our international group has grown with the constant trickle of arrivals from around the globe. three of my permanent roommates have arrived, a girl from tokyo, a boy canadian and an aussie girl, making the isolation here seem less complete. they are all good people.
the orientation sessions are packed and dry, but we are suffering through them with wit and small shrugs.
the internationals I’ve fallen in with are a great group. we’re having what I can only assume is oft-repeated fun with our accents and the english language. there was a session of circle of death, american rules, and a heated game of catch phrase that was further hampered by the inclusion of our french friends and six liters of cider.
our exploration of glasgow continues in concentric circles, or maybe more like a spider’s web, as we work our way out from campus and city centre, discovering new connections and small paths that merge our understanding of the breathing city.
there was a ‘supermarket session’ this morning, in which we met with representatives of the different faculties and discussed our class choices.
an interesting opportunity presents itself by studying at the university of glasgow. the ancient school forges relationships with other prestigious glasgow schools, and thusly I am afforded an offer to study at both the glasgow school of art and the national piping centre.
ignoring the stereotypical ramifications of studying the bagpipe, I believe the course on the history of scottish song, as well as the tutorials on the instrument itself, are some of the best ways in which I may get a handle on scottish culture. the bagpipe is an instrument that in its essence breeds humour, and in all the ways that it is ridiculous is it also beautiful. no other sound is as evocative of this country than that bassy whine.
at the glasgow school of art, I plan to take a course in black and white photography. the camera, all film, paper, and chemical supplies are provided for me, allowing a stress-free exploration of composition and light.
in the supermarket session I met with a senior theatre professor who told me that the chances of my being seated in an upper-level playwriting course were slim. after a long conversation, though, I think I may have impressed upon him my drive and dedication to the art form and believe I may have warranted another look.
my photographic journeys continue in the gallery below, in which myself and my fellow internationals walk from glasgow campus to city centre.
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