We are starting this thing! We landed in the UK on January 8th, and its been a marathon ever since! It took a few days before we settled into our flat due to heating issues, American debit card refusal, etc. Too many hectic things that I would rather just move forward from. It is now 9 February (this is how they write the date here), and we are starting to feel more at home. B has started teaching , he rolled his eyes because I had to take pictures of his first day! Who doesn't take pictures on the first day of school? :)
The state of our new flat is pretty funny. We currently have a mattress and TV. All of our furniture has been ordered and should be here tomorrow, along with our shipment from the states sometime at the beginning of March. I can't wait to put the house in order. I have been cooking some, although I have limited resources (as my stuff is traveling on the ocean), we've been managing. Of course, when we can't cook, there is amazing Indian takeaway (their term for carry out). We found great Chinese and Italian places down the road from us. Of course, the pubs speak for themselves and if you know us, you know we approve.
Everything is so different here, but it is becoming more and more familiar as each day passes! The language and dialect of the northeast is special:) I have had to say "excuse me, what was that?" AT LEAST five times per conversation...I may be down to three!
Here are some basic happenings/things to report. I have a job teaching zumba at the university on tuesdays, and for a non-profit community center on saturdays. I'm really excited, everyone seems so nice so far! I am also giving yoga lessons to friends we've met (an amazing couple that work with B). So, I am filling my time:) I am, of course, still looking for a full-time job. Until then, I read the paper everyday (the Guardian published in London and Manchester...it's great!), and I shop, and I explore neighborhoods, practice yoga, etc. I joined the library so I could have computer access until we get internet at home(should be Feb. 17th-although I am done with expecting things to happen as scheduled, its just weird how things work around here). We've been to two dinner parties with friends from B's department...amazing cooks and becoming great friends! I met a couple girls at yoga and thru B, and I have a date with them tomorrow for wine and tapas (yay for girl time!) I have gone running in my neighborhood a few times. It seems to be a great way to explore because when I get lost, it doesn't take as long to get un-lost. I miss Ethan like no other. I stare (probably creepily) at other people's dogs...
I get packages from my Mom that make me so excited and happy! We really miss everyone at home, especially our families. We've been able to check in a couple times using Skype, but until we have internet at home, its hard to skype in the office as it disturbs other people...we may be stalking everyone as soon as we can safely talk in the comfort of our own home.
As for B and I, we are loving our new life, adventures, and each other:) Craziest honeymoon in history. We're experiencing the biggest lesson in flexibility and patience.
I've attached pictures for everyone to see!
We will blog as we can...enjoy:)
