Students at Embassy

Formal Hall

I feel like a lucky girl. A lucky young woman, who could fly away from her house, who could take the opportunity to live in another country, in another city. I feel like such a sweet, gentle, naïve little girl, who is having a whale of time in Cambridge, by travelling, by writing in English, as I used to in French just a couple of months ago.

I simply feel lucky tonight 23: 20.
And I’ll tell you why.

I feel so grateful, because I went for the second time -  and certainly not the last one, thanks to having found an old Swiss friend here – explanation to follow – in Magdalene college.
YES.

One month ago. On the way to school. Who did I meet on Magdalene bridge? Alexander.  A friend from Switzerland. A friend who I used to study music theory with. A friend who took a gap year last year, and who applied successfully to enter Cambridge University.

One month ago. It was his birthday. And I was invited to celebrate it with him. And I did. And for the first time I touched what I was and I’m still expecting to live and share in my future: to study at the university.

I’d like to speak as well as all these “alumni” do. By enjoying a few times with native speakers (or not, international students are there as well), you feel your listening developing, extend your vocabulary – informal in this case (but how beautiful is the informal English, speaking so fast when you’re among pals ? )

A Cambridge University has got a lot of tradition. No one will disagree.

Some will say they are old and boring. Some will say they bring another intensity, another beauty to these old buildings and the student life.

You can well imagine… that I would find my place in the second group.

Meeting at the Pledge. Loan of the gown (or gowny dress?). Admission into the Formal Hall.

Beginning of the Formal Dinner. The “pennying” (known as a drinking game – when someone throws a penny in your glass, you simply have to drink it, or pour it again and drink it in one go  - not allowed during the Formal…but the rules are made to be bent, aren't they? ) Anecdotes. Experience. Laughs. Legends. Promises not to go out so much for the next term. Other fascinating rules. Waiters. Wine.

Now I remember why I chose Cambridge for my gap year. Now I remember who I am and what I am going to do. Now I remember all my expectations. I found my subject for my oral presentation due on Wednesday. I found an aim for my next close years of study. Now I know why I’ll come back here after visiting my family and my friends for Christmas.

[ Alexander and I - In front of the "Plodge" ]

Edinburgh mon amour

« Close your eyes. Imagine the hustle and bustle of an ancient capital four hundred years ago. Cobbled streets, a maze of wynds and closes. The North Sea and Firth of Forth open up in front of you eyes from the top of the city’s seven hills. Edinburgh’s majestic volcanic rock, Arthur’s Seat, stands firm demanding your attention. Nature is everywhere.

Crisp and clear winter mornings. Cold nights in cosy fire-lit pubs. Festival revellers going to bed as the sun rises on the horizon. Students soaking up the sun on the Meadow’s green grass. The sound of bagpipes blasting out of ginger haired, tartan-trimmed souvenir shops. »

These two paragraphs, which I whish I could have written on my own, are simply the first two paragraphs of « The locals' guide to Edinburgh », a guide I bought last weekend, as you can well imagine, in Edinburgh. And they sum up in a magnificent way, all that I could say about this city and what I found in my trip : Wellbeing. Happiness. Letting go. Discovery. Beautiful scenery . Strength of several traditions, legends and historic facts.

I spent only two days there. But it was enough for to fall in love with it, and make me hope to go back there in summer.

Having gone with two of my classmates, I could learn about them, about myself, challenged to live with girls coming from another country (China ), and inevitably, about another culture. I surprised myself by drinking green tea with a typical Scottish breakfast (quite similar to the English one). Or simply by being quieter, and simply much more. Much more what ? I’ve just loved this trip, I’ve just found again all that I love in the world : travelling.  And sharing.

Almost 20 hours by coach to go and return. Few hours of sleep. Chilly days. But a wonderful couple of hours walking through the old and new city. Wonderful experience. Wonderful souvenir. And a huge number of pictures in support.

Thanks to Embassy not having enough space on the coach for the possible excursion to Edinburgh, it let me approach a country, a city, and to enjoy it on my own , with more … delight ?

Ps. If someone comes across a compact disc [ The Shee – A different season ] in a coach (591) , still with its plastic cover. Drop me a line ! That’s mine!
… Or it was my pleasure to give it to you. Enjoy it. A recent Scottish music band..  =)

Happy Ending

It’s surprising. It’s absolutely amazing, how a piece of news, one message, read in the morning, can make you smile.

I was about to drop you a line last week, but I fell asleep. I was about to do it again yesterday, but I was quite upset, and pretty sure that what I would say might be confused, incoherent, and that I might want to cancel all of it, after a long deep sleep.

Although living far away from your family can be a good experience (and how long have I been waiting for that…), the such beautiful time spent here, with your special friends you’ve met five weeks ago, special one you’re getting to know much better, as the days go by..
Hard times happen.  It happens.

That person reminds you of another, this dress can remind you of the one you wore last summer when you graduated. In your country.
And suddenly.

You miss your hometown, your own room, your friends, these closest friends who became suddenly pen friends. Nostalgia, for 10 seconds. For 10 hours.
Your thoughts mix up. You don’t know what are your priorities anymore. The smallest things you love to remember to remain happy, crumpled.

One night. One shower. One way to the school, One path crossed on your bike. A bright day as you’ve never seen in Cambridge before. You enter in the classroom – as usual – took a laptop – switch it on. Five minutes left – just enough to check your mails. – As usual – you’re expecting to see few messages, junk mails, a new post on facebook.

And that bright day. Means much more. Mister Sun brought with him a surprise. Like a miracle. A few words. A few words well chosen. Written by - who cares whom ! – , drew you twinkles in your eyes. And give you warm feelings. How did they know ? Why now ? Right when I needed to ? Chance happens. It happens.

Distance doesn’t just help you to grow. It helps bonds to grow. And Friendship to come stronger. It helps you to be aware of what the word «  friends » you use so much, means.

It’s surprising. It’s absolutely amazing, how a piece of news, one message, read in the morning, can make you smile. Again.

Ps. Edinburgh next week. « A piece of dream come true ». You’ll have some feedback, naturally.

Céline, fair little student who loves writing sat in Parker’s piece and admiring this lovely piece of grass.

Halloween – international party at Nusha®.

First post - first thoughts.

One month. One month and one week.

I've been here in Cambridge for one month and one week, and I have about 5 months more to spend here, far from my house. Switzerland. Geneva. Lausanne. Far from my friends, and my family.

It's getting cold here. It's obvious. Winter is back. Snow in London. Only rain, a thin rain here as yet.

My name is Celine. I'm on an Intermediate Diploma Course in Cambridge, using laptops during the lessons, through the morning class. Yes! And I'm enjoying every single moments, instants, that I'm spending, breathing, reading, learning, speaking, writing, dancing, and meeting new people, future friends.

I'm very pleased to have the opportunity to show, and leave a trace of my gap year ( or middle gap to be precise ), in posting my thoughts, my news, on an Embassy Blog. The Embassy Blog.

An experience with Embassy? It should be, It IS! a manic-marvellous-enriching experience unless you stay at home and miss the worth living events of your life.

C'Line.