Wednesday, September 28, 2005

Michaelmas

Well, I'm here!

I’m having a touch of the insomnia, so that means a blog entry. My flight and journey in were thankfully uneventful; unfortunately I didn’t sleep much, so the jet lag has been a bit difficult. Happily there was a group of Christian Union students helping out international students at the bus station, so I had help getting my person and my bags out of the way before one of Regent’s grad students came to retrieve me. I arrived at College around 11:30 in the morning local time. I’ve registered with the library, picked up keys, and gotten my university internet set up.

It feels odd to be so excited but so tired and to have such ordinary things to do.

I’m getting settled into the house on Stanley Road. I initially moved into a third floor room, but since the furniture was lacking (anybody know why I don’t have a bed?), I’ve moved downstairs to the first floor. I do think I like that better, and will particularly once the internet point is made active (!). The house is across the street from a mosque. I find that very surreal, but at the moment I have no observations beyond that. I’m certain I’ll keep you posted…

This is all a bit mundane, I’m afraid, but getting settled into a new place usually is. It’s interesting to realize how stressed I can get over it before I even notice. I went to bed at about 11 and was up again by 2:30; it’s pretty gross.

It was sunny and warm when I arrived, but cool and wet by five in the evening. Home sweet home. It surprises me what a happy and invigorating thing this weather feels like at the moment. There’s hardly anyone around college just yet, so I had a light dinner in a café before attending the evening prayer office at St. Giles down the street. I love it.

I may purchase a bike soon; my options are to do that, walk, or pay for bus fare twice a day. I’ll walk to the two miles from home to college for a bit and see how long I can stand it, as I don’t want to pay for bus fare or brave the streets on a bike. I’m not coordinated and balanced enough to feel good about that option at all.

Alright, gonna say Compline and go back to bed.

8 comments:

Matt said...

welcome to our beautiful city Kyle - i'm looking forward to hanging out with you. let me know when you're free. Matt

#Debi said...

Bus station?! You mean you didn't take the Hogwarts Express? :^) I'm glad you arrived safely and are getting settled in. I'm really glad you're blogging it all. Makes missing you not so hard...

Have a great time, learn a lot, tell us more about the mosque. Ta!

Sam Charles Norton said...

Get on your bike.
That is, buy a second hand one that nobody will want to nick. You can get just about everywhere in Oxford by bike, and you'll save loads of time. You'll also get fit and sharpen your reflexes through avoiding all the other freshers.
Have fun :)

JHearne said...

For me, it's hardly like you've moved. :) I hope you're liking it. I suggest a bike, as well.

Bryan said...

I'm glad you had a safe trip. Hopefully, you'll get back into a normal sleeping pattern soon!

Matthew Francis said...

Thanks for your words and thoughts. Just found your blog and its been good and challenging reading... especially your thoughts on the meaning of apostolic succession. Food for thought.

Grace & Peace!

Kyle said...

Hey, everybody, thanks for the well-wishes. I'm pleased that you all read my essays!

I will get the bike. I see now that I have no choice. sigh... Such a whiner I am.

disaster-recovery said...

Come on Kyle..you know you want a bike...everybody's doing it....