One out of Sixteen
So it has been a week. I've done so much, yet so little. Just a heads up that it will be a slightly erratic post, as the week itself was, well, erratic.
The start of the week was rougher than I expected. Monday to Tuesday, I was out of it. I had brought along some weird fever-flu-thingy from Europe, and it peaked at the same time as the start of classes.
For context, I had my Decathlon camping pillow and some weird bedsheets, no real understanding of which store I could get what at and, well, no people I really know. So that was a state of vulnerability I had not felt in a while.
On Tuesday evening, as I felt slightly better, I set out to find actual pillows and a blanket. Getting them set a higher standard of living. I was slowly climbing the Maslow pyramid out of basic needs.
Wednesday, I met up with my cousins here, who I had not seen for 10 years. That was the last time they came to Estonia. It was a vibe – they are about five and seven years older than me, so we got to catch up a bit, and it added a new level to my Maslow pyramid – a sense of belonging.
The next day, during classes, I started looking at volleyball opportunities and found that my school has a men's team. I sent an email, got an answer and went to a training that same evening. I had forgotten how much I love the sport, especially when people have a little level going. The tryouts to join the team will be this upcoming week.
I am not sure if I mentioned that I live in a frat house. Well, it turns out the fraternity is one of the oldest in the world – Alpha Delta Phi. It was founded in 1832 as a literary society. Notable alumni include, for example, Franklin D. Roosevelt and Theodore Roosevelt.
This is what I learned when going out for the first time this past Friday with some brothers, as they call themselves. This first experience in Montreal was positive. The city has a lively nightlife, and my housemates were friendly and willing to bring along an elongated Estonian they had just met.
On a completely different note, the best decision I made was getting myself a fresh journal. I decided to keep a travel journal, similarly to how I kept one during my pilgrimage in Portugal a few years ago. This continuous writing of what is happening makes it feel more real somehow.
It makes me conscious of what has happened and analyse that status quo. It is also what made me realise that I am 1/16th of the way done with my exchange. It is little, yet saying that I am 6,25% done feels weird. That's getting close to 10% already, but I just got here. This exchange will go by flying.
This Week's Suggestions:
🎶 "UNE MAIN LAVE L'AUTRE" by Alpha Wann:
This summer, I started listening to a few more elaborate French rap songs. This includes Alpha Wann, an artist who has a very good flow and also a remarkable choice of words, including criticism of political and social situations. If you have time and happen to master the French language, I highly recommend the whole album.
Have a splendid start to your week!
