[Klara]

Manymoons,

So glad to see you're still here - always inspring to read your words.

Lizzy,

You're very lucky to be coming into mb now when there is so much available here on the net - there are many sites - almost all counselors have opened their own sites with wonderful info and recipes. And there are several wonderful discussion groups. But since you're here, start here - navigate around, there are articles, chats, forums, recipes - and as manymoons said, if you eat simply, grains, beans, and especially vegetables, you'll have a good start. Simply doesn't necessarily mean dull - you also have the advantage of I'm assuming being a creative person, so definitely be creative also in your cooking, once you feel somewhat secure in the basics.

And yes, there are so many more books than years ago. If money is tight, start with libraries, or used book stores. also check out if your local health food store offers free cooking demos (Erewhon's in L.A. did at the time I was there, years ago).

Best of all teachers is experience - if you are lucky enough to be close to a real human teacher, maybe you can work out an exchange - where you can assist her/him - a kind of apprenticeship - or maybe you can do that at one of the many mb camps or other events.

I'm making another assumption, that being a student you may also still be single - so take advantage, when you have semester break, go where there are mb activities, and see if you can volunteer - even doing dishes, you can get more out of it than you imagine.

As far as purchasing mb products, please know you don't need to use alot - a little goes a long way, so you can spread out your purchases slowly - I think the first thing I would advise buying is mugi miso, so you can make miso soups and have a great start to your day. (make sure to look at the shop here at cybermacro - great variety - and good prices)

Klara