Matt's got a bike!

Matt's got a bike now. It's red, just like mine so now we can be THAT couple that rides around town with matching bikes, wearing matching outfits, with uncovered baguettes in our wicker bike baskets.

In other news, the hot water system in Europe is utter crap. The way our water heater works is that it only warms water between the hours of midnight and seven, so that hot water is ready when you want to take a shower in the morning. Unfortunately, it's only enough water for about 7/8 a shower and once you use it all up, you're just out of luck for the rest of the day when it comes to things like washing dishes. Oh, there is this mid-day "boost" button you can use, but it takes forever and only makes up about half a tank of water and we frankly don't even know how to work it.

Tonight we are going to a drink meet-and-greet with Matt's college, Fitzwilliam College. (Cambridge is split into departments, which organize classes, exams, etc. and colleges, which handle accomodation and all the sort of social aspects of school. They kind of have varying levels of prestige, kind of like universities themselves.) Fitzies is supposed to be the most friendly college and they're supposed to be the most open to people from all walks of life.... I think that translates to, "Even if your dad isn't an MP (senator) or a wealthy alumnus of Cambridge, we'll still take you. That means you Americans. And all you Asians too." I'm just kidding. I really don't know if Cambridge is run like the American ivies. Here's hoping not, but they say class is more entrenched in British thinking than even the US.

Today we got a little card in the mail saying, "You got a package in the mail but it didn't have enough postage so we're not giving it to you until you give us the 30 pence in missing postage... Plus a one pound handling fee. Oh and you have to bike all the way across town to pick it up yourself." We went to pick up the package and it was---our lease, which the accomodations office said it would post to us immediately, since we need it to open a bank account!

Matt bought a gown today, not a ballgown, a formal robe to wear to important university events. Imagine wearing your graduation robe to go out to eat. It's got weird sleeves where the sleeve goes all the way down but the arms stick out of holes cut at the elbow and there's just a huge flap of fabric underneath. I think Matt was a little disappointed in the robe purchasing because he was really looking forward to having all those trappings and embellishments, like in Harry Potter. But it turned out to be just a black gown with no other details at all, so he was a little bummed. But mostly I think it was because he couldn't buy a wand or the newest broomstick. Poor guy, he wishes he could say this was all like Harry-Potter-esque and magical, but more accurately, it's exactly like Harry Potter without the magic and mysteries--leave in all the going to school and taking classes and working hard stuff and that's what it's like.

In more visceral news, we are slowly building up our pantry, which is a very satisfying thing. It's so nice to go to the cupboard and actually be able to cook and eat something without having to drag your butt all the way into town just for a sandwich and a Coke (well, it's worth it for the Coke). We are working on finding a wine rack so we can build a small collection for daily consumption. European wines are so much less expensive here, but considering the distance, the Californian wines make a good showing. In fact, it's possible that some wine shops are dominated by Californian wines, which is too bad, because we were trying to get away from that. Matt and I love wine. It does to food the same thing that Coke does, kind of enhances the experience. But wine feels and tastes more luxurious and suits a meal that you worked long and hard on. Coke, when you eat it with a meal, oftentimes ends up being a centerpiece in and of itself. That's not a problem.

Matt says I talk about Coke too much, but I know he agrees with everything I'm saying about it.

Matt and I saw the movie "The Children of Men" here last week--ha ha it's not even out in the states yet!!! That being said, it isn't that good. We are looking forward to seeing "The Queen" with Helen Mirren. It's got a 93 on Metacritic! Lord of the Rings Return of the King only got a 90, so this is going to be AMAZING.