Thursday, December 17, 2009

Wet, cold, windy, and relaxing

We’re getting caught up on some work before leaving for Windsor Castle tomorrow (Friday) morning. We decided to take a taxi (a 30 minute trip) rather than deal with a one hour and 23 minute bus trip (including two bus changes).

Partly because it’s so cold, windy, and damp, our one trip outside of the residence hall was to the cafeteria located on the main concourse in the middle of the campus. At one point it was so sunny we decided to walk to downtown Uxbridge (a one mile walk), then, before we could put our coats on, a blizzard stormed through. For five minutes, then sunny again.

One of the things we’re working on is a new blog about design for Peachpit Press, called Robin & John’s DesignWorld. Coming soon.

Robin introduced me to a two-woman cleaning crew that was cleaning the kitchen, one of which is an artist, Kateshna, (Kate) from Poland. I’ve also met Abdullah from Zanzibar, Pam from Thailand, Kwi (I’m not real sure about her name) from Taiwan. Also Osman from Canada. I haven’t met Dimetrius from Greece yet. Pam is organizing a food party for Monday night for which everyone on the floor will bring a dish from their country. Some people are gone for the holiday, but most are here. I’ll try to get some photos, or a group photo.

Big adventure today: I cut Robin’s hair. For a first-timer I did pretty good. Just don’t expect any closeups of Robin for a while.


Robin’s room has a walk-in closet and an attic, Brunel style. 



Robin at work. Shot from the attic area.



Hallway with vacuum cleaner. 
Installation art by JT. 
A part of the Brunel Visiting Artists permanent collection. 



Residence halls at night. The big windows without shades are shared kitchens. When you walk into a hallway, or laundry room, or kitchen, the lights turn on automatically.



Darn. I was just getting ready to vacuum out the kitchen sink when I saw this sign. I guess this sign being posted means that some students actually try to clean up water or unclog sinks with a vacuum cleaner.



I pity the poor fool who keeps his oyster card near his salto card.