Here we have some of Magdalen's tulip gardens.
Oxford has been quite busy this past two weeks for me between rowing, yoga, running, golf, academics and of course the OUGSS (Oxford University Gilbert and Sullivan Society) production of HMS Pinafore! This show was a real delight to be in. In general musical theater is a great way to make lasting friendships with fellow cast members through the long process of crafting such a magical production. Throughout the performances it was hard to maintain a professional face and not laugh along with the audience (and in some instances we couldn't help ourselves!) because our leads were SO FUNNY!
We got some rave reviews from the local newspapers and we no doubt had our best performance on closing night. The audience was great and we really got into a great rhythm. The leads were playing off one another and the chorus was so interactive! I am very proud of what we did in just 2 short weeks of rehearsal!
May Day just past recently and Oxford fully embraces the pagan rooted traditions in the celebration of the first day of May the mid point between the Winter and Summer solstices. Celebrations begin the night before as students attend black tie events at the various clubs in the City center. General merriment continues throughout the night until daybreak where all of Oxford makes the pilgrimage to the Magdalen bridge to hear the Magdalen Choir sing from their tower to greet the sunrise. Morris dancers dressed in traditional garb parade up and down the bridge rejoicing in the rays of sunshine breaking over the gently rolling hills of Oxfordshire.
My friend Kelly came to visit me my first weekend back at Oxford and I was telling her that I really wanted to have a proper go at rowing. So I got in contact with a few colleges here at Oxford and Lincoln college was the first to respond to my e-mail. So come Tuesday morning at 6:30 am I headed out to the Isis river to climb into the first boat (the best rowers) of Lincoln College. The sun had just risen and a gorgeous mist blanketed the river. The cows were still napping in the lush green grasses of Christ Church Meadows and the swans were swimming gracefully in the Cherwall. A few brave scullers were already out on the water- perhaps trying to complete their morning ritual before hoards of Oxford students broke the calm waters. As I showed up in my newly bought leggings, hot pink socks, and sparkle baseball cap I heard a chuckle from our coach as she gave me a brief course in Rowing 101. She prepared me for what she called "a baptism by fire." My first "outing" on the river as they call it, was definitely a trial, but ultimately an athletically rewarding experience. Most shocking was the strange athletic mentality of "crew." Rowing is unlike any other sport that I have ever participated in. 
In rowing, you are only a power house- a giant muscle. You don't think, you don't make decisions. The cox tells you everything that you should do and your only goal is to synchronize perfectly with the other 7 engines of the boat. There is something calming about rowing- almost like yoga where you attempt to clear your mind and just focus on the strength of your muscles and the stamina of your body. I survived another outing last Saturday and I intend to keep training for our first competition known as Summer Eights. It is held the last week in May and it is a "bump" race where you attempt to catch up with the boat in front of you and physically hit the boat with your oars- thus 'bumping' them and moving up in the ranks. There are 4 days of racing in total and the goal is to climb your way via bumping to the front of the river. Wish me luck!
