／15　料理に閉口、「伝統」と出会った英留学

　1948年秋。ケンブリッジ大学に移ったドナルド・キーンさんは、約5年に及ぶ英国での生活を始めることになった。英国屈指の伝統校で、教育環境には恵まれていたが、寄宿舎での学生生活は伝統的な習慣が根強く、また当時の英国そのものも2度の戦争で疲弊し、かつての大英帝国の面影はどこにもなかった。宿舎の部屋の窓は閉まりが悪く、ガスストーブの熱もかすかしかなかった。自伝には、こうある。

That first day I was given a small jug with about an inch of milk in it, the daily ration, for use in my tea. Meals were served in "hall," the college refectory. It was a rather gloomy building, the walls decorated with portraits of men who hundreds of years ago had in some way benefited the college. Sitting at long wooden tables, the undergraduates ate very rapidly, manipulating their knife and fork in both hands with a speed that dazzled an American.

When they had finished the meal, they unceremoniously left their seat, if necessary stepping on the table to get out.…