have sufficiently filled my alone time for a while I think. Haven't been to a bar *except to work* for a while. Yep folks that's right, I got the job. My brother would be proud. The only real problem is I pour beer without any "head" but the brits like a little foam on their drinks. So I have to unlearn my clever drink pouring skills to accomodate people here. It's a cruel world I know.

So since last I wrote several things have been going on. I got the job. I got sick again. I ruined our trip to italy because I couldn't miss a class, I discovered a passion for watching the Rugby world cup and cheering alone in my common room when "my team" (whichever one I pick to root for) scores or gets close to scoring. Lots of double entendre in this here entry. None intended. I had a fantastic dinner with Oli and his friend Isabelle who is french and encouraged me to try to speak french more. After a few seconds of uncomfortable mumbling in half french/english and probably a little italian, I rediscovered my voice. It's good to know other languages- makes me feel wonderful. It was great when I had to cancel the hostel reservation in Italy- When the gentleman answered the tele he said "Buona Sera" (we'll pretend that's how it's spelled) and I said "Buona Sera, Parli Inglesi" which is my best guess at how to say do you speak english *in italian* and he responded and we spoke in english and I ended the conversation with Gratzi! I'm so proud of myself.

My classes have been extraordinary. My creative writing class is incredible- we discussed the problem of "self" when one writes. For example,should the author be present in the text, or should you have absolutely nothing to do with your writing. This problem has made the past few days painfully perplexing and wonderfully philosophical. I do love splashing around in perplexity. I was a philosophy major at one point. Oy.
an added bonus is the small class- it's very different but I can't imagine a better way to learn. Instead of being told to leave ourselves out of our writing *like I learned early in my english career* we are expected to bring as much of ourselves as possible to the table. Oy it' wonderful.
AND My poetry class is the absolute best. Imagine reading a good book, or seeing a good film and sitting around talking to your friends about it.....this is what this class is like. We read the Waste Land by T.S. Eliot first, and I just have to say I love that poem. It's so heavy and rich and full of layers- I get so excited when we talk about it. I am a geeky literature major- aren't I.

OH my explorations in lit class is so powerful and we've only had one lecture. This year academically is alright ripe with so much potential for me, for learning and growing and becomine. Cliche, eh? I'm just happy to be here. I really wish I weren't sick, though. Oy

and have I mentioned that people here have rediculous haircuts....like one half short the other slightly longer...and the tips of hair as different colors (but only in sporadic patches- nothing uniform). It's quite funny for me. I'm glad people feel free to express themselves. I haven't taken nearly enough pictures- I'll be sure to soon.

oh and today was aweful because all I kept seeing were bunches of 10-16 month old kids, who of course remind me of my neice who is growing so fast while I'm not there.

I didn't cry though. good for me.

I hate to do it- but really guys if you feel the slightest urge to write me a letter or send me a care package or anything really I'd greatly appreciate it.

shavawn smith
22B Paddock Field
University of Brighton, Falmer
Brighton, Sussex
BN19SF

or call me from america 011447906625105

from elsewhere I don't know.

hi alice.

I'm quite tired now, as I haven't slept yet. So I'm off to cook dinner- Burritos. Oh of all the food I miss, I miss mexican the most. I've resolved to 1)never eat a hamburger over here and 2) never to eat mac and cheese over here. I'm branching out...yep yep. I'm actually falling asleep at the computer. Good thing I'm not driving round here. Oh and did everybody get my postcards? Do write and let me know

shavawnmarie@hotmail.com

peace, take care of yourselves.

-s