Linda pointed out to me about a week ago that I never explicitly said on this blog that I made it to America and back. Yes I did, but it took some trying. I took photos to illustrate:

The snow cleared up enough for the NS to run regularly about 2 days after our big snow, so surprisingly, they were not the problem.

After British Air cancelled my flight twice, I wasn’t going to chance them doing it again, so I booked the cheapest flight to the USA I could find, which was a Continental flight to Newark, NJ. Besides the leg room being minuscule (but really, on what airline is it not?), it was a good flight. Yes, the lady in front of me was watching Eat, Pray, Love. I attempted to work on my typefaces, and succeeded for about half an hour before I saw everyone watching the Star Trek movie and was tempted over to the dark side (OK, so I mixed sci-fi references, sue me).

Next up was an AMTRAK train from Newark to Philadelphia, about 1.75 hours. I had to book a business seat because the rest of the train was sold out before I cooked up this last minute scheme to get to the US. You might ask me, “Colin, where was it easier to work on typeface design, economy on the cheapest flight you could find, or business class on a train from NYC to Philly?” I would answer THEY ARE EQUALLY HORRIBLE. Business class seat, so not worth it.

One more train at for what was at about 2am for me. I miss taking the R5 SEPTA train, so this was actually enjoyable. I was glad to be back in Philadelphia.

(Yes, I am a public transport fan, why else would I take all these photos?)

But the break was real short. Within a week I was back on a flight to Amsterdam. This one took off and landed without any problems whatsoever. 

The week we got back was our review week. This is the week when all of our teachers go around and get to see our entire body of work. They see what we’ve improved on, what we’re capable of, and give us suggestions. Here’s what my corner looked like:

The thing I have to work the most on is the drawing. I just take a lot longer with analog things… Python I picked up really quickly, I think, and it was my favorite class. In the middle were the revival assignment and Peter Verheul’s contrast assignment; both of them were very helpful for teaching me how to design typefaces. The only way to learn is to do it over and over. I’m still working on both, will show them when they’re ‘finished’ by the end of the month.

We’re all getting ready for our daunting final project and each professor is trying his best to prepare us for what is going to come. We’re also working with Indra’s class and Type Radio on an assignment. Lots to look forward to!