Matriculation

Life is filled with little rituals, but matriculation (being listed as a member of the university) is one of the stranger ones. You put on a gown, which is sleeveless, short and kind of a tunic really, then sweatily stroll to a big hall, past gaping snapping tourists, listen to some Latin, and thankfully some English, then leave. Today the freshers matriculated, and had to stand still for a while as the photographer did his stuff. His camera had a hood, and must have been pretty good, mine couldn't deal with the light range at all.

This voyeurism was the highlight of a day spent in the library with water and a hangover. Went for tea in the afternoon and my friend comforted me, which I appreciated.

Bye Barbara