The whirlwind continues ...

So I had rough patches and great patches for the rest of the day.  I felt really lonely and hopeless for an hour.  Then I unpacked everything (easy when you bring all your stuff with you) including the kitchen.  I made the bed and it's starting to look like a real place in here.  I still have a lot to figure out, but I can see glimpses of life a day from now, a week from now, a month from now in this place.  I'm still sad to be without Pete and Sophie, but I got to see Pete today via Skype and I just got to catch up with my friend Kristin on Skype too.  It's crazy to be able to see people who are so far away - it makes the distance easier, I think.

The best part of the day, though, happened when the sun came out.  Around that time I decided to leave my room in search of food.  So I went downstairs and talked to the "adminstration" woman, who answered some of my questions and told me I would have to ask the "doorman" how to work the stove later (Look for a post later on the joy of electronic symbols in Europe).  So I took off up the hill and walked around for a bit.  I found my bus stop to work (<5 minute walk!) and wandered around the hills for a bit.  Then I turned back in the opposite direction and realized that I had walked right past a super cute little corner market.  I walked in and everyone was talking and it's clear that this is a neighborhood place.  The selection is pretty decent and I got fixings for dinner tonight and breakfast tomorrow and a bottle of wine to enjoy over the next few days.  I also got some other necessities, though I'll need a trip to a bigger supermarket and a trip to a bigger shop to buy some other things like better sheets and towels.

I walked back to my apartment and noticed, for the first time, the incredible view.  It is unreal how beautiful it is here.  After dropping off my food (and figuring out the stove and oven on my own - sort of), I headed up to the top floor "terrace" which is a gorgeous roof deck with a beautiful view.  I really can't explain how gorgeous it is ... and unfortunately the cord that makes my camera talk to my computer is in Chicago - so photos will have to wait.  I also heard from a couple of people who live here so I may actually get to start making connections with people.  I'm hoping tomorrow is less emotional than this interminable day!