Job Search and Global Gathering

The first few weeks here in Exeter have been quite interesting for me. Unlike Will, I am simply a "tag-along," with no reason for being here other than to accompany him. This feels rather awkward at times, but I'm glad that I was able to come.

While Will busies himself with academic and athletic pursuits, my main diversion has been looking for jobs. I'm hoping to find a temporary position as a statistician or data analyst, or perhaps a job working with children. The search has not gone as quickly as I would have liked, but I am optimistic that I will have a position within a couple of weeks.

Beyond searching for a job, I've begun getting to know a few people. I recently began participating in a group for wives of international students in Exeter called the Global Gathering (http://globalgatheringexeter.blogspot.com/). The group is run by several British ladies and held at the home of one of them. About ten women make it to the two-hour meeting each week, and many of them bring their toddlers along. Today was my second Global Gathering meeting, and I had a very good time. We learned how to make delicious strawberry and raspberry tarts, and we got to eat them after we finished cooking.

Here are a few pictures of the preparation process:

Unfortunately, the group will not be meeting again until November 6 because Biddy Walton, the lady who hosts the gathering, will be spending the next two weeks in Morocco improving her Arabic. I hope I can continue participating at least occasionally; however, it is on Thursday mornings, so it is highly likely that when I get a job, I will have to stop attending the gathering.