I guess, this will perhaps, be my final wrap-up post for this summer blog since summer is almost up.
Well to begin with, it has been the most challenging 8 weeks I have had in one summer. Why, you may ask? Well, try studying natural sciences all your life and then try cramming 120 years worth of European history, War & political issues (globalization, genocide, terrorism, gender, media yadda yadda yadda) and more than 700 years worth of Gothic Architecture History all in 8 weeks. Eh?
On top of that, taking classes with the best of the best is kinda... intimidating, I'd like to say. Especially when you knew nothing going into those classes, and your classmates are like major experts in those area, you know you have to do the extra work.
It has been a challenge for myself for not only did I have to do a ton of readings for seminar discussions, papers and exams (perhaps the most that I've ever done in my life - more than 8 books in 8 weeks...yet, there are more to come), I travelled around England (Derbyshire - Chatsworth House [fans of Pride and Prejudice should be familiar with this], Oxford and will be going to Bath & Stonehenge) on weekends as well. On another hand, I try to absorb all there is in Cambridge every single moment, dealing with all of the above mentioned while coping with some personal issues. An overwhelming 8 weeks of "Blood, toil, tears and sweat", would accurately depict what I am going through, though I may be exaggerating a little. Nonetheless, it has been the most fulfilling 8 weeks I've had. I met a group of very highly motivated, knowledgeable individuals whose conversation revolves around political issues and literature most of the time, sometimes even philosophy and religion. (No kidding!) It made me reflect on myself: What do I know about this world? What have I been doing with my life all this while? Apart from these, having a well-known historian for a professor is most definitely enjoyable but the pressure to do well in his class? Not so much. True story.
Yet, I have learned so much in this process. One take away from this summer that I'd like to share: to be able to think critically, analyze, make good judgement and critique is crucial as part of growing up and stepping into adulthood. Think about it.
On another note, it is amazing how Cambridge is celebrating its 800 years old birthday this year. Can you imagine that? And to think Miami's 200 years is cool enough...
I am so thankful for this wonderful opportunity to be here this summer. While I am excited to be back at Oxford once more, I don't want this to come to an end. To realize that in another one week or so I will be leaving this beautiful town makes me sad. real sad.
There is a well known Chinese poem that reads:
《再别,康桥》
徐志摩
轻轻的我走了，
正如我轻轻的来；
我轻轻的招手，
作别西天的云彩。
那河畔的金柳
是夕阳中的新娘
波光里的艳影，
在我的心头荡漾。
软泥上的青荇，
油油的在水底招摇；
在康河的柔波里，
我甘心做一条水草
那榆荫下的一潭，
不是清泉，是天上虹
揉碎在浮藻间，
沉淀着彩虹似的梦。
寻梦？ 撑一支长篙，
向青草更青处漫溯，
满载一船星辉，
在星辉斑斓里放歌
但我不能放歌，
悄悄是别离的笙箫；
夏虫也为我沉默，
沉默是今晚的康桥！
悄悄的我走了，
正如我悄悄的来；
我挥一挥衣袖，
不带走一片云彩。
Translation (found online):
Saying Good-bye to Cambridge Again
Very quietly I take my leave
As quietly as I came here;
Quietly I wave good-bye
To the rosy clouds in the western sky.
The golden willows by the riverside
Are young brides in the setting sun;
Their reflections on the shimmering waves
Always linger in the depth of my heart.
The floating heart growing in the sludge
Sways leisurely under the water;
In the gentle waves of Cambridge
I would be a water plant!
That pool under the shade of elm trees
Holds not water but the rainbow from the sky;
Shattered to pieces among the duckweeds
Is the sediment of a rainbow-like dream?
To seek a dream? Just to pole a boat upstream
To where the green grass is more verdant;
Or to have the boat fully loaded with starlight
And sing aloud in the splendour of starlight.
But I cannot sing aloud
Quietness is my farewell music;
Even summer insects heep silence for me
Silent is Cambridge tonight!
Very quietly I take my leave
As quietly as I came here;
Gently I flick my sleeves
Not even a wisp of cloud will I bring away
Very quietly I take my leave
As quietly as I came here;
Quietly I wave good-bye
To the rosy clouds in the western sky.
The golden willows by the riverside
Are young brides in the setting sun;
Their reflections on the shimmering waves
Always linger in the depth of my heart.
The floating heart growing in the sludge
Sways leisurely under the water;
In the gentle waves of Cambridge
I would be a water plant!
That pool under the shade of elm trees
Holds not water but the rainbow from the sky;
Shattered to pieces among the duckweeds
Is the sediment of a rainbow-like dream?
To seek a dream? Just to pole a boat upstream
To where the green grass is more verdant;
Or to have the boat fully loaded with starlight
And sing aloud in the splendour of starlight.
But I cannot sing aloud
Quietness is my farewell music;
Even summer insects heep silence for me
Silent is Cambridge tonight!
Very quietly I take my leave
As quietly as I came here;
Gently I flick my sleeves
Not even a wisp of cloud will I bring away
Can't describe my feelings more accurately. Oh, One more week! I will make the best out of it. For now, back to hitting the books!! Hopefully I will have more time explore and then I shall come back for another (final) round of update in the next week or so! Well, till then!
