le retour, 2009

Returning to Oxford (which I've now down quite a few times) has brought a variety of feelings - bewilderment about where really home is, nervousness about new places to live, excitement for new terms, and so on. This time, I was mostly feeling anxious in the lead-up; this was probably the least I've ever wanted to come back.

But the return itself was much better than expected. I had a relatively smooth journey, with only small delays and the compensation of an empty seat beside me and no screaming children nearby. Arriving back at my lodgings was much more pleasant than I thought - it doesn't feel like home (even as much as my room last year did) but it does feel like a place that I live. There was at least a sufficient degree of comfortableness and familiarity for me to be pleasantly surprised. Plus, the welcome I received from my landlords was incredibly warm...apparently they like having me as a tenant and I compare favourably to previous lodgers. The books were also well-received, by parents and children alike. Oh, plus the older child has started pre-school, and I'm hoping that will help. 

And then it was just groceries, cooking, unpacking (don't think I forgot anything absolutely crucial, just a few bits and bobs) and hopefully a good nights sleep!