the white cliffs

Jan and I did a lovely walk on the weekend. We saw the white cliffs, many sheep and made some new friends. The weather was perfect and it was all very beautiful.

I’m settling in. Missing home a lot at the moment. I’m lucky to be in contact with many friends from all over. I’m halfway through the adventure now, I guess that’s just difficult to process with uni at the moment. I’m still finding joy in each day. And Jan and Joel shaved my head. I needed a change << x

bussing to Durham

thinking on the bus. it’s 6pm and raining and starting to get dark. I’m travelling up through the country to see a friend and hopefully make some new ones. I’m tired and comfortably going to sleep half the way.

I called Isaiah today and it was so special hearing his voice. I’ve been lucky to maintain contact with some of the most important people in my life since making it to England. I’m still making new friends on campus, and our study lodge is a safe haven of tea, biscuits, trips to the pub and hugs. I’ve landed myself in a very lucky spot, and I’m not taking this for granted.

I’ve been missing home, more specifically my people back home. it’s been over two months already, and we’re getting close to the halfway point of the adventure. each day brings new challenges and blessings, many of which I’d never imagine encountering back home. fair to say this has been an exercise in growth in many ways for me already. for this I’m grateful.

I’ve been sketching faces and taking photos and listening to music, reading as well. just need to get back into writing and I’ll be really happy with myself. most importantly, I’ve been spending time with wonderful friends. I feel genuinely cared for here. and I have so much to be thankful for.

nerves and excitement on being in Durham this weekend. I’m lucky to be keeping the adventure alive on my breaks from uni. and I feel really good about this visit. hope you’re well and safe << x

thoughts

I’ve now been away from home two months. whilst I’ve been enjoying every new experience and friend I’ve made, it feels as though I’ve been far away for much longer. looking back on moments just two months ago - saying goodbye to friends, final meals, final hugs - I’m somewhat confused. it feels like a completely different timeline, perhaps a lifetime ago. I’m lucky to stay in touch with friends, and occasionally hear the familiar joy of their voices on the phone. but even the most vivid memories of the past year seem to have ingrained themselves as far more distant.

I am safe and surrounded by some wonderful new friends. we share meals and laughs and play UNO in the common room until ridiculous hours. we visit the Lansdown Arms down the road, have checked out a movie at the Depot (our local cinema just a two minutes walk away), and go on regular pilgrimages to TESCO and back.

we love our uni. though having just completed our first week of official classes, I think we’re all excited for a weekend off. hoping to explore Brighton a little more, but I’m already spoiled enough as it is in Lewes. this town is simply one of the most beautiful places to live, and with a non-existent language barrier, right now I’m very tempted to pack up shop and see what a life out here could do for me.

the town is charming. I go for walks down the lanes at night, listening to music and thinking about my friends and family, most of whom are waking up as I look at the stars. I have just over two months until I head home. I’m happy here, and whilst moods change with the weather (which is pretty unpredictable here), I recognise how lucky I am to be here << x

Lewes

Lewes is the village of my dreams. every time I walk to the bus or TESCO I just can’t believe I’m not dreaming. we’re ten minutes from the university, but it feels as if I’m living in a favourite novel. my housemates are lovely - from all over the world - and I couldn’t be luckier with where I’ve been placed.

we’ve had trips to the local pub, meeting the nicest British folk. our uni is massive, and the campus is beautiful. I’m happy here. I was even lucky enough to have my parents and Maylis visit for a few days. making friends at the sharehouse is easy, and I’m already feeling more optimistic about the next three months.

I am lucky to be here. I am nervous for the coming weeks, and I do miss home and everyone lots. I’ve had a few nights where I’ve really felt homesick, but that’s ok.I keep reading and drawing and writing. I keep going and smiling << x

the Louvre

words can’t really describe how I felt in the Louvre. my expectations were exceeded and I want to live in this building. every room is full of beauty and history and I wish I spent weeks in there.

among my highlights were the French national painting (of Lady Liberty leading the people to victory), the Venus de Marlo, Napoleon’s beautiful dining rooms, and the beautiful Greek and Roman statues. however I was most taken by the statue of the winged victory, saying back to earlier than 700 BC, possibly one of the most beatific pieces I’ve laid eyes on.

I loved my time here, and hope to return many times. one day I hope to bring someone I love here and explore the wonders with them. right now I write from my room in London. I’ve met up with my parents and today move into my university accomodation. I’m extremely nervous and trying to be brave. I can’t forget how lucky I am to be here doing this.

so grateful for my time in Paris with Maylis. now we press on, for study and new friends. hoping for the best, and smiling as I go << x

Kasey

reuniting with Kasey in Paris was a priceless treat for me. we spent our day together wandering around the city with her best friend Lucy, eating sandwiches and laughing for hours in front of the Eiffel Tower, and finally visiting the Louvre at night.

Kasey has been an important friend for a while now, but life gets busy so we struggle to find the time to see each other. this made our day even more special. she has just spent months on kids camps in America, and is now enjoying the rest of her gap year.

I’m lucky to be finding new friends and seeing so many old ones along the way << x

exploring the city

it keeps going. so much to see and appreciate. Louis and Maylis have spoiled me with food and company, and I’m feeling very grateful for my precious time here.

I’ve now visited three galleries in Paris, beginning with Pompidou (the modern art museum) on Sunday. this one reminded me of a museum we have back home, though far much nicer and full of Picasso. Maylis and I spent a very happy afternoon here, before enjoying a delicious galette in front of a group of buskers. in the evening we sat on the steps of Sacré-Cœur and watched the moon rise - it was beautiful.
yesterday I visited Musée de l’Orangerie, in which Monet’s beautiful waterlilies are kept. I spent ages wandering and admiring the huge pieces, and even sat and sketched for a while. it was like walking through a peaceful dream.
today I visited Musée d’Orsay, which was undoubtedly one of the most incredible things I’ve seen so far on my journey. countless treasures, from beloved pieces by Cezanne, Monet and Van Gogh to the most wonderful renaissance sculptures, filled the huge gallery. I spent hours appreciating the magic of the art and history.
this afternoon I visited the site of the Charlie Hebdo attack of 2015, where a small memorial remains on the wall. I am passionate about writing, freedom, and the universal access of human rights and justice to all. this place moved me today, once attacked by extremists, now a peaceful reminder of the vitality of liberty and refraining from violence.
a friend from Tasmania has arrived in Paris, and tomorrow we spend the day together. I am so very lucky. getting nervous to move into my university on the weekend, but excited and grateful all the same << x