Darkness.

The atmosphere and ambiance around us can control so many things in the present and the future.
Each morning I wake in darkness only to step outside into the cold and walk alone to work. Each morning I think of  the ones I can no longer see and talk to and touch. And each morning I have to remind myself that this lonely hour will pass and that soon I will be doing what I set out to do - travel.


Last night I finally spoke to C. Gallagher on Skype. It was truly wonderful to finally see and hear her. 
Talking with her always enthralls me about what I have to come home to - the certainty of Sydney and study (which I actually cannot wait to begin doing). 
I then spoke with and saw A. Gallagher. I hadn't actually comprehended how it would make me feel.


My mind is constantly filled with the certainty of particular events in both the near and distant future. 
Truth and time reveals all.




London: -1° weather.


Oxford Street

Palace of Westminster and public protest concerned with increased tertiary study costs

London Bridge

Tower of London

Leicester Square

Despite being London.. This was a horrible day as it was so cold. I really need to acclimatize myself.

Travel.

It should not be denied that being footloose has always exhilarated us. It is associated in our minds with escape from history and oppression and law and irksome obligations. Absolute freedom. To imagine myself meandering around the streets Europe is so consuming; I cannot wait to begin.


Sometimes when I hear an aeroplane, I wonder who the people are leaving behind, or who they are going to see; or why they are leaving. I also wonder if that plane has come from home. And when it will return.


A weekend spent in London has just passed and may arise again in a few days time.

Work.

I was dreading yesterday as Thursday's are the worst - what with a seven fifteen start - cooking bread of all things. Then Pre-Prep until four, cooking class with six year olds until five, wash up until seven and activity until eight. 

However; just as I was about to change into my wash up clothes, there was a black out. I slowly manoeuvred my way back to my flat (which is outside the main school doors) and got changed. Without realising, I shut the door behind me forgetting the doors are locked by electronic magnetic latches.  So; I ran a marathon to get to the main entrance where I ended up in the dining hall buttering bread for almost an hour before sitting in a linen cupboard with J. Brink and D. Kidd as that was where the only landline phone was. 

The days are finally beginning to get longer. The sun didn't begin to set until five. It was one of the most spectacular sunsets I have ever seen. Or maybe it was just so because it felt amazing to see the sun again..

Orwell Park School

I've now been at Orwell for a week and a half. 

It began super busily what with getting timetables, preparing the school for the children’s return and shopping for existential needs – oh a goldfish named Jemima (we figured our exisiting fish Freddie needed a friend).  Whilst at the shops I bought a six-pack of full water bottles for £2.18 (about $AUS3.50) – amazing.

I was set on roaming the grounds last week to take some photos to share with you all but the fields are closed due to deer conservation. A few deer died that day. So I made it out this week.

Gap flat.

North Hall.

Alder.

And so it's begun.

On the fourth of January I awoke to the security of warm, familiar arms around my body only to realise today my life will change immensely.

Standing at the airport looking your loved ones in the eye and knowing it will be the last time for a year really is a knife through the chest. However, the bitter sweetness of it all is somewhat refreshing. Three friends; Charlotte Miles, Matt Duncan, Dylan Cross, and myself, boarded our plane and set sail.  The flight over was long (considering the limited activities and constant nasal burn from the air conditioning) but a transition into what will become my new life.  The eastern coast of Australia put on the most spectacular and unforgettable sunset. Nine hours later I arrived in Bangkok to stretch for a quality forty-five minutes. Another fourteen hours on and the lights of London were glowing. All in all it was a good flight – besides losing £50 (~$AUS75) in the bathroom. The three of us then left the plane at Heathrow and parted ways. On the way to the train station Jordan Hughes remarkably walked past and that was indefinitely the happiest I have ever been to see him. I managed to find a friendly Englishmen who sold me a ticket and directed me to the right platform where I sat on a train for a good hour waiting to transfer onto the Central Line. From there I walked about a kilometer, fell down one flight of stairs and hopped onto the train (or tube as I’ve come to realise they are referred to) that took me to Liverpool Street. When I arrived I caught a version of country link to Ipswich, which cost a good £40.80, where I finally met Brian – my Gap coordinator. So, we arrived at Orwell Park School where I had a tour of the school grounds and spent the next 5 hours cleaning and unpacking.

The time difference between England and home is great; my body is only just beginning not to hate me. Oh also, the sun doesn’t fully rise until around nine, and begins to set around five.


There is much more to tell, but working 12+ hour days doesn't leave much energy to write late at night.

♥