The Playful Antiquarian

The Playful Antiquarian Goes to (Rare Book) School

July 31st, 2004

Greetings, all, from Charlottesville, Virginia! This is my first dispatch from Rare Book School.

I cannot believe that I am blogging from RBS. I debated about bringing my laptop, as my coursework will not require it and the travel and housing guide suggested that in-room Internet connectivity would not bepossible for RBS attendees, but I checked the Conference Services FAQ page before departing this morning and discovered that active Ethernet ports are provided for summer conference housing occupants. So, with the last minute addition of a network cable, I am now online.

I am happy that I arrived safely and somewhat soundly. There were some minor bumps along the way (like developing a sudden case of sinusitis, nearly missing my plane out of Logan, and accidentally wandering out of the airport in Philadelphia while trying to find the connecting shuttle bus), but overall, it was a pleasant trip. My RBS alumni co-workers had commented that the Charlottesville-Albermarle Airport was cute and quaint. To me, it seemed like most of the small Southern airports I have known. As I walked to the baggage claim area, I had a strong sense of deja vu — a sense of familiarity that was both comforting and disquieting. I almost expected my family to emerge from the throng of people waiting for loved ones.

Since RBS events do not start until tomorrow evening, there is not much to report. Today, I settled in, going on a brief excursion with one of my classmates to the
Harris-Teeter at the Barracks Road Shopping Center for provisions. Tomorrow morning, we plan to visit Monticello before registration, the opening dinner, and orientation.

If I have time, I also hope to take a campus tour before RBS is officially underway. The campus (at least, the little that I have seen of it) is quite beautiful and lush, confirming my belief that the campuses of Northern schools cannot compare with those of Southern colleges and universities … but as an alumna of a Southern state university, I am a bit biased.

Entry Filed under: Rare Book School