Reading to Norman

After my first month in Reading, I felt like anyone who grew up in England and later visited the U.S. (particularly Norman, Oklahoma) would feel like it was paradise. The exchange students at OU from Reading who I knew did seem to like Norman, but didn't think it was so much better than where they came from. That used to surprise me, but now I understand very well.

When I first came to Reading, I judged it by the things I liked about Norman -- the variety of good food, cost of living, modern conveniences, cleanliness, architecture of the university, exciting weather, etc. And judging by those criteria, Norman seemed far superior to Reading.

But now that I'm used to living in Reading, I can see things the other way around. If I judge Norman according to the things I liked about Reading -- the closeness of everything, trains, lack of need for a car, proximity to London, natural beauty (especially at the university), liveliness, history, style, etc., Norman doesn't even come close. And for an 18-20 year-old who's social life heavily involves drinking/pubs, Norman (or anywhere in the U.S.) might be a hard place to live.

It'll be interesting to talk to the current Reading exchange students here (i think there are 7 or 8 this year!). I met one yesterday, which was very neat. I look forward to meeting the others after the break. I think I have a pretty good idea now of what they went through when they first came here.

posted by Matt @ 4:29 AM