Some Super Ideas March 13, 2007

My play, Sexual Perversity in Chicago, is now officially done. Its that same old mix of happy and sad – glad to have my evenings back to myself, sad that I will no longer be able to hang out with the other actors and our fabulous director each day. We really did have loads of fun together, and its not as though those 5 hours daily made me stress over a workload that is almost non-existent. We had a cast party of wine and chocolate cake and dancing on Friday after the last performance, and I definitely plan on keeping in touch with Kate, the other actress – in fact I think we are meeting up tomorrow. I wanted to do this show as a way of meeting people as well as a way to fill my time, and certainly both missions have been accomplished.

The weather here is still sunny and wonderful. Today was a bit overcast until the afternoon, but still hovered around a comfortable 50 degrees F. Tomorrow is supposed to be blazing sun and closer to 60 (!!!!), and so in preparation, I’ve purchased a frizbee =)

Spring also means campus elections here at Kent Uni — and campus elections mean campaigning that would put most Americans presidential races to shame. It’s actually really unpleasant (today was ‘election day,’ and thank God) – there are something like 10 positions that people are vying for, and at least 3 or 4 candidates per position. Each candidate has a little screaming gang staked out somewhere on campus with huge signs, loud voices, and those obnoxious little slips of paper that serve no purpose except occasionally making good scratch paper for grocery lists and confetti for Mother Earth. I’ve actually walked through buildings to avoid these people, turning a 5 minute walk into a 15 minute walk, but its been worth it. Not even avoidance of eye contact can quell their enthusiasm.

The best part about the whole thing is the sheer level of cheesy-ness attached the campaigns. For example, one girl running for University student president, is dressed up as Superman in all of her adverts across campus, the slogan “Vote for Sophie, the one with SUPER ideas!” scrawled expertly in Sharpie ink beneath it. Another, running for Welfare I believe, has the catchphrase, “Feeling icky? Vote for Vicky!”

Wow.

In less sarcastic news, I find myself growing more and more attached to Canterbury itself. Yesterday, in brilliant 60 degree sun, I meandered downtown and strolled along the old Roman walls, watching as I did so a group of high school aged kids playing football (yes, I mean soccer) while a dog kept interrupting, thinking that he was more entitled to the ball than they were (he was probably right). High Street, the main pedestrian-only street in town, was filled with vendors, street musicians, and people, many who seemed in no particular hurry to do anything but enjoy the sunshine and their company. Even the pigeons, usually on the lookout to dive bomb and otherwise cause mayhem, seemed happy and jolly. I’m not sure that I’ve ever fallen in love with a town itself like I have fallen in love with Canterbury.

I have a new favorite haunt on campus as well. Now that warm weather is here, I felt it was crucial that I find a good spot to settle outside and read; I found the Keynes college duck pond. Secluded but easy to get to, it is the home of dozens of happy mallards and dim-but-endearing moorhens, and even a gray heron, I spotted the other day. Its small – I could throw a rock from one end to the other I think – but has cozy benches lining the way and two tall trees with roots that beg to be curled up in.

Thursday, I am off to Dublin for what I’m sure will be the craziest St. Patrick’s Day of my life. I’ll be back on Monday, when I have two more weeks of classes, 2 more essays due, and then, April is stretched out before us all. It’s going to be quite an eclectic traveling group, with lots of people coming and going for portions of the trip. Should be amazing. I do believe it is already.