The group is pretty ecletic and drawn from everywhere except New Zealand. There are some seriously intelligent and talented people here.
Now - normally I would add some self-deprecating comment like: "Except for me of course" or even qualify the statement as if I owe an apology, explanation or justification.
But - as was explained to us as a group quite plainly by Dr Sandie Byrne, every application was personally scrutinzed by her. And another penny dropped - well of course they were they don't just let in anyone with a pen.
Dr Sandie Byrne is Director of the Oxford University Department for Continuing Education English Literature and Creative Writing international summer schools. She was very good during the first evening and made sure that every individual was personally introduced by herself to their 2 tutors. Great to be so well looked after.
The line-up includes Norway, Costa Rica, Sydney via new York, India, Egypt, UK, Ireland, Argentina, USA, Romania and ....well you get the picture. No? Sorry it's 6.41am and we had drinks last night so bear with me.
The Exeter staff are really friendly and very down to earth. They have made a big effort to make us feel like we belong and not to worry about all the famous students that have passed through. In fact the course director spoke at dinner and put forward the visual image that they were standing behind us and encouraging us to contribute in our own way.
And then I got an image of 'Ruddigore'....but the paintings in Hall didn't come to life during dinner....which was a shame. I'd be up for that!
So we had a group photo which kinda broke the ice. Then dinner then more drinks.
With a bar on the campus, I think a pattern may start to emerge. We'll see.
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