Beginning the Boston Adventure

Well, I'm here. Both of my flights were on time and went off without a hitch, and I touched down in Boston at noon on Friday. Katie was there to meet me, and none of my luggage was lost, so the first part of the move went amazingly well. We got to campus easily enough with the help of her friend's GPS and parked in the lot right next to my building. After that we walked back and forth and down the street a couple times getting my ID card and room key, but it didn't really take that long. Then we got to haul my suitcases up to the third floor. At this point I was very glad flying had restricted how much I could bring. I saw other families struggling to carry TVs and things up to the 5th floor, and they were sweating much worse than I was. That's right, sweating. It was a sticky day in Boston, though not actually hot unless you were moving around.

The next step was to find the Bed Bath and Beyond so I could buy a pillow and bedspread and other necessities (I ended up spending all of my rummage sale profits, but that was the idea, after all). At first we tried to drive, but the GPS was just sending us in circles. In the process, we discovered that there was a shopping center only two blocks from the residential campus, so we parked again and just walked. The BB&B was right there, and I found everything I needed, including a lovely green comforter that looks great with the yellow sheets I brought from home. I also bought a hot pot, which is exciting. The store was absolutely packed, what with several colleges in the area having move-in weekend and all. After putting my room together a bit, we went to a nearby grocery store (also a walk of only a couple blocks--I'm gonna be so fit walking everywhere) and purchased some necessities. I do have a meal plan, but it doesn't seem to cover breakfast. When we got back we discovered my card didn't actually work to get into the building, but one of my RAs was right there to help, and Res Life soon got it working again.

After I got everything put away, Katie decided it was time for her to go home. I walked her back to the parking garage, and then she dropped me off back at my building. I spent the rest of my night calling home and trying not to feel lonely. I haven't really talked with anyone in my building yet, and it's far from feeling like home. I'll have to work on that.

Today, as soon as it opens, I'll go explore the mail room and pick up my package (I think it's the webcam I ordered) before checking out the residence campus dining hall. There are about five different places to eat at my school, but this one is all-you-can-eat and is located right next to my dorm. I intend to make good use of it.

I miss home, and I miss having my friends around. At moments it's hard to remember why I thought it was a good idea to come out here and leave behind everything I know and love. But this city is amazing, and I know this is a good program. I think life might make more sense again once I begin attending class and start connecting with people. For now I am devoting myself to figuring out how things work here. Starting with the transit system so I can find my way to church tomorrow. Mostly, this will involve web searching, since I won't be able to pick up my bus/train pass until next week. Wish me luck!

-Kim