The Morning of the Lakenham Races Dawned Bright and Juicy.

Blog entries are becoming a little bit erratic at the moment, which reflects the state of things going on pretty well. One never knows if there's going to be lots going on or if a period of prolonged inertia is going to set in. There is a fair bit to write about, though, so let's dive right in! Order of the day Thursday was Project Work a-go-go! I'd been dreading it, needing to come up with a topic and commit to it on the spot, but I was worried for nothing. We decided on an interesting topic to research (Japanese fashion sub-cultures), and as it was during the lesson in which we speak with Japanese students we were able to get some feedback on the spot as well. However, before the day was done the teachers sprang one more assignment on us. This time it's just a speech, and individually worked on, so altogether likely to be less taxing, but the first draft needs to be in Monday, then we recite it Thursday - eek!

The main topic of Friday's Japanese Religions lecture was Zen, the quest for encountering the inherent enlightenment in sentient beings through meditation. This was introduced to Japan by a monk called Eisai, who also introduced tea! We tried to meditate for three minutes, but it was quite difficult to empty the mind. At some point we were also posed the classic problem "What is the sound of one hand clapping?" and that trying to find an answer (Bart Simpson-style or otherwise) because it was in the form of a question reflects thinking within a certain framework (which Zen seeks to free one from). It reminded me of this exchange:

SOAS Student: Well, at SOAS we think outside the box.
Imperial Student: At least at Imperial we know where the box is.

Finally, the moment I had been waiting for for some time arrived - The Hallowe'en Party! It took place at the other dorm building, as it's bigger and altogether what you'd expect of a University residence, whereas the one I live in more closely resembles a large old house. I'd gone along to help out with decorating and such the night before, and had concerns that it might look too cute and not Hallowe'en-y enough. But with the main lights off a suitably spooky atmosphere was created. Drinks were included in the entry fee, which I didn't have to pay because of participating in the preparation - exellenté! I was surprised at how many people fit into the room (and corridor) used for the party, though it didn't leave a lot of space for dancing. There were also many interesting costumes, which reminds me of this exchange (PG):

American Student: I had to explain to some of my Japanese classmates that in America we celebrate Hallowe'en mainly to give women a reason to dress like sluts.
Me: Really? In England we don't need a reason.

So what was I wearing, you ask? My skinny jeans, blue starry dress over black shirt with flowers, telescope necklace, black eyeliner, eyeshadow and lipstick, and tricorner hat over blue-black starry headscarf. I'd have liked to make a special effort, but did my best with what I had to hand. It seemed rather popular, too - I hardly took any photographs myself, but was asked to pose in a great many! All in all a very enjoyable evening, and over all too soon.

It takes all sorts...