My journey from Kansas City to where I am now (sitting at the kitchen table in my flat in Canterbury) has been filled with ups and downs for lack of a better phrase.

My trip begins with me sitting on the floor of the Kansas City airport with my two suitcases open and overflowing in front of me at 5 a.m. My checked bag weighed 25 pounds over the limit (whoops) so I had to shove anything I could into the carry-on that I was now checking as well for $100. Hopefully I was able to provide some entertainment to the long line of people next to me at the cost of my pride and dignity.

Luckily, that was the most unfortunate part of the trip. I did wander around alone at the London Heathrow airport at midnight looking for the taxi driver who, when I came back, was standing right where I had left to go on my absolutely pointless search. However, he was extremely pleasant so I didn't even mind.

The first night in my flat was slightly unsettling. It seemed like I was the only human being in my entire student village, which was not exactly pleasant in a new country. I accepted it as part of the experience, though, and fell into a much needed and undisturbed 9 hours of sleep. I woke up the next morning and headed into town trying my best to look like I knew where I was going. I got food and a new number in order to have a working phone--2 essential things. My friend, Sarah, who is studying abroad in Belgium, arrived at my flat that evening, went out for dinner (where we asked for a "check" not a "bill," which should be avoided in England unless you voluntarily want to confuse everyone).

This morning definitely set a new tone for my short experience so far. Jara arrived, and as we settle in, our flat begins to feel more and more like a home. If I feel this content on only my second day, I can't wait for the next few months as I meet people, make friendships, and live the life of a Canterbury local.