While it may not sound all that exciting the lecture on the European economy was an eye opening experience. I've been keeping up on the news this summer, but I had no idea how bad things had gotten. Often times the news doesn't tie everything back to past problems so when I saw how each smaller issue related to one another it was shocking. Many leaders are so focused on saving the Euro that they are causing more problems in the long run for the various European economies. A great deal of the bailout money being given to countries such as Greece and Cyprus is used to pay back debts rather than being put into the country's economy to try and jump start it. Without changes being made within the country there can be no end to the need for more bailout money. However it seems that since Germany is so focused on maintaining the Eruozone they, along with the IMF, are prepared to keep providing bailouts. Russia has helped in Cyprus, but most nations outside of the EU are wary of getting involved. I can't say I blame those leaders for being cautious. The discussion was detailed and informative, yet it is just the tip of the iceberg. I was truly floored by how much we learned.
On Wednesday we made a trip to Stratford to see "The Twelfth Night" performed in Shakespeare's hometown. Since the play was in the evening we were unable to visit much of the city, and unfortunately I missed seeing the place where Shakespeare was born, but the play was wonderful! The set was fabulous and the actors even more so. The plot is much like the movie "She's the Man" in that a young woman dresses up as her brother and takes his place. It wouldn't be a play without a love triangle, which adds some extra twists to the plot. Of course there are differences between the play and the movie, but that is perhaps the easiest way to describe the main portion of the play. I don't particularly enjoy reading Shakespeare, but seeing his plays come to life has been a completely different experience on this trip. We've now seen two plays of his and both have been phenomenal!
The Ashmolean Museum is an art museum in the center of Oxford. They have work from Ancient Rome and Egypt to modern day pieces. Since it's there is no entrance fee I felt that I had to go look around. There really were some great paintings and drawings. They also had jewelry, furniture, dishes, and tiles from the Middle Eastern region of the world. Every room was very different from the previous display so it was almost like you were on a quick trip around the world. Later that night everyone dressed up in beach attire and met up for some games in Jesus College. There was a life size version of Jenga, twister, and a whole lot more. Some people really went all out with monkey costumes, floaties, and snorkels!
Since I don't have many pictures from our events this past week (often times cameras were not allowed) I'll include some more from Oxford.
The first is the Bodleian Library, the second of New College, and the third is in the Christ Church gardens.
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