Il Bicchiere Svuotato, La Sigaretta Spenta

Whatever your outlook, as soon as the bottle is empty, there is nothing left to debate about the fullness of the glass. Term is over and despite all this finality that surrounds me, packing has reached no arguable level or completion. There's no such thing as being 'half packed,' especially when I'm officially squatting this room, since I was sposed to have moved out at some point yesterday. Nevertheless, I've done my best to squeeze the last few drops out of MT 04 and they've been OK. Tonight's selection was of the New Zealandese variety (Oddbins was closed). Not dry enough, and for better or for worse, mild enough not too lead any extreme impression one way or the other. Unrelatedly, I'd illustrate one of the subtleties between Oxford and London that most guide books will overlook: Say you call one of those cherished numbers in your phone in London and say: Hey, Raj it's So-and-So, I'm a friend of So-and-So's, are you working tonight? - About one taxi ride and £20 later you're all set and rearing to go for a sensorily enhanced night on the town. However, the "Hey, are you working tonight" line, in Oxford is taken more literally, and usually follows a "yeah mate, my extended essay's due the first of eighth week, how about you." Awkward conversations full of botanic inuendo are likely to ensue till the person gets a clue why you are calling. I think it's a worthwhile tale of the two cities. I don't know how useful, but useful nonetheless.

Vacuum bags are DEFINITELY the way to go. All you need to find is a Vacuum, but then Voila! What had been fields of cashmere and poplin and crumples of denim and anything else you need to pack, is, in a matter of seconds rendered to something that resembles the Appalachian chain, albeit it looks REALLY uncomfortable for the shirts. And what the hell am I going to do with/to my plants at this point?! Leave them in my room? I think I'm actually going to stick them in the college garden in the main quad, pretty concealed among things that are actually GROWING, so that they might enjoy salaried watering. I've failed them so it's the least I can do. Tomorrow = Christmas shopping. Tomorrow = feeling depressed that I can't afford anything in London anymore. Tomorrow = the joy of finding out what tomorrow equals.