It's Gonna Be a Great Day: Floating

At the Autumn Ball on Sunday, someone asked me how it was, moving to London, how I was adjusting, etc. I told her that I felt like I'm not sinking, but I'm not quite swimming yet either. I'm sort of floating on the surface. I think that's the best way I can explain how I feel right now.

I love London. I feel so lucky to be here. I'm so excited about starting class on Thursday morning. But I'm still whirling from this move. Last week was crazy--a social event every night, logisticals to consider (these are constant and everywhere and i'm not sure when 'settling in' will be complete because there's just so much to think about). I've met dozens of people, all MAs, all interesting, highly intelligent people, a lot of them Americans, most of them just as bright-eyed and dazzled as I am. It has been a real relief to get to know the other students in Duchy House, and I feel like our community it already taking shape. Freshers' week was so essential for that, and I had a great time going to different venues across the city and, of course, I loved dressing up. During the day, some of the others would spend the entire daylight hours wandering London, poking their head into shops and museums, tasting and seeing and learning the city. Somehow, though, I think I just need more time.

I'm trying to take London in doses that I can manage, set little missions for myself and then give myself permission to rest, to try and comprehend this massive change in my life. I know a lot of people would urge me to get out there, don't miss this chance before classes start to get to know the place, and in a way I agree with them. But I just have to sit in this to some extent. Everything has a surreal, dream-like feeling to it, like I'm in a mild state of shock. I need to relax and understand where I am in an emotional way before I can fully take it in. That may sound crazy, but it's the best I've got. I have to float awhile, feel the water, know its depth, its current, before I can start to really swim.

I'm a good swimmer, so I know I'll get it if I'm just slightly patient with myself about it. In meatime, I'm going to keep learning, keep exploring (slowly) and keep forming these new relationships with both these new people and this new city.

That being said, here are a few pictures of my first nearly two weeks in my new home: