Continuing thoughts...

Hello All!

So I've been here almost 2 weeks, and I am starting to feel more content in my life here. I have become content with my loneliness, thus asserting my control over it...choosing to write comfortable about it. Writing seems my close friend here. I've unfortunately seen Johanne, a nanny for a Charleston, NC family leave in the last couple of days. I had a great time talking to her 2 nights ago about life, love, and England.

One thing I've noticed about the English people is their polite behavior, they are always staying they are "sorry" or over-explaining themselves (in my opinion). In contrast, it seemed they are much more reserved, while Zurich people were very stern faced and never smiled. They seemed to project a rational persona. Romans were excitable and talkative--always agitated at one thing or the next. Of course this is a generalization, these thoughts seem to be the touchstones that may mind remembers on quick reflection.

Johanne and I went to a British Pub and played some card games. That was fun, but everything we've seen so far closes by midnight, so we came home early. My eyes are adjusting to the greyness and the calm, quiet it brings. It seems very ordered here, a quality I am coming to despise but is empirically essential for humans. Cambridge encourages my deep Empty Peace to grow, and the stability of a monk's focus exists in the maid cleaned rooms, and single rooms void of plants, pets, and pictures. I've always longed for that feeling when rushed, and I must learn to accept and recreate this at home, although I think it cannot be forced.

I rather enjoy walking at night. There are less people and it is cooler. I like the rhythmic cooing of the owls as they overlook the stone chapel walls. As for the room, it is better now, the ghosts have been chased away by the shrieking children downstairs...which is fine by me! No, I am starting to have moments of contented breaths between missing my family, home, and the atmosphere of the Southwest. Troubles fade away during the walks when I am happily amused by new streets to explore...similar to happy Fedor's explorations.