Posted by: nschaef | 9 January, 2008

Life Outside The Classroom

In terms of what I’m up to besides classes, life is still a bit lonely and difficult. I’m still largely unfamiliar with the entirety of London, although I’m trying to address that slowly. I walked around a bit today in the campus area, and explored the library. It’s an old building and there are tons and tons of books. I sat down and read the end of Twelfth Night and enjoyed it thoroughly. There were the usual elements of a Shakespeare Comedy: cross dressing, everybody gets married abruptly at the end, and there is an unnecessary sub-plot of buffoons and mischief. But nonetheless, there were several moments I found very moving. When Sir Andrew says, “I was ador’d once too” I found it tremendously poignant, even though it was hidden amongst slapstick nonsense.

I’ve gotten lunch every day so far at a pub on campus called The Marlborough Arms. I really enjoy the menu and the decor, although it’s a bit pricey. Much like everything else in the city.

I’ve spent several evenings out in the neighborhood with some English students now. They’re very curious about American politics, and what English music succeeds in the States. American law, also, is puzzling and interesting to them. I find myself spending a lot of time explaining the vast differences state-to-state both culturally, socially, and legally.

I’m happy, but still homesick. Anyway, I’m going to seize these free hours that I have and pass out until dinner.


Responses

  1. I think that the strangest thing about American law for English lawyers is that there are 51 separate legal systems, rather than one common law.

  2. When the slapstick parts are done by clowns, they work beautifully. There is also a payoff in the interaction between the clowns and Malvolio. We saw Will Rogers first as Malvolio, and you can imagine how wonderful he was.

  3. I would think that one of the strange things about American politics is that journalists for the last 40 years have said that you win an election if you beat the spread–that is, their expectation.


Leave a response

Your response:

Categories