Boom Boom Pow

1st Week of Oxford (Fresher's Week)

So, I just finished my first week of Oxford, which is also known as Fresher's Week. We had our matriculation dinner, which was Harry Potter-esque. We had to wear commoner's gowns and lighting was sort of dim. Lectures don't begin until Monday, but we had meetings with our tutors and learn all the information we need to start the term. There was also a Fresher's Fair, to join Oxford's many club and societies. I have realized a lot of things about studying abroad in England:

-It has many similarities to studying in the US, except for maybe the increase in tea consumption

-Riding a bike at Oxford can be somewhat lethal

-Studying only occurs in the daytime

-Bathrooms don't have any electrical outlets, except to use shavers!

-They don't know who John Mayer is (which could be a good and bad thing)

-Twilight is a smash hit (which is a very good thing)

-I LOVE IT HERE!!

First 2 weeks in England

These weeks were a blast because I spent most of time in Liverpool with my cousins. I did a LOT of shopping! I think I know every big English brand there is to know. I also ate McDonalds, which was interesting. I love how the Chicken Nugget Meal only goes up to 6 pieces, where in America, it starts at 10 pieces.

Another Rain Day in Boston

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T-b2lnTDvLg









So I just finished my official day at the Broad Institute. It is like working at a hotel for science:

• Lab coats are washed every DAY
• People wash your glassware for you every DAY
• There is a coffee and espresso machine on EVERY floor
• Color printing is free and there are over 100 printers in the building and we can use any of them

Everything is disposable and convenient. I can really get used to this.

What I can't get used to is the rain. I came to Boston for an extremely hot summer, filled with heat waves and summer clothes. I have had to bust out the winter coat and gloves because at night (and during the day), the weather has been far less than optimal. I am waiting for the temperature to crack 70 degrees and NOT RAIN!

The dorm are....interesting. I love that it has air conditioning, because it will come in handy when it finally becomes summer here, right now I feel as if I am living in a hospital because my room is around 40 degrees.

Apart from this, the program and my experience has been a dream come true. The students are very nice and social and Boston is BOSTON---THE BEST CITY IN THE CONTINENTAL US!

Because I am starting this blog after my trip to Russia, every post I am going to post new Russia pictures until I run out of nice pics.

Also I recommend this group "Ahmir" from Boston. Their harmonies are killer and they kind of sound like Boyz II Men. Check them out!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T-b2lnTDvLg

Coming Soon!

So I am going to begin chronicling the next 7 months of my life next week, starting in Boston. I will begin my posting pictures from my trip to Russia.

Starting this Sunday, I hope to have a new blog post and pictures!