September 18th: To Norwich we go!

So this morning we left London to move into our flats in Norwich-a weird, scary thought.  I'm nervous to meet my flatmates, start classes…I honestly have no idea what to expect.  I've finally gotten comfortable in London and now we are just picking up and leaving.  I kind of feel a bit betrayed!  

But this is what study abroad is all about: the adventure and uncertainty (things that make me feel so anxious, gah!)  We're all packed up and ready to go:

The following is taken from my travel journal, written on the ride to Norwich:

This morning we left London and it was really bittersweet.  I am not a city girl in the slightest, but London is one of my favorite places I’ve ever been.  The hustle and bustle is complimented and balanced by an afternoon tea or leisurely lunch, or a walk in one of the many green parks (there are a lot more than you’d think there would be in a city!). 

I almost wish we were staying there for the rest of the semester to take classes because there is always something to do and the beauty of the city just about takes your breath away.  Cliché, I know, but when I think back on my past two weeks, all I feel is happiness and I am so thankful I was given this opportunity to study abroad. 

While I will miss the city and its eclectic people and life, I don’t know as though I will miss our hotel.  It is always hard to live out of a suitcase, and it just made me feel a bit unsettled whenever I was there.  I am excited for a place of my own, but I am nervous to meet my flatmates and classmates-not quite sure what to expect from anyone at this school.  I think that is the general feeling of all of the Dickinson students-longing for a place to settle in and call our own, but nervous in anticipating this new change.  Especially since the change and transition to London was so easy, I have a feeling this will be more difficult. 

I am excited to (try!) and cook for myself though!  I am sure I’ll be doing lots of updates about my cooking adventures.  I am most looking forward to a new beginning though-this is so cheesy, but I feel like good things are going to happen this semester since I am in such a new place.  We shall see where the road takes me (literally…I am going to do some serious travelling once I get settled. First stop: Munich!)

So, as I write this, I am on the bus driving to Norwich and all I can see are trees and sheep.  I am not kidding.  A few minutes ago we passed a field that must have had close to 300 sheep of all sizes in it, and it made me realize that we are really going to the “countryside” now.  I think (I hope!) Norwich will be a cute little town, more of what I am used to, so that is comforting.

 

Another thing that I am really not used to at all?  DRIVING ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE OF THE ROAD!!  This is the first time I have been in a vehicle for an extended period of time since coming to England and it is FREAKING ME OUT.  I’m pretty sure I am (visibly) flinching every time a car comes at us from the opposite direction.  There are not too many people on this highway (if that’s even what this is?) and it is four lanes across.  There are wide expanses of fields on either side of the road and it is refreshing to not be bombarded with ads left and right like we are at home. 

***

And now we just passed a field with sheep AND cows!  Keeping us on our toes here… So far the homes and properties have been few and far between, but if we are being honest, I have no ideas where we are right now.  It’s almost 1:00 pm our time, and I think everyone is getting a bit restless.   Tried to nap for a bit, but the anticipation kept me awake. 

Luckily, my anxiety has not been getting in the way while we’ve been here (so far) and that makes me feel really good and happy.  Today when we arrive, we are collecting our other bags, registering with the school, and then moving into our flats.  It will be weird for me to have my own room (FOR THE FIRST TIME IN MY LIFE I might add!) so that will be interesting. 

The blue sky is out, the sun is shining, and there isn’t supposed to be a drop of rain for the next few days-SCORE!  Something tells me that this will be a week to remember-good or bad, I can’t say yet!  Stay tuned…

 SHEEP!

xx