It's the final night of the Language and Thinking workshop (L&T). I can hardly believe that two and a half weeks have gone by since I arrived at Bard.
This is the first night in the past two and a half weeks that I haven't had three readings to do or some writing assignment. I finished my final essay, a seven page exploration of Otherness, last night and now I have nothing pertinent to do! I do need to decide on my classes, for we are registering on Thursday. Also on Thursday there's a Matriculation Ceremony, which encourages "creative formal wear". Only at Bard.
People watching is one of my favorite things to do here. Especially last Saturday when the Rocky Horror Picture Show played in the theater and everyone, at least it seemed like all 523 of us, showed up dressed ridiculously. Most people here take advantage of every day as if it were Halloween or some day worth dressing up for. Top hats, fishnets, vintage boots... And, for the most part, it seems people dress in this crazy manner because they find it amusing, because they want to, not necessarily because they feel they have to to fit in.
I've made a really good friend named Daniella who is my bike-buddy and my impromptu piano teacher. We went for a ride yesterday to Tivoli, a nearby village (one main road with a scattering of small storefronts) and found an amazing little library. It's run by a committee, not by the state, but membership is still free, so we both got cards and checked out some books and movies. The library is all dark wood, high-ceilings and has a very cozy feel to it.
I can't believe tomorrow is the last day I'll sit in the classroom that has become a second home, with the people who were initially my enemies, initially seemed too smart too articulate, now my friends and peers. My teacher too, he is amazing and will be going back to San Fransisco tomorrow to teach at the Art Institute. Despite all that, I am excited for new classes next week!
Hope everyone has a lovely Labor Day weekend.
Toodle-loo,
Marina
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Sunday, August 10, 2008
A Place to Think
I haven't figured out how to change the name of this blog now that I'm no longer reporting on Up with People.
At any rate, as many of you know I moved into college yesterday, Saturday. I have a lovely roommate from Jersey and we share a nice, big light-filled room, which has much more space than I expected from a college dorm.
I woke up this morning inexplicably early, 5:50 to be precise, and went adventuring on my bike. I found a bike route that I followed through residential areas near Bard. I still don't know where it ends up, as I rode for thirty minutes and then had to turn around. The rest of the day we spent sitting and listening to introductions and a ton of safety info that I'm positive everyone already knew. So, mostly I spent the day fairly bored, but happy that there is only one day of maddeningly boring safety info versus the three in Up with People.
The best part of today was the Prokofiev concert, put on by the American Symphony Orchestra, which was FABULOUS. The theme was The Cult of the Child, and it covered an array of works from Peter and the Wolf, to a set of five fairy tales. After the concert, we heard from the Dean of Students, the Director of the Language and Thinking workshop (what I'll be doing for the next three weeks) and the President, Leon Botstein. They are all brilliant speakers, and, seemingly, brilliant intellectuals. I sat in awe listening to all of them lay out their vision for Bard, our class, and for the next three weeks.
I love being here. The trees are inexplicably soothing, the cicadas lull me to sleep and the birds wake me. I'm so glad I came to Bard and I'm so excited to begin the workshop tomorrow!!!
Love to all,
Marina
At any rate, as many of you know I moved into college yesterday, Saturday. I have a lovely roommate from Jersey and we share a nice, big light-filled room, which has much more space than I expected from a college dorm.
I woke up this morning inexplicably early, 5:50 to be precise, and went adventuring on my bike. I found a bike route that I followed through residential areas near Bard. I still don't know where it ends up, as I rode for thirty minutes and then had to turn around. The rest of the day we spent sitting and listening to introductions and a ton of safety info that I'm positive everyone already knew. So, mostly I spent the day fairly bored, but happy that there is only one day of maddeningly boring safety info versus the three in Up with People.
The best part of today was the Prokofiev concert, put on by the American Symphony Orchestra, which was FABULOUS. The theme was The Cult of the Child, and it covered an array of works from Peter and the Wolf, to a set of five fairy tales. After the concert, we heard from the Dean of Students, the Director of the Language and Thinking workshop (what I'll be doing for the next three weeks) and the President, Leon Botstein. They are all brilliant speakers, and, seemingly, brilliant intellectuals. I sat in awe listening to all of them lay out their vision for Bard, our class, and for the next three weeks.
I love being here. The trees are inexplicably soothing, the cicadas lull me to sleep and the birds wake me. I'm so glad I came to Bard and I'm so excited to begin the workshop tomorrow!!!
Love to all,
Marina
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