notes from cambridge part i

Already this year I have done some unlikely things. On New Years Day I took the train to visit my best friend in hospital. I'd never taken the train alone before. I'd never been to Cheltenham. I'd never walked up to a cab and asked for a ride. I'd never walked 35 minutes alone through an unknown city. And just the day before I'd been on my first date with a woman.

Right now, for the first time in my life, I find myself six hours away from home. I've travelled by car, then coach, then car again to reach the home of my best friend who lives on the opposite side of the country. I'm staying with people I'd never met until the day I arrived on their doorstep. I've taken unknown buses and coaches and walks to explore this far-flung side of the country, which is something I never dared to comprehend, let alone do.

Cambridge is beautiful. In a way it reminds me of home - but then I suppose any city filled with a mishmash of historical and modern buildings will always make me feel this way. There's a different vibe here, though. It's a little more laid back, a little less busy. It makes it easier for me to roam around and daydream without feeling the pressure to move faster, see more, do more. I suppose my tour guide helps with this feeling, although he walks so quickly that I find myself waddling like a duck to keep up with him. 

So far I've only explored with Dan, but today I'm going out alone. Just me, my headphones and trusty Google Maps. (But not before I've had my sourdough toast and peanut butter.) x