finding my footing

Well, I'm a little behind.

Whether it was the lack of consistent wireless access, or just feeling overwhelmed from the move, there haven't been a lot of times in the last week where I've felt like sitting down and writing.

I guess I'll probably have more things to say about the trip here and the first week at some point, but for now I'll aim to look forward.

There's been a lot of driving around the city and vicinity -- some of it intentional, some of it because my GPS doesn't quite have the knack for deciding the best routes.

A recurring feeling this last week has been a bit of claustrophobia. It doesn't seem possible -- there aren't any mountains or valleys or anything at all, really, to limit my view of the horizon, except the city itself. I've gone out and driven every day, and until today it really felt like I could only go a few blocks without hitting disrepair (and, often times, areas that were debatably unsafe.) I'd prefer to be on foot, frankly, but haven't found a direction to walk yet where I didn't have to turn around after a short distance. My neighborhood has been billed as one of the hubs of the city, but I sometimes have been wondering if I'm missing something aside from the cluster of businesses right by my building.

Today, though, I got legitimately lost driving through the city park and it was one of the best feelings I've had since I arrived. After previously seeing some of the less exciting parts, I found the right combination of roads to take me to some really beautiful sections, and it was such a relief to be able to just keep moving forward. (Although, I suspect I may have been going in a giant circle at some point -- it would help if my internet was decent enough at this point to at least let me download a map.) I guess it's a bit cliched to like the park, but I'm happy and am looking forward to spending more time on foot exploring all of the things there before the weather turns.

On top of that, I spent some more time exploring one of the other neighborhoods I had considered before moving here -- there's definitely some charm to it and it felt nice to think that I had a possible (albeit likely more expensive) option in the future if I ever felt like moving closer to campus.

I guess it's a good thing to be feeling positive, because orientation starts tomorrow. Right now my insides are an odd mixture of confidence and cluelessness.

P.S.

Seriously? Is this what cicadas sound like? I can't imagine what else that sound would be. They are out of control with their bug love, or whatever that noise is for. It's like the fire alarm going off at my old workplace. I walked up to a tree to investigate yesterday and they got really quiet; I guess I'm not their type. As it is, I should consider myself lucky -- the units on the other side of my building are right next to them, whereas I have a buffer of restaurant rooftops that blow the tasty and slightly dizzying smells of Eurasian foods and grease into my windows all night long.

P.P.S.

Whoever thought that attaching the trash room to the laundry room and outfitting the laundry room with really heavy doors that don't prop open was a good idea was actually mistaken. Still, it's better than having to haul my trash and dirty clothes up and down several flights. I think.