Chapter 1: Notre Dame

I arrived at Notre Dame on Wednesday afternoon to begin training for teaching English in Santiago. So far, we have been oriented, attended one day of class, and eaten a lot of food. When I arrived at the South Bend Airport, I had no idea what my next step was going to be. I figured that most people in town would know how to get to Notre Dame and could point me in the right direction. I caught a bus to the library, stopped in to check my e-mail, and pretty soon, I was checking in to my new home for the next two weeks. Not too long after checking in, I was escorted to the Great Hall of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry . . . er . . . I mean, South Dining Hall. There I found some pretty amazing food and discovered something that, in retrospect, should not have been that shocking. Here at Notre Dame, if you would like to make yourself a waffle, it comes with something extra on it . . .

That's right, the Notre Dame logo does not just occupy sweatshirts, polos, and visors, but it can grace your breakfast as well. I mean, I knew that this school was pretty into itself before I came here, but this really blew me away. I've since been told that it is a long-standing student challenge to try to steal one of these waffle irons. I asked what people have tried, and it sounds like the only strategy developed thus far involves unplugging the thing and running for the door.

Yesterday, we were given a tour of the stadium. We got to see the view from the press box.

We also got to enter the president's box, from which one can see excellent views of campus.

We then got to see the locker room and walk out to the field the way the players do.

Yesterday finished up with mass at the grotto, which was incredible. Out door mass with the sun setting a lightning bugs everywhere is pretty darn magical. Today, class wasn't too challenging. For the next few days, we will be involved in a Catholic education conference taking place here. We heard a great speaker tonight and will hear quite a few more tomorrow.