Itchy Feet: Day Eight: Settling In

I’ve now lived in Canterbury for over a week! Hallelujah! Now that I’m somewhat settled in, I can successfully navigate my way around town and CCCU campus. This might be a certifiable miracle, considering my awful sense of direction. The past week has been amazing in terms of my overall mood and ability to adapt to my new surroundings. I have been very fortunate in that my accommodation (my apartment building) is right in the center of everything: the city centre and library are minutes away, the campus itself is about seven minutes away, and the Student Union/coffee shop is practically next door. Most of the Americans live on Parham Road, which is on the complete opposite side of Canterbury, and a thirty minute walk from campus! That’s quite a hike for us Americans, who are used to taking cars and buses everywhere.

Don't let the crazy map fool you! Canterbury is easy to navigate because you can spot the cathedral from anywhere. It's the perfect marker to find your way around.

Canterbury is similar to Naperville (my home institution’s city) because it is very quaint and everything is within walking distance. Also, I like to think Canterbury is similar to Naperville because both places are just an hour away from major cities (London and Chicago). Most of the tourist shops here are filled to capacity with London souvenirs, despite the fact that this is not actually London. The same is true back home; many shops in Naperville and the surrounding area carry touristy Chicago items.

Naperville's downtown area with lots of window-shops

Canterbury's city centre lined with shops and tourists

*Side note: Chris, one of my new friends from Northern Ireland, says that in Europe and the UK, the presence of a cathedral is what determines whether the area is called a town or a city. If there’s a cathedral, it’s a city. If there’s no cathedral, it’s a town. This label has nothing to do with population. It’s all based on the presence of a cathedral. Interesting!*

There’s lots to do here – a scenic river walk area, cute (expensive) little window-shops and cafes, and a coffee shop on every corner (one of two British favorites: Starbucks or Costa). However, most businesses close by seven on the weekdays and by four on Sunday. If you’re lucky, you’ll find a Starbucks open past seven on Saturday. I’m hard-pressed to find a cheap café where I can hangout and read, study, etc. It’s times like these that I miss the Boilerhouse at NCC (even though BoHo coffee is mediocre at best).

I’ve been on a bit of a high this past week. Everything is going just perfectly and I’m very happy with the way this new life of mine is turning out. However, I am bracing myself for the low that is sure to follow this. Before leaving home, we were told about the dramatic ups and downs that usually plague the first few weeks of a study abroad students’ experience. I am determined to avoid the lows, but in case I suddenly become really homesick, I am mentally preparing myself for it.

Today was beautiful, weather-wise. THE SUN CAME OUT. Like, it actually peeked out from behind the clouds, then, later in the afternoon, it burst through the clouds and the entire town was aglow. I hate to be so cheesy, but it was magical. It was almost humid. Certainly not Chicago humidity, but definitely the warmest day I’ve seen since my arrival in this rainy place.

Not the best quality photo, but THE SUN.

After a quick visit to campus to pick up some paperwork from Doug’s office, I sat out on the lawn and stared to read The Canterbury Tales (for the second time this year). I hate to admit it, but I really hated the Tales the first time through (Sorry, Dr. Eaton!). I know, I know, I’m an awful English Lit. major. Maybe it’s because I’m IN Canterbury, but after reading through The Miller’s Tale earlier today, I was actually enjoying myself. Ha! Funny how that works.

Enjoying some Starbucks coffee whilst re-reading an old enemy (new friend?)

While I was sitting there reading, some random foreign dude came up to me and asked me where the Centre for Sport is located. Judging from his thick accent, he was definitely not English. I couldn’t tell where he was from, but I could tell that he was trying to hit on me. I guess flirting is the same in every language, heh. Awkward.

The state-of-the-art library that I can use for the next three months... YAY!!!

Three floors of books. So. Many. Books.... mine, all mine.

Anyway, nothing too exciting happened today. Tomorrow I get to tour the Canterbury Cathedral… finally! I am definitely looking forward to that. Also, there is a “Vintage Fayre” at the Student Union with free giveaways and FOOD. You best believe I’m going to that. At 7:30, the CU has its first meeting in the chapel. I’m interested to see if this meeting is similar to Focus, our inter-denominational student-led worship service back home. And hopefully, I will get plugged into a Bible study once I find a church.

And lastly, dear reader, I leave you with these pictures of the magnificent Canterbury Cathedral!