so dani finally went home this afternoon. Oh did I mention that we uh missed her flight on monday morning- sure did. That sleeping in thing, I tell you. I went to two of my classes today. They seem interesting. There are only three students in the first one and two in the second so they should be quite intimate throughout the semester. Oh and I've discovered that for about a month I will only have one class. Interesting situation here.

I'm immersed (why did I never learn how to spell) in fresher's week here, although I think I'll abstain from several of the activities. I am really glad to have settled in before everyone else got here- I think it would have been awful to show up and be moving and acclimating while everyone is getting pissed (drunk) and being loud.

Because of the nice weather we had when I first arrived and the quick transition to rain and wind I was afraid that england might not have seasons, or at least not the four distinct ones that I enjoy back home in nevada. But I'm looking out of the computer pool room window and watching the leaves on the trees gradually morph from green to orange to yellow to hints of red and so on.

and I'm deeply in love with the word autumnal.

I've got laundry and grocery shopping to do but I can't seem to pull myself away from the computer or out of the computer room. I'm watching people- students- listening to their various conversations in their various accents. wondering what they're writing or reading or looking up. engaged in thoughts about what they're thinking. wondering how much of myself is me and how much of themselves are them.

wishing my mother would write or call me. I think i've given up hopes for india- at least for now.

right now I feel like there is more than an ocean separating me from people at home, more than the language barrier from people here, more than just a body isolating me from all that is outside. but "it" doesn't have a name.

I'm anxious for some alone time, time to think about me and only me.

...

I love and miss everyone. Hope all is well wherever you are.