As my first month in the UK draws to a close, this seems a fitting time to take a breather and reflect on my time thus far. Appropriately, it also happens to be the week I’ve decided to finally unpack my two large suitcases: organise my clothes drawers, clear my sprawled desk of miscellaneous items, and properly settle in.
The most memorable moment of travelling so far is the frenzy of international airports. All I’ve known is Auckland Airport – even then, mostly domestic – and my departing flight only took 30 minutes to get to the gate. My first layover was in Shanghai, where the heat was all-consuming and the queues seemed endless. Nonetheless, following my intuition, big crowds, and asking questions as needed got me to my destination.
My introduction to campus went smoothly, with plenty of Welcome Week events and opportunities to make new friends. I’ve been making use of the Uni’s Sports & Fitness centre, which offers a gym membership, access to the pools and class passes throughout the week. It’s been great to get back into a routine. I started my day with 7:30 yoga and sunshine beaming into the studio. I’ve even joined the kickboxing club which is well out of my comfort zone.
The ease of Europe-wide travel is something I am getting used to. It still blows my mind that flights across Europe are cheaper than travelling by train within the UK. While my Aussie flat mate and I are amazed by <4 hour flights, the other girls from around Europe find these to still be long. I certainly plan to make the most of this – and have dipped my toes into some solo tripping already.
I spent a couple days in Palma de Mallorca – soaking up some sun while I can. Going through two winters back to back is not for the weak, but I am excited for a (potential) White Christmas, as well as coming home to a stunning NZ summer. Mallorca was beautiful. From the people, to the food, to the warmly-lit street lights, to their beaches. Luckily I was travelling at the end of peak tourist season, which meant the flights were cheaper and streets were not jam-packed.
My temporary SIM plan stopped just as I arrived at the PMI Airport which didn’t make for great timing. In a new way, I was able to explore the city without a specific route. Using my phone map as, quite literally, just a map allowed me to take different paths to get to where I wanted. I was able to use public Wi-Fi at specific points (e.g., Maccas and Department stores), but for the most part I really made the most of appreciating the streets of Mallorca.
My flat mates and I decided on a weekend trip up to Liverpool. As a music lover and an avid Beatles’ fan, the Beatles’ bus tour was a personal highlight. We passed many of the band members’ childhood homes, as well as places that inspired some of their biggest songs. Being in their hometown reminded me of my own home: how easy it is to take the small things in life as a given, but also how it becomes difficult not to when you become so accustomed to it. It also prompted me to update my friends and family. 12 hours worth of time difference is proving to be quite difficult for communication, but I am finding ways to make it work.
That’s all for now. I’ll be back with more very soon.
Feeling: grateful and slightly homesick, but incredibly stoked.