Orientation

Monday we had to go to the NYU campus to do a terribly pointless orientation.  They told us things like how to ride the Metro and the professors weren't there.  Sigh.  It was nice though, to get an idea of where everything is in the little complex.  There is a teeny library, a little student sitting/study area, and a really lovely courtyard.  They said next week 100 undergrads are coming, though, so I imagine the peacefulness will not linger.

It was super hot and humid, around 98 degrees, so by the time we were done with the orientation everyone was pretty grumpy and annoyed.  Then they told us we should go get our books and course packs before classes tomorrow so, as dutiful students, we went to the bookstore (maybe 3 blocks away) and the printing place (a 10-15 minute walk)..and the course pack wasn't done.  Awesome.  So we were all very hot and sweaty and unhappy and for nothing.  A few people came down to my area (the Latin Quarter) to get some cold drinks afterwards.  Since none of our apartments are air conditioned cafes are usually better places to hang around than at home.


Things kind of stop in Paris when people get uncomfortable - too much heat or snow will drive everyone to cafes or bars and work slows down.  They're okay with a lot of rain, though.  Protests tend to happen in the summer as well, though I'm not sure if it's the general restlessness and heat or because students have more time on their hands to stir things up.