The Eton story continues on Tuesday with our first full packed day of lessons, activities, much eating and another great debate in the evening.
But first – I’m always a little disorientated for a few seconds in the morning, and realising that it’s 7.15, and I’m being woken up by a loud bell in a boys dormitory at one of Britain’s most famous private schools is, ur, enough to make me fall straight back to sleep in shock until the second “we really mean it this time” bell at 7.30.
Breakfast at 8, which all through the week served some delicious combination of eggs \ bacon \ sausages \ toast completed by a hot chocolate and, for the very tired amongst off, some strong coffee.
The first lesson was Physics, which I described later on in the daily newsletter which you’ll read below. Then it was an introduction to Philosophy, Socrates and his wacky fascinating ‘Cave Theory’ stating that you might as well not take notes in this lesson, because it’s all just a mere shadow of reality anyway. Thanks Socrates!
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OK, so I’m going to break down my “what happened at Eton” posts by day to avoid Eton-overload syndrome. For more details, photos and newsletters check out etoncollege.com and click on Summer Courses > Brent-Eton. (It’s a bit of a weird website so you can’t link to specific pages.)
Right then, on Monday (too early in the) morning we gathered at Brent’s Bridge Park Leisure Complex to get on a coach bound for Eton. Course Director George Fussy, who bears a remarkable resemblance to a certain US President, then presented us with a lovely black folder that screamed “Hello, we have money here!”
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Hi everyone – I’m back from Eton! Which I will blog about a lot later – I’ve just got soooo many emails and things to do right now as you’d expect. So this post is only about one thing – the London Attacks on Thursday which have dominated the news ever since.
Like everyone, my first thought was for family and friends. I was shocked, yes, after the euphoria of winning the Olympic bid but not surprised that something had happened. London was always going to be a major target, it was a question of when, and how we would respond. My deepest condolences to the familes of those murdered and everyone who was caught up in the savage attack.
But London is a strong city. It lived through the Blitz, and the IRA bombings. We’d shown only the day before how proud we were of everything London had to offer the world. Nothing can defeat the spirit of democracy, it’s something the bombers could never understand.
We need to reflect, and consider how it feels to live in a part of the world where this happens on a regular basis. But we also need to pull together and carry on with our lives. It’s what we did at Eton, and it’s how we will win.
Many thanks to everyone who sent emails of support from abroad as well. Democracy, together.
Well, actually, no. This message has been pre-recorded in case I don’t get my hands on some nice juicy internet access up here. Please assume I’m having a great time \ pronounced dead at 0800 hours (delete as applicable). Tash just phoned from Barcelona and she’s having a great time… although since this post is “in the future” she’s back today. Hooray! I better get a present! Along with Alex Trafford, who needs to start blogging again. Soon.
Incidentally – I believe the winner of the Olympic Bid has now been announced. Here’s my reaction:
– Paris: Well, surprise! They were the favourites I guess, and I gave them about a 65% chance of getting it. And if it all goes wrong, we can now watch safely from across the channel.
– London: Yay! Hahaha – take that Paris! I always knew we would get it! And our fantastic transport infrastructure will definitely be able to handle millions of extra people, no problem!
– New York: Hmm, that was unexpected. I’m sure Alex Newman would be pleased with the result, but still, wow.
– Madrid: Ur, again, didn’t see that one coming. According to the BBC though, it had the highest public approval rating of them all. So it looks like they got what they wanted 
– Moscow: Yeah right. I mean – must be a typo or something. Sorry Russia!
It’s a personal column this week, as I prepare for a week long summer school at Eton. Time for some mixed feelings!
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Helen on It’s (waiting) time.: “Fabulous news, congratulations to you both! X” Jun 8, 21:51
