
Christina

Archived Email: November 2005

Happy Guy Fawkes Day!

Apparently in the 1600’s a guy tried to blow up the Houses of Parliament in an attempt to overthrow the government by filling the basement of the Houses with gun power. The attempt was foiled and the Brits celebrate the anniversary of this every year with a huge bonfire and fireworks show. Odd, I realize, but a fun event none the less. (you can see some pictures from last nights fireworks attached).

Two weekends ago I went to London for the day with a group of friends. We walked the south bank of the Thames to the Tate Modern then crossed the river to St. Pauls Cathedral. Ended with dinner and some fine English brews at old pub in Notting Hill.

Last weekend my parents were in town and we had a great time. It was so good to see them, and show them around my little down. I think they got to do more sightseeing than I have! We went to a town just north of Oxford (Woodstock) for the day there is an old palace their and we had lunch with the registrar from my college who lives there.

And this weekend I have my first visiting friend! Yep, Ms. Sarah P. is coming to England for the FIRST TIME! Im sure we will have stories and photos from our adventures.

And while it may not seem like it from my stories and pictures I am studying quite a bit – its just not as exciting to write about. I cant believe we are half way through the first term! Its crazy that it has gone so fast, and scary that exams are right around the corner!
Keep the updates coming. And in case you have lost my number -- call me at XXXXXXX

Christina
PS. I had no idea how much I said “y’all” until it started getting pointed out to me EVERY time I say it!

Archived Email: September 2005

Howdy y’all!
I just finished 2 grueling days of orientation - classes start now and from what I hear from former students the next 10 weeks will be unbelievably hard. I've heard most people average 5 hours of sleep a night. AVERAGE. I will be in class from 9-5 most days and 2 nights a week I have night class! yikes. But I am in a group of amazingly smart and interesting people from all over the world and it is just so fun and exciting. Seriously, the word “diversity has new meaning for me”. In my class there are people from 48 different countries ages range from 23-42 and just about every professional background you can imagine.

Photos on the way …. (sorry if this is repetitive information for anyone). They use the college system here – which means you have to belong to a College within the University – this is primarily for social and academic support. My college is Kellogg which is one for Post Graduates only. I’m living in housing through them and its quite nice because it’s the first time the college has house students… so you will see in my pictures everything is brand new—not something you find often in a school that is 700 years old! In my house I share a flat with a girl from Turkey – also in our house (but in separate flats) are students from China, Japan, the UK, Australia, France and Zimbabwe.

I've spent the last week, getting adjusted and settling in. It takes much longer than you would think -- not so much on the 24-7 services and help in these parts. I’m getting much better at getting around on my bike -- let me suggest "checking your blind spot" before changing lanes while on a bike on the wrong side of the road is not as easy as you would think! I’m also learning my way through the maze of buildings, rivers and walkways - and seriously guys - you should really try to come visit me. It just the most amazing city with so much history and culture.

Anyway, in short, I miss you all and I miss the good ole US of A, but I am acclimatizing to my new town and very excited to get to work. I love getting the updates from all of you - so keep them coming...
Cheers,
Christina

PS. My British friends think it’s quite funny when they have to translate things into “American” for me to understand…. I’m working on a list of funny different words they use… that will be in the next email… this one is long enough!

How fun to start a blog!

Hello! I was inspired by my technology and innovation class to start a blog. I thought it would be a fun little experiement. Im going to post the email newsletters I have sent throughout the year as a starting point. Let me know what you think!