Greetings from Charlottesville, VA

After a VERY trying drive of 13 hours through the night, we arrived safely in Virginia. We've had a great time seeing the sights, tasting the local wines with Barry and Maxine, and visiting some of the historic sites.


Last night we were treated to a Viginia County Fair speciality- a Frog/Toad jumping contest! (Though it's too bad we'll be gone and miss the Husband Calling Contest and the Watermelon Seed Spitting Contest...)

Narragansett, RI

Hazard Rocks

Blessing of the Fleet Festival

Settling in

I've been here about 36 hours now and am settling into life that doesn't involve reports, exam marking or planning- it's bliss! Yesterday was my first full day here and I became more familiar with Providence. I was able to see Brown University, the Admissions office there, and a few of the bars! Brian joined Keith, James and I yesterday afternoon and we had a very relaxed afternoon and evening. (Although I don't think James was impressed that for the second year running he lost miserably to me at pool! ;-))

Today we're heading down to Brian's beach house in Narragansett for a seafood and beer festival and the storms from my first night here have disappeared and the sun's come out just for us. It promises to be a great day (again) :-)

Watch out the States

so apparently no one took any pictures from the last mix of cultures between the two muppets...probably for the best in hindsight! but the next one is only three days away and this time it's my turn to cross the atlantic. Last night I thought I was doing well in terms of organisation and was pretty much sorted for leaving at the crack of dawn on Thursday morning. I only have Passport to find, dollars to obtain, and a suitcase to steal before then! Nothing important then...

Hopefully there'll be chance over the next three weeks though to post some pictures and comments (minus my camera this year) on the ever educational cross-culture misadventures.