I’ve been in Canterbury since Wednesday afternoon, and I’m just now starting to feel less confused when I step outside my door. Truthfully, the first couple days after I arrived were tough: jet lag, combined with unpacking, a room to myself (when I’m used to a usually-present roommate), and a general lack of food made things seem bleak at first. I personally always skipped over this transitional part of my study abroad experience when I’d think about it–fast-forwarding to when I knew the town, had made close friends, and just generally felt at peace with life and my location. But real life wasn’t like that, but after four days, I already feel more comfortable and more settled.

                Getting off a rather empty campus–as nice as this campus is–and going into town really helped me feel part of a group and come to terms with my new home…and of course, it was amazing seeing the town! After catching a double-decker bus from the Uni.,I could see the town in the distance.

I saw High Street, the main cobblestone road in Canterbury. It’s beautiful–very British, compact and cute. A large tower and walls, built by the Romans, surround the city and mark the entrance to High Street.  Beyond that, it’s a little maze of shops, pubs, cafes, street venders, and even carnival rides–with the looming outline of the Cathedral always in the distance.

Today, some friends and I actually got to see the Cathedral itself. Since I’ve already seen Westminster Abbey, I assumed this would be smaller. It wasn’t. The ceilings were ridiculously high, the stained glass bursting with stories and color and light, and the walls dark and dank as ever. The outside of the Cathedral is just as breathtaking as the inside.

It’s been a good four days of getting acquainted with new people and a new place, but tomorrow classes start! I’m ready.

Location: Canterbury, UK