Leaving England
I’m still busy writing my dissertation, but the bulk of it is over. I can’t believe I have written over 10,000 words. I didn’t think it possible. But I have somehow and it’s mostly coherent. This is the best part of challenges - getting to the other side with a sense of accomplishment. Almost there.
It’s slowly starting to sink in that I will be leaving England in just a few days’ time. I’ve been homesick during most all of my stay, but as I was walking to the convenience store to buy some much-needed chocolate, it suddenly dawned on me that it’s not all bad. I know this, of course, and I have realised it before, but as I was walking down the dark road with its old-fashioned, curvy street lights, it was suddenly clearer than ever. The noises of this neighbourhood, music blaring from bedroom windows, some loud discussions deep inside the houses, the sound of children’s play, dogs barking… All of it emphasises how very connected we are to everyone around us, especially in a neighbourhood crammed full of blocks of houses.
That said, I certainly won’t miss feeling a little scared anytime I leave the house. I won’t miss having to put on my mean face at night to avoid being spoken to by groups of bored, male teenagers. And I won’t miss the new décor in my living room, courtesy of a housemate with a very different taste in interior design. Heh.
