A LOT has happened this week, and yet it doesn't feel like very much.
Let's see...
Monday was spent with the Archaeology Department Induction and the Social Sciences Induction.
They were scheduled at the same time.
Needless to say, I gave Archaeology first go and then caught the last half of Social Sciences.
They both were really helpful. I am absolutely amazed at the resources and opportunities that they have for their post-graduate students here. I am used to being accepted and then a combination of being ignored and being hounded by my department. I loved BYU but it is amazing what can happen when a department has a well-managed structure in place.
You need structure to grow and they have it here in spades.
Tuesday was spent at college induction talks, getting some minor shopping done in the Market area, and exploring a bit.
In the evening I went to the department party for a few minutes. It really crowded and unbearably hot pretty quickly. Despite that, I met some really interesting people and really enjoyed myself.
Wednesday I matriculated for the university.
That was SUPER cool.
In the morning I went to Gray & Sons to purchase my formal robes.
Bring it on Hogwarts.
I also experienced my first REAL Durham rain.
It was lovely.
After lunch on Wednesday I met with my main supervisor and she gave me a tour of the department.
It is huge...and amazing...and I am really excited.
She is very kind and it seems that I will have a great deal of control and freedom with her as my supervisor. Considering everything, that is the best news I have heard in quite some time.
I finished the day at university matriculation in the awesome Durham Cathedral.
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| Long distance shot of the cathedral from one of my walks this week. |
It was a lot of pomp and circumstance but absolutely awesome!
The speech by the vice-chancellor really inspired me and again spoke to my soul that I am exactly where I am meant to be. It is a testament to me that God leads us when we listen because I would have never chosen this for myself and yet I can't see myself anywhere else.
It is a glorious feeling.
Thursday I attended a department induction meeting for the PG students in the morning.
After lunch I spent a good 2 hours shopping for necessities and wandering around Durham. With the other walking I did that day I did about 3 hours total of just walking.
It is the best way to get to know a place and blow off some steam.
I walk about 45 minutes after breakfast, to any errands I have, and usually between 30 minutes to an hour in the evening to get a "brain break" after working all day.
It is glorious, and my legs are toughening up really quickly.
So things are coming along.
Next week will be a little mad as I meet with my supervisor, mentor, and bank but I am hoping things will calm down on the living necessities soon so I can get to my thesis.
I spent an hour this evening walking and hashing out ideas and I am rearing to get working.
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