We are in the area that was the epicentre of the 5.9 earthquake two weeks ago and there was another earthquake this morning, however only 3.4. We took the free tram to downtown Charlottesville. It is very elegant little town with a focus on the University of Virginia. This is the University established by Thomas Jefferson who was not only a statesman and the author of the Declaration of Independence but
also an academic and architect. He designed his house and the universtiy campus. The university is renowned for it's Medical programme and the Business School. Paul went to take some photos but there wasn't a lot of action. It was hard to decide what tour to do as there are so many but in the end took a tour of the university by one of the student,s Kelly. It was so interesting and apart from the academic programme there is a huge focus on sport. Most of the student dress up for home football games and the Universtiy provides transport to all the away games. All students have to in the first year take maths or a sceince as Jefferson believeded that this would provide a more rounded education. There are so many clubs and activites that students are involved in and those that not only achieve good grades but participate in local community activites and have proven themselves with community involvement are provided with free accommodation in their 4th year. These rooms are facing the lawn and although small are well set up with TVs, beds, study desks but no bathroom. They have to walk to the back of the building for showers etc summer and winter.
We drove to Lynchburg another famous Civil War town and then on to Roanoke. We drove through a heavy storm which relieved the humidity. We have a busy day in Roanoke tomorrow.
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