Settling In

On the eve of October I am reflecting upon probably the most dramatic September passed thus far. Fifteen days into the journey and I am beginning to dial in to life here in Lincoln. Classes began on Monday. My schedule could not be more perfect for someone aspiring to explore the country. With Thursday and Friday off from the uni I should have plenty of time for quick sojourns in nearby locations. At the university I have three American Studies modules and a Gothic literature course. In addition to that workload I will be volunteering at the campus radio station several times a week throughout the fall semester. Hopefully if all goes to plan I should be heading up my own one-hour slot sometime around the Christmas season. The radio station wants it to take on the form of a travel journal – sort of the musings and perspectives of a student abroad. I am very fortunate and excited at the opportunity and look forward to the possibilities and potentials that will unfold. Before departing the States I set several personal goals for myself and am beginning to bring those into fruition. I am trying to read Franz Kafka’s entire canon - I just finished The Trial. I have recently become very interested in lucid dreaming and began my first dream journal last week. It has been an amazing help. I did not expect to have results so quickly, but the simple act of willing yourself to record immediately after waking makes all the difference. I would recommend it to anyone interested in knowing his or her dreams more intimately. I usually begin my day with a run up the hill and around the cathedral. I am not a particularly pious man but I have attended one service at the cathedral and was deeply moved by the beauty and strength of the organ and choir in such an archaic setting. I have yet to visit the castle but plan to very soon. Last weekend I was feeling very restless so I purchased a bike and rode into the countryside and to a nearby town called Hykeham. It took me several days of riding before I adjusted to riding on the left hand side of the road, but now my brain seems to have accepted it. Along with this short briefing I am posting several photographs of the cathedral district to give everyone a better idea of the surrounding environment. I hope you enjoy!