Gates Gala

So I know, I'm really behind, but try to bear with me.  Last Thursday was the "Gates Gala."  Basically it was a formal event for Gates scholars held at this house to the southwest of Cambridge.  It was a beautiful old estate, and it was so great to see everyone dressed up.  It is easy to lose track of people here because we are all so busy, so I reconnected with a lot of Gates people I hadn't seen since orientation.
Some photos of the house:

The event was really fun as well.  There was a murder mystery, where we were divided into teams and had to try and ferret out and kill members of the opposite team in order to save our respective "queens."  I was on Mary Queen of Scots' team, and although I died quite early, we ended up winning and killing Queen Elizabeth!  YAY!  As part of the game, we all had glowsticks and I ended up using all of the discarded ones to make a skirt, which apparently was a big hit.  I don't think I've ever been called "cool" so many times in one night.  It was pretty awesome, although kind of strange when I would just suddenly feel someone attaching another link to my skirt...



Some of the other things that went on:

A ceilidh: basically Scottish square dancing.  The musicians call out steps and you and a partner do them.  It was really fun and kind of reminded me of the Klezmers at all of the Bat Mitzvahs I used to go to!

A silent disco: everyone gets head  phones, so you are all dancing to music that no one else can hear.  Really funny to watch and just fun over all.

Massages: I missed these.  And after rowing so much I could have used one :(

Cupcakes: dont really need to say anymore.

So all in all I had a great time and got to hang out with some wonderful Gates people!  I know I've said this before, but I feel really lucky to be in such a great community here!