There and Back Again

Since I have almost finished "The Hobbit", in which the innocent hobbit Bilbo proves to be one of the most fascinating characters, I wanted to pay homage to him. As I recall, in "The Fellowship of the Ring", Bilbo has spent years writing his memoirs of this adventure, and he titled it "There and Back Again", in a typical example of dry wit.

My trip to work entails no such similar challenge, but I do venture forth twice a week to do battle with students in my classes. Well, not always battle. Sometimes they cooperate and I feel grateful that my efforts are not in vain.

I wanted to upload some videos of my typical journey to work, including as well a few videos of this location. It will remain without identification for now, but it could just as well have been named "Mirkwood Forest" for all the sense of foreboding I feel at times. Which is not to despair, for this entry is mostly tongue-in-cheek, and I enjoy working here very much.

This is the first part of my journey, on a freeway next to an open area that abuts our local dam. Yes, I am distracted as well by the trash evident on the ground, but sometimes I am more distracted by the vistas that appear breathtaking on a clear winter day.

This is the theater and staging area for performances.

An ancient philospher gazes out in a location next to the library. He seems to be chuckling to himself.

The library seems strangely deserted at night. This was filmed after I had completed my working day.

Finally, a panoramic vista of the student union. It seems an inviting place, although I am still astonished to see so little student activity at night.