Ratchet of the year

The psychological gulf from May to June is enormous. That boundary is the ratchet; it’s the point beyond which the advancements of September through May are locked down. The feeling of crossing it is that of being secured and unleashed at the same time. A few more loose ends to tie up (four papers and a presentation) and it’s just me and Europe for the summer. Some kind of European job, many European books, and at least a few quick sojourns to the continent itself.

With four whole months now before classes will resume, I can scarcely imagine what will transpire in the interim. I need only compare the present day to May Day to be instantly reminded of how quickly things change here. Oxford terms and relationships operate on accelerated time scales, as they tend to within communities of people in transit.

This coming Friday, it looks as though I will be going to London. Despite it only being a few hours away, by bus, this will be only my third visit to see things within the city itself, rather than simply pass through on the way to an airport. Key objectives are the British Museum, the Tate Modern, and the search for certain things I’ve been unable to find so far in Oxford. I imagine that anything that can be found can be found somewhere in that broad, flattened, ancient metropolis.

Author: Milan

In the spring of 2005, I graduated from the University of British Columbia with a degree in International Relations and a general focus in the area of environmental politics. In the fall of 2005, I began reading for an M.Phil in IR at Wadham College, Oxford. Outside school, I am very interested in photography, writing, and the outdoors. I am writing this blog to keep in touch with friends and family around the world, provide a more personal view of graduate student life in Oxford, and pass on some lessons I've learned here. View all posts by Milan