(This article is from the Harrison Middleton University Blog.)
Friday, May 31, 2013 at 8:18AM | Alissa Simon (Tutor)
Thank
you to Dominique Wagner, HMU Tutor, for today's post.
I
recently attended the Great Books weekend at Asilomar near Monterey, CA. As it
was my first foray into one of these retreats, I thought I might share with you
some of the things I found most surprising.
The
Participants
I
would have expected a lot of educators, mixed in with maybe a few retirees. But
this group --some of whom have been in attendance every April for more than 50
years -- was very dynamic in their diversity. Doctors, judges, artists,
life-long housewives, business executives, one woman I was convinced I had seen
singing & dancing in an old film. There were only two common denominators
1) a love of reading and discussing great books (a given in these circles), and
2) age. My companion and I were by far the youngest in attendance and actually
something of a novelty.
Spending
the weekend surrounded by these members of the "greatest generation"
was amazing. Their collective wealth of experience, the perspectives they
brought to their interpretations of the works we studied, even their extensive
familiarity with shared inquiry -- they have so much to teach for a group that
is not comprised of educators! And they are fun too. You could have knocked me
over with a feather when a retired businessman pushing 70 burst into song as he
read aloud the part of The Fool in KING LEAR! The wrap-up party showcased
wine & the participants musical talents, including a fantastic rendition of
"Cabaret." It concluded with a late-night wine & cheese after
party that did not end until well after midnight when some other guests of the
inn complained about the noise. These people really know how to have a good
time!
The
Setting
Asilomar
is a historic and beautiful facility located on the ocean in Pacific Grove a
few miles from Monterrey. It has extensive grounds dotted with small living
quarters and conference rooms ranging from intimate to grand. All the meals are
included and served three times daily, family style in a large dining hall. It
reminded me of my old summer camp, but in a good way. The land directly
adjacent to Asilomar holds a very posh resort and golf course (a la The Ritz --
we are in Pebble Beach country after all). So imagine my surprise that the cost
for our weekend away, lodging, meals, registration, books, the works, was only
about $400 per person. I bet you can't get one night in the broom closet with a
stale cracker for that price at the resort next door! Why this retreat and
others like it aren't more popular, I don't know!
In
conclusion, I will admit that not all of the Great Books retreats are held
steps from one of the most beautiful beaches in California. Some might cost
more, some may be even less. Not all may boast of such a diverse group of
participants (although I bet there are characters a plenty in every setting!).
But for sure, several of the regional groups do offer weekends that showcase
their respective areas of the country (The Great Books Council of San
Francisco, host of Asilomar, offers links to other regional groups on their
website http://www.greatbooks-sf.com/council/otherCouncils.htm.)
I strongly encourage you to get out there and explore these wonderful
opportunities, to meet like-minded individuals who want to not only read and
discuss the Great Books but share an experience while doing so. I am already
looking forward to my next time --maybe I'll see you
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