Graceful Buildings and Soaring Towers

So I wish that I could send my thoughts as I walked back here and let you know what I am seeing. I don't think that pictures can really do this place justice. I walk into the main courtyard of the Bodlien Library and names like Schola Moralis Philosphiae stare back at me. They challenge me with questions, daring me to find out the secrets they have revealed to the students who have walked through their doors for centuries before me. The soaring tower, the Tower of the Five Orders looms over the courtyard, James IV and I of Scotland and England is seated as a statue on the fourth order of the Tower. I just stand there and feel so insignificant, like history has allowed me to stand at his feet while he continues to stare across space and time. Again, a little philosophic, but when I am surrounded by the School of Moral Philosophy (translation of the Latin Schola Moralis Philosophiae) perhaps that can be forgiven. 

The Tower of Five Orders

James IV and I in the Tower of Bodlien

Today I went to the Examination Schools for a program for international students. We received information about what it was going to be like, there was some free stuff for us, the free coffee and biscuits (cookies, how great!!) were really appreciated. But this place had been built specifically for the exams at the end of the Oxford years. 

Main Entrance to the Examination Schools

Ok quick update on the Oxford undergraduate system. There are three years instead of four and you take a course instead of a major. So for a history course, I have three terms per year, Michaelmas, Hilary and Trinity, and for each term I have two or maybe three modules I am taking. For those I have specific tutor with whom I meet and write papers. However, there are lectures going on all the time, and while I am not required to go to any, many of these will be very helpful for the next paper or are just really interesting. At the end of the three years, I will be tested over all three years, so I will be taking tests and writing for about a week straight. All this, or at least most of it will take place in the Examination Schools. For a place that was built for such stress and agony, it is absolutely gorgeous. 

The Virgin Mary above New College

  Today, after I got the information from the international fair I just started walking. Oh, there are so many things I want to tell you. New College, founded in the late 14th century (really new?) is approached by a winding road that blocks out the sounds of the city center. Each side is old weather stone walls that are many feet above my head. Finally you turn a corner and in front of me I see the back entrance to the college. It is a wooden door but above the door is a graceful statue of the Virgin Mary. It is so peaceful and timeless. Its just beautiful. I need to go now. I'll have more places to share soon, I hope you can see just a little bit of what I am seeing.