beginning

It’s almost 11 a.m. -- which in America means 7 a.m. to 4 a.m.
So here the sun is out, shining through the front window. And in New York it’s about sunrise, and in Los Angeles everyone is sound asleep.
It’s a little like having a secret. Or like being awake extra early on xmas morning, pre-sun, pre-siblings, pre-parents. Waiting in the darkness. Here the day has already begun to be whatever it is going to be. There it is still nascent. And part of me is here, and of course part is there.
But of course as those wise Marx Brothers (I believe) once said, “How can you be two places at once when you’re not anywhere at all?” And that about sums it up. I think this past week has been a daze. Notice the qualification, “I think.” Not even sure about that … I am trying to pay attention to it all. Also trying to pay attention to my paying attention … but I think sometime about a week plus 24 hours ago (sitting in Kirsti & Chris’ living room, bags at the ready, nervously awaiting the drive to the airport), as Christien said, “my soul left the room.”
So the “plan” to go to Mumbles today has been ditched in preference to a day of rest. Proper for a Sunday, after all. And in any case, can one really do everything in the first week? So instead, later, we plan to get a giant order of chips and walk down to the sea and walk along the water for a bit. And perhaps a beer … which we actually have not done yet. No pubs yet, but 3 indian restaurants.
In some ways it’s the little things that I want to mention most … like the enormous paper-wrapped parcel of chips with salt and vinegar (thought I’d hate vinegar, love it). Or our new addiction to Nairn’s Course Oatcakes (vegan, wheat-free crackers). Or having to remind ourselves constantly to look RIGHT first when crossing the street. Or enormous packages of Darjeeling tea.
There was a lot of running around back and forth at the school this week. Enrolling, etc. Chaotic. And in between times wandering around town trying to find where things are. It will continue this week. Banking and various forms here and there. Hopefully I will get my library card. And a tour of the library (like a lot of University libraries it is entirely mystifying at first glance).
Looking forward to Tuesday afternoon—Nigel Jenkins, who is the poetry professor here, will be giving a walking tour around Swansea, complete with history and stories.
More, there is a lot more … but I want to get his posted with a couple of pictures, and then send out an email to let everybody know about the new blog. In the end this seems more private than facebook—because only those who I want to know about it will ….