Books and Belles

So sorry for the lateness of this post! So many things have been happening in the past two weeks, I have so much to share.

First, I auditioned for and was accepted to the Oxford Belles, a university wide all female a cappella group. Its so amazing to be singing again and this group of women is wonderful. I feel like I'm finally turning into a brit! (Yesterday I said cheers to someone who opened the door for me...a big step). We have rehearsals three nights a week and the structure is very similar to The Blue Notes at Wellesley, though of course my Wellesley women are still the closest to my heart. The Belles sing a wide range of music, be sure to check them (us) out on YouTube. And last night I got my first solo! Stand by me. I'm so excited to start performing.

Another musical experience, last Saturday I was able to sing with the famous choral composer John Rutter! My days of sweat and toil in BCCC (The Berks Classical Children's Chorus) groomed me for this very moment and it was truly a thrill. Dr. Rutter led a master class at Magdalen College. He taught a group of about 200 a few songs, including his famous requiem. Such an incredible experience and one that I won't soon forget.

My tutorials are still going strong. I've had the first actual meeting of my secondary tutorial (only meets every two weeks), Christian Ethics. This week we're discussing the issue of religious violence and how it fits into the arena of Christian ethics. And for the Lewis tutorial, I'm reading ALL seven Narnia books, plus 3 secondary sources. A challenge, but a fun challenge. I think I'm finally getting into the swing of things here, working on time management, and working in my weekly pub time, only the essentials.

Other than singing and studying, there have been lots of other activities going on here. This past weekend was the Champagne and Chocolates party at Mansfield. An excuse to put on party dresses and indulge in Champagne and dark chocolate, needless to say I was a big fan. I've been slowly exploring Oxford over the past few weeks as well, trying to visit all of the colleges, libraries, and churches. Each college is unique and its been a pleasure trying to visit all of them. I also had a wonderful dinner with a Wellesley alum last weekend at her home in Oxford. She is a doctor in New York who does research here in Oxford for a few months of every year and she was lovely. It was great to catch up with the current Wellesley students who are also in Oxford and to be in touch with another fabulous Wellesley woman. Our alums are truly incredible.

Lots of exciting things happening this coming week, including Halloween! It will be interesting compare and contrast traditions here and in the US, I'll keep you all posted. I've also just booked a plane ticket to visit Munich, Germany and Vienna, Austria in January! More to come on the trip details in my next post And of course, the following week will end with my birthday extravaganza in London, mark your calendars and hop on a plane! I miss you all and will be in touch soon!

XX (another british-ism)
Sarah