A new dawn

Soaked in sunshine, packed with excited freshers - both awkward and friendly, often at the same time - and preceded by its reputation, Robinson College and Cambridge itself has been hard to fault. So far.

Thanks must go to my parents. Not only have they valiantly contended with my obnoxious company for nearly 19 years, but they ferried me (and my excessive belongings) all the way to university. Helping to unpack seemed, at the time, a bit much, though retrospectively, this has saved vast amounts of time. Hence I am full of grate. The other half of the thank you, though, is more of a jibe directed at Robin's (my dad) dropping-off antics. You see, on arrival, perched on the bed, there was a box, a sort of Fresher's pack. Inside was the usual itinerary, replete with zillions of sign-up forms and enough admin to satisfy the department of health and safety. Condoms were also included, much to the amusement of Robin who volunteered (or maybe threatened) to put a needle through the packet. Actions and consequences was my response. That, and laughter at what it would cost him.

Of course, there's the work. At first, it seemed innocuous enough: 1 essay, 2000 words, 2 weeks, 10 books. Now, though, two essays later, it amounts to some 6000 words and 30 volumes - to be completed within the same time frame. A challenge, to be sure, and one I relish for the time-being.

Until next time, goodbye.