some observations

-people dress pretty sharp here, in a way that college kids do not generally (exceptions for the nyu supermodels). actually, there a lot of similarities between here and nyu (more on that another time) so us urban college students have an advantage when it comes to avoiding culture shock and homesickness.

-observations on courses: the engagement course is a bit of a crisis. some people are boycotting it at this point. the core course is off to a slow start due to guest lecturing that was largely disorganized. the literature class and the class on sovereignty and international law are both going VERY well though.

-we were sitting on the library lawn and a friend piped up, "high school in california, guys" which is exactly what this campus is like. even in the so-called winter. sixty degrees in the winter! perfect.

-newtown market theater has half-price tuesdays. i am usually a person who is not into drama and rarely sees plays even living in nyc with the student discount on tickets, but the drama scene here is amazing. we saw tenbush at the market theater earlier this week for about US$5, a great play and a great deal.

-apparently there is a bar in the middle of the central business district (cbd) that is on the 50th floor of a high rise, and, while this is an area that i would never, ever walk around or park outside in (think buildings that are bricked up at all the windows and doors because of squatters) the place is classy somehow. those of you know this city probably know there is no reason for us to go down there, so i'm a little surprised this bar even survived. good on it, though. maybe we'll go with someone who knows their way around. i bet the view is awesome.

-we have had potluck dinners four nights in a row (i think we had about seven courses last night?) and tonight someone is turning 20 so there are plans for sushi. and i hear papaya season is coming. excellent. as my inner foodie comes out more each week, i get increasingly obsessed with finding a way to get back to this country again next year or another time.