[For the first time, fg’s letter is typewritten]
14 Sept. 1967; 10:56 a.m.
Momsette:
After I had packed my things yesterday I took my breakfast immediately and went around the city once more. I took fancy of a royal, Holland-made typewriter and bought it for $57.23, tax included. It is almost new. As a matter of fact, one may not take it for second-hand if he is not very discerning enough. It is portable but more solid than the ones that you see in Manila. I want to send it to you but I am afraid it may get lost in the mail. So I just think of handing it on to you when you finally join me.
I reached the Graduate Center yesterday at 11:50 a.m. After unpacking and arranging my things, I took my lunch. That was 1:00 p.m. Later I made an appointment with the dean of the Graduate School. Now I am enrolled, a student of Bryn Mawr and certainly ready for the academic plunge.
The Center is smoothly run. The first floor is occupied by men. I guess there are about 10 men all in all. One who is my neighbor is going to major in languages; his room is almost filled with books in German. He reads Nietzsche in the original. Another is going to major in Physics and he has his room filled with electrical gadgets: TV, a number of phonograph players, a number of radios–transistorized and others, a rheostat, and what have you. This guy has an M.S. in Physics already, while the former has already studied in Germany for two years. I was told that somebody is going to work in Geology, another in English, and still another in Philosophy.
The second floor, as well as the third and fourth, are occupied by women. I understand that these women come from various countries and states. For instance, one is from Italy, another from Hawaii, and many from very far states. It seems every one, men and women, is anxious about the start of class on Monday. I am anxious too. You will anyway hear from me about how I may fare in my classes.
Speaking of classes, I am enrolled in three subjects, carrying 1-1/2 units of graduate work and a statistics course which is not for credit. You see one unit work here means a year’s course with laboratory. Everything seems understated. It makes me suspicious that all this means hard work. Imagine telling anyone in the U.P. that I am only carrying 1-1/2 units of graduate work. He might think I am having fun or something.
How about you? You may write me now. In case you don’t find my address there, here it is: Graduate Center, Bryn Mawr College, Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania 19010, U.S.A. How are my kids? Nobody sick? Does Boboy or Fevi ask for me? What about Inay? O just tell her that I am a little fine.
Study harder and finish your papers right away. I will start communicating with Perry about your joining me early next year. Just write me soon. Give to every one my address. It is a little nice hearing from anybody back home.
Love,
fgdavid