Continuing my trip from the previous posting, I woke up on the morning of June 13, 2010 in Nashville, Tennessee. I headed south out of music city, and, egged-on by the famous "See Rock City" signs every half mile or so, I decided that it would be a good day to make a couple of detours.
First, I stopped at the University of the South, affectionately known as Sewanee. Technically, I believe Sewanee is the name of the town, but having driven around, I can testify that it's hard to tell where the town stops and the college starts. Not that it matters...they're both very beautiful and more closely resemble an old fashion summer camp in the mountains than an institution of higher learning. (If you ever wondered where they got ideas for Hogwarts...I may have found the answer.)
You might be curious why a person would want to visit a university where they don't know anyone. The reason I wanted to make this stop is because the University of the South was famous among my friends and I in high school. We were curious about the rumor that the honors students still wear academic robes to class. Since it was summer break, I did not get to witness the robed masses for myself, and their website keeps its secrets. The truth behind this rumor is still a mystery, but I got some great pictures, please enjoy. http://www.sewanee.edu/
Next, I hit the road again very briefly before taking another detour to Lookout Mountain. This historic landmark is the home of world famous Americana tourist stop: Rock City. This lovely little mountain side amusement park was opened to public in 1932. It advertised by painting the simple slogan "see rock city" on barns across the state. That image, and the place itself, have become legend. If you've never been there, I suggestion you "See Rock City" at least once in your life. http://www.seerockcity.com/
Finally, I got back on the road, promising to keep moving this time. I rolled into Atlanta not too long after that and was quickly reminded why I hate driving in any city that requires six to seven lanes of interstate traffic at a time. I did get cut off by a real life, bonafide Lotus. I had a momentary flashback to the movie "Pretty Woman," but once I confirmed that neither Richard Gere nor Julia Roberts (Circa 1990) were driving, I was forced to honk and move on with my life in bitter disappointment.
I arrived in Athens, Georgia just as my nerves where wearing thin. I found the house where I will be staying and settled in for the next three weeks of training....ah the life of a student. Wish me luck!
First, I stopped at the University of the South, affectionately known as Sewanee. Technically, I believe Sewanee is the name of the town, but having driven around, I can testify that it's hard to tell where the town stops and the college starts. Not that it matters...they're both very beautiful and more closely resemble an old fashion summer camp in the mountains than an institution of higher learning. (If you ever wondered where they got ideas for Hogwarts...I may have found the answer.)
You might be curious why a person would want to visit a university where they don't know anyone. The reason I wanted to make this stop is because the University of the South was famous among my friends and I in high school. We were curious about the rumor that the honors students still wear academic robes to class. Since it was summer break, I did not get to witness the robed masses for myself, and their website keeps its secrets. The truth behind this rumor is still a mystery, but I got some great pictures, please enjoy. http://www.sewanee.edu/
"University of the South" Sewanee, Tennessee
Photo by Jenn Ballard
Photo by Jenn Ballard
Next, I hit the road again very briefly before taking another detour to Lookout Mountain. This historic landmark is the home of world famous Americana tourist stop: Rock City. This lovely little mountain side amusement park was opened to public in 1932. It advertised by painting the simple slogan "see rock city" on barns across the state. That image, and the place itself, have become legend. If you've never been there, I suggestion you "See Rock City" at least once in your life. http://www.seerockcity.com/
"See Rock City" Chattanooga, Tennessee
Photo by Jenn Ballard
Photo by Jenn Ballard
Finally, I got back on the road, promising to keep moving this time. I rolled into Atlanta not too long after that and was quickly reminded why I hate driving in any city that requires six to seven lanes of interstate traffic at a time. I did get cut off by a real life, bonafide Lotus. I had a momentary flashback to the movie "Pretty Woman," but once I confirmed that neither Richard Gere nor Julia Roberts (Circa 1990) were driving, I was forced to honk and move on with my life in bitter disappointment.
I arrived in Athens, Georgia just as my nerves where wearing thin. I found the house where I will be staying and settled in for the next three weeks of training....ah the life of a student. Wish me luck!
According to wikipedia, the robe thing is true...
ReplyDelete"The school is rich in distinctive traditions, many of which are tied to Southern culture. For example, male students have always worn coats and ties to classes—this tradition has generally been continued, though the coat and tie are often combined with casual pants and, sometimes, shorts. Faculty and student members of the primary honor society and main branch of student government, the Order of Gownsmen, wear academic gowns to teach or attend class—perhaps the last vestige of this historically English practice in North America."
And I'm pretty sure I remember reading about it in a mail out they sent me in high school.
Thanks for the info Dust...nice to know someone's reading the blog. I suspected it was true. I saw a link on their website about the order of the gownsmen, but you had to have a log in to read any more. Hope you're well.
ReplyDelete