Beginnings

It’s finally here…Oxford. Known for being a place of exceptional academics and dreaming spires, I feel as though I have actually stumbled into a fairy tale. It is with out a doubt, the most awe-inspiring place I have ever been.

After much anticipation and trepidation, it is slowly starting to settle in that I am living in England for the next three months. The road getting here was uncertain and rough in places. I mean that literally…My 150 lbs of luggage and I were probably the most comical sight to ever pathetically stumble through the Heathrow airport. I definitely over packed.

On the bright side, my obvious need of assistance opened the door for some good old-fashioned British hospitality. Before I had even left the airport, granted it took me almost two hours, I had at least three quality conversations. This blew me away, since I had been told numerous times to expect a less than friendly experience with European strangers.

Soon after, I was on a bus headed toward Oxford. The hour it took to drive from London to Oxford was filled with unbelievable sights. It was mesmerizing to watch the endless rolling hills and meadows pass out side my window. Now I know where they got the color for the Crayola green crayon from.

 Looking at the scenery made me feel as though if I closed my eyes, I would be easily transported back to the times of Pride and Prejudice when landscapes were still untouched and dirtied by human construction. It’s no wonder so much classic literature comes from this part of the world. Even the most mundane of ideas could be transformed into a masterpiece if provided with the same background for inspiration.

The weather has been unusually cooperative for this time of year, thankfully! It has barely rained, and while definitely beyond California comfortable, the temperature has been bearable. I am living in a house on the very southern end of the city with seven other flat mates. Being thrown into an unfamiliar country has sped up our getting to know each other process and amplified our time together, so that we already feel like a family. Our house is four stories, adorable, fully furnished, and a heck of a long walk away from anything. 

That’s the other thing about Oxford, you walk at least six miles every day. Which can be less than enjoyable when the sun goes down at 4 pm, but it has forced us to know the ins and outs of the city where we are living. For me, every nook and cranny is something to be discovered and explored, so every walk is an experience. (Talk to me in a month, and we’ll see if I’m still gushing, but for now it’s enjoyable.)

It’s hard to believe it has only been a week since boarding a plane. It’s been a whirlwind, but as of now, I am officially settled in and beyond happy in the beginning stages of my great adventure. Thanks for the overwhelming support, I’ll be in touch!