well, here i am in my room at the university of kent in canterbury, england! it's almost 10 o'clock pm here and i am so happy to finally be settled in my own room. i'm completely unpacked, and i am so impressed by the amount of free space i have left. they even forgot to put a chest of drawers in my room but i managed to fit my clothes into the other spaces they provided (though instead of books i have clothes in my desk drawers). tomorrow i plan on exploring the town of canterbury with my newfound friend, lindsey, a fellow education abroad student from uc santa cruz, who was also my roommate during our london orientation.

it is cold, but quite pleasant as long as you bundle up in layers. the worst part is going from the cold outside to the warm indoors. you have to get your coat off as soon as possible or you risk overheating. tomorrow and the next day are kent orientation, and then i have a weekend free to adventure. no plans yet, but for sure something exciting. classes start monday, and i hope they're good!

i'm missing my loved ones back in the states, but as the days go by, it is becoming easier for me to cope with it. i'm sending warm wishes to you all.