September 23rd

I'm starting to feel a bit better, but I feel like I could still use some sleep. And I've got some damned persistent coughing. I have to leave in a bit to go to more induction...seminars, I guess would be the word for them. The safety one was actually quite fun. The safety officer for the geography building suggested that, "If there's a fire and you feel like having a go at the extinguisher, feel free. They're right fun!" I almost felt encouraged to start a fire just so that I could play with the extinguisher. Almost.

I've met my supervisor for my dissertation and he seems to be a nice fellow. He's very supportive and easy-going. It must not just be Virginian geographers that are like that. It's starting to seem like geographers everywhere are an easy going bunch. This bodes well for me so far. Additionally, my department seems genuinely happy to have me. I don't know what world I've walked into, where American geographers are so warmly received, but I LIKE IT. I haven't really met any of my fellow majors yet, but I'm sure I will soon enough. I wonder if geography students cut-up and fool around over here too...

As far as meeting people goes, I've met all of my flatmates. They're all splendid folk. The guy living across from me is Jay, who is from Holland, but speaks with a West London accent. The fellow next to me, Said, will be leaving soon, to go live with "some mates," but he seemed to be a nice enough fellow. Salim lives at the very end of the hall, across from the Kitchen. He's from the Manchester area and he talks really quickly, so I'm still getting used to his dialect. He made chicken for us all last night, which was rather kind of him. Lastly is Currin, who is generally quiet, but very well spoken and curious about things. Women would generally love him because of his Cracker Jack listening skills. They're all very nice folk, although I don't believe the volume of screaming or lunacy in this flat will near approach that which I experienced in Undergrad. Justin, you know damn well what I mean. Maybe it's for the best. Although, I'm hoping I can turn these fellows onto the stump game.

If you don't know what that is, here's a link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stump_(game)

Overall, I'm doing pretty well. The banking's going slower than expected, so I'm having to pinch my pennies. That's okay, though. It's best to get in that habit now, when I'm most tempted to spend than to learn the hard way. Although, I've always sort of ended up doing things the hard way anyway. Oh well. I'm doing a lion's share of walking about, and I've yet to find a decent pastie shop. I guess I can ask my adviser about that though. He's here to answer questions, right?

For my American Audience: This is the pastie I mean.

















Not these pasties





















I think most people reading this would be slightly perturbed if I were to indulge in the purchase of the booby pasties. But then again, this English weather does weird things to people.

By Friday I should think myself well enough to rejoin reindeer games.

And who knows... pasties might be involved.

Ta Ta For Now. Or Ta-Ta's For Now. Who knows?

-Jonathan "Have a Bite 'O Me Pasty" Trenary