Hi everyone,
Things have been progressing steadily over here across the pond. I’m almost over my sickness (just a little left), and I’m hoping to feel back to normal within the next few days.
As I’ve mentioned earlier, I’ve decided to join the Pembroke College Boat Club (aka rowing!) at Cambridge. During the past few weeks, I’ve been in the process of learning how to become a coxswain. I’ve had two outings so far: one in a two person boat, (affectionately called the ‘tub’), and another in a four person boat. My last outing was quite memorable, so I wanted to talk more about it today.
For those unfamiliar with rowing, the coxswain is the person steering the boat and making the calls to the rowers. I initially went in thinking that coxing would not be that hard – oh, how I was wrong! My respect for coxes has grown exponentially, as it really requires you to have your head in the game and be alert at all times.
Last week, I had my second training session (in a four person boat). It was on Friday, and since the morning, the weather had been pretty unpredictable. For context, when I left my dorm, it was sunny and warm, and the sky was blue. Not more than an hour later, during lunch, it started POURING. For 20 minutes straight, I saw the heaviest rain I had ever seen in England. However, it stopped soon after, and the sun was back out. My outing wasn’t until the afternoon, so I was feeling pretty optimistic about weather conditions. I borrowed my friend’s rain jacket just in case, and I set out for my practice.
The practice went smoothly for the most part. As a novice, I’m still getting used to steering the boat (and realizing that it takes a couple of strokes for the steering to take any effect). It was pretty uneventful on the River Cam, until on the left, I saw some dark clouds coming in. I heard some thunder, and not one moment later, saw a flash of lightning. Before I had time to do anything, it started pouring rain. Keep in mind, we were still on the River Cam at this point. We had to turn back quickly (since it was storming at this point), and I got completely drenched. It was quite an outing, and a moment of study abroad that I don’t think I’ll ever forget. Luckily, I had a rain jacket, and once we got back, the boat house had soft blankets to warm us up with. During the entire time, I was in awe of the experience and grateful to the rowers, coach, and everyone else who helped me during the downpour. I have my next outing (this time in a boat with eight people!) on Sunday, so I will keep you all updated. The weather says partly cloudy, so I don’t think I’ll get caught in the rain again!
Other than that, I had my first formal hall this week! For those of you unfamiliar, formal hall is a tradition held at most universities in the United Kingdom. Essentially, students dine in formal attire and wear gowns during a three course (aka very fancy) meal. My first experience was so great – it was nice to have an evening to sit down with friends, socialize, talk about our days, in a formal setting, and with a nice meal. Formal hall is held every night at 7:30pm, but you can choose to go more or less often. People here often go during birthdays, as the whole hall will sing happy birthday to you! I can’t wait to go again, and experience them at other Cambridge colleges.
As you can see, term (and Autumn) is in full swing here at Cambridge. Lots is happening, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Here’s to feeling back to 100% soon,
Shreya