Orientation and Cheesesteaks

School is now upon me. We have had two full days of orientation and today (Wednesday) was the first day of class. Orientation was actually well worth it, as we were able to interact with all the other new graduate students in different programs and share our stories, backgrounds and passions, as well as meet and hear more from professors. It was good for me to hear the encouragement of the professors and their belief in us and God's leading in our lives, as well as to hear clear statements directed towards the very challenging year ahead of us. I've never read four books in a week, but they said that would be the average load, so learn to skim! It is nice to be around a diverse group of individuals passionate about the ideas of economic development. Conversation has continually ventured back to this topic without prompting as we share stories of what has inspired us.
The second day of orientation involved trips to all the campuses as well as lunch downtown in the famous "Italian Market," also known as the 9th street market where Philly cheesesteaks are at their best (I've been told). The gentleman in the photo was quite intimidating as we walked up to the window to give our order. If you were too slow you were berated for taking up precious time, causing some disillusioned students to jump out of line, figure out what they wanted, and then timidely try it again. While we were eating he came out of the caravan to role and smoke a cigarrette.
Turning out to be quite a character and finding we were studying economic development, he proceeded to lecture us on the evils of Britian, the way they exploit cocoa beans from western Africa, and how they are destroying the world (I believe he was Irish). We clapped after his rant and asked if we could book him as a speaker for our class, to which he replied very seriously - "I'm off work at 6." Then he disappeared back inside the caravan.

Just down the street is the infamous "Geno's Philly Cheesesteaks," which recently made national news for posting a sign that says you can't order there if you don't speak English. Needless to say we opted for the "more culturally friendly" establishment.
-My new friend Stephanie enjoys her cheesesteak while I devour my vegetarian french fries.-