I’m nearing the end of my program! I have a week left. At the same time, I feel like I both have fully settled in here and am ready to go home. But certainly, it’s been a universally wonderful experience.
Over the past couple weeks, I’ve been able to do more casual, domestic things now that I’ve gotten the touristy activities out of the way; so, I’ve been enjoying spending time in cafes (trying different ones), reading in the park, and exploring different neighborhoods. My friends and I went punting on the river Cherwell (a punt is basically a gondola). We also went and saw two more local theater productions, which we enjoyed just as much as the last one.
I’ve enjoyed being able to spend more quality time with my friends now that we know each other and are comfortable in the city. I always think it’s fascinating and lovely how quickly and securely people can become close in circumstances where nobody knows anybody, even when people are from all over the world—and especially when we’re all drawn to the same place by a common interest. It’s been eye-opening to talk with people and understand the differences and the (many more) similarities between us, despite being from different states, countries, backgrounds, or being different ages. I’ve learned a lot about the world even beyond Oxford
