Week 1 and More!

So much has happened! Classes started last week, of course. I am loving my democratization option - I gave a presentation yesterday on economic stabilization (not the most exhilarating topic, but I am glad to have expanded my knowledge, plus the rest of the weeks look incredible!). CC2 is also great - currently looking at mobility (the new word for migration) and forced migration (including but not limited to refugees). Very practical. It is just so great to be with all of my classmates again! We are having a pot luck this Friday (I am bringing cheese and fruit :) ).

I visited two local schools with links to Uganda - thanks to John for driving me! One was a primary school, and it was very interesting to observe classes and hear about their international programmes. The other turned out to be an incredible blessing: I was able to meet with two Ugandan teachers who are here on an exchange visit through the British Council: a headmaster, Twino, and a history teacher, Peter. As it turns out, Twino is a Rotarian! (He was wearing a pin or I would not have known). They teach in Kabale, in the southwest of Uganda, and have invited me to conduct my research in their area. If it works out, it would be so great! I have never been to that part of the country, and it is supposed to be absolutely beautiful! Related, I bought my ticket to Entebbe today - leaving on March 14 and returning April 13!!

Also, on Friday I attended a Chinese New Years' Dinner with the Bicester Rotary Club - dish after dish of deliciousness, and there was even a live dragon dance (made me really want to go to China!!). I so enjoy getting to see everyone in the club and building relationships! I feel like I have been here for much longer than a few months.

And then I spent the night and all day Saturday with John and Gyll! I absolutely adore being in their home with them! I slept in, ate breakfast, read a bit. After lunch, we took a lovely walk around the village and down by the canals and mill - the roads were muddy but the sun was out! It felt so wonderful to get away from Oxford. I did more reading in the afternoon and watched part of a rugby game with John. After a leisurely dinner, I took the last bus home, refreshed and content!

Last thing: I spoke at Chipping Norton Club on Monday. It was held at a Bowls Club so I was able to see some people play that game (sort of like curling but not on ice). I enjoyed the evening because I had met some of the members before, and everyone was very welcoming. It is great fun to answer questions about my hometown (and about our new president!).

Which reminds me - my whole college watched the inauguration in our common room. Even our warden came. Such an incredible moment in our history!

Overall, a really great start to term! I'm headed to football/soccer practice now....