Sunday, one month in

Somehow I’ve nearly been here one month, similar to so many things it seems to have gone by very quickly. Yet again at the end of a week I am very tired (it is odd to think of Sunday as the end of a week, I am far more used to it seeming like a new week is beginning – perhaps that is an oddity of the Oxford term), the reputation Monday mornings have means far more to me now than it has before. I now think I am mostly over the culture shock and home-sickness of what, in only very small individual ways, is a very different place to where I am used to.

Reflecting on the month it has been very worthwhile and enjoyable and I’ve gained a massive amount from the whole experience. I look forward to what another month brings (especially as I have a whole load of British stuff supposed to be arriving this month, number one on the list being Pimms – justified as being a necessity on a hot sunny day). However much I like to complain about things I wouldn’t change a thing that I’ve done, something that seems an advantage of doing new things and exploring new places.

Anyway, putting summaries aside, I’ve had another good Sunday. I returned to the same church where I have received such a hospitable welcome, it seems a shame I will be in Vegas next Sunday and so this was my last visit for some time. Yet again I was very generously invited to go out for lunch afterwards, getting to know even more people.

The knowledge of people who have been in San Francisco for far longer than me has allowed me to see the city far more effectively than I would have managed of my own accord (which is probably as effective as randomly picking what to do), today I was shown Japantown and the many shops located there. I’ve acquired more reading material (I’ll post more about what I’ve been reading at the moment someday) and generally saw an array of shops different from what I’ve seen before. While Britain is undoubtedly home to all sorts of cultures I’ve never seen a tiny pocket of a city so dedicated to one particular culture (and before somebody points out, yes, I’ve been to Chinatown in London. That had a far more commercial and Anglicised feel to it). It felt far less intimidating than the rest of San Francisco does, which is truly enormous.

On the way to Japantown I was shown the Roman Catholic cathedral, a stunning modern building built half way up a very steep hill. While very different to cathedrals I am familiar with it had its own charm and I could see how the building appeals to people, it clearly attracted a very large number of people. Looking round and seeing the art I realise I’ve neglected any (boring, as I’m sure Gabriel would say) cultural experience for the last month, something I should really change – I’m sure it is not just Oxford that has plenty of opportunities for doing so.

Anyway, for now I am preparing for my trip to Las Vegas this coming week. It will, without a doubt, be exciting. Also, I have been neglecting the comments people have been leaving somewhat – if you check back to previous posts I’ve now responded to some of them. I’ll try to be more attentive and do more than simply prevent spam from making it into the comments.