Q: Why did you decide to get your MA in England? Couldn’t you find a good Museum Studies program closer to home?

A: One word: Ryanair.

Several words: As much as I wanted to remain in Staten Island forever and ever and ever, I thought it might be a good idea to get out a bit. What the rest of the world lacks in orange tans and cousins named Vinny it more than makes up for in things like history and culture. Long-term visas for Americans being what they are these days, education is the best bet for spending quality time on European turf. Plus I really like England, the University of Leicester has a really well-respected Museum Studies program, and it will mean I only have to pay tuition for a year.

Q: When do you leave? What dates will you be where? When will you be back?

A: I’m mostly based in Leicester UK, which is kind of like the New Jersey of England. Except further away from London, aka the New York of England. So I guess it’s more like a really hick town in western Pennsylvania. I’ll be in Belgium from 29 February to 2 March, Prague from 16 March to 23 March, Dublin and assorted other places in Ireland from 29 March to 5 April, and hopefully assorted other places in Europe between times. I have a LARGE break between  16 March and 20 April, so if you’re longing for a travel please be in touch! 

I hope to be working in London over the summer. Fingers and toes and arms and legs and eyes crossed.

Q: Can I come visit you?

A: Do I know you? If so, then you definitely can! And you should! Depending on my housing assignment (provided I get one) I may even have an armchair in my room that you can crash on. How much posher than the floor is that? (Note as of February 2008: I have the armchair. It is just an uncomfortable chair that happens to have some arms. You’ll prefer the floor.)

Q: Are you an amputee?

A: No, as of this writing I actually have both of my arms. The banner is just an example of my really really lackluster Photoshop skills.

Q: So what are you going to do when you get to London?/ Will that sweater be warm enough for when you’re in London?/ Will you remember to call when you’re in London?

A: I’m not going to London, Mom.