keeping up habits while abroad

After being here for nearly three weeks, I had finally decided to get my act together and go for a run. A small amount of stress over class scheduling, the beautiful weather, and slight homesickness had triggered this urge.

I've been running for several years now. It's something I did almost daily at home in Morgantown. Since it was such a constant piece of my life from home, I've found it to be very comforting while overseas for these past 4 months. I'd like to think of it as my "piece of American life". While others may have peanut butter and ice cubes, I'm happy to have my running shoes to make me feel at home.

Getting familiar with my natural surroundings is something that I'm a fan of whenever I'm in a new place. This topic is touched on in one of the chapters in "The Art of Travel". I felt that I could relate a little to what was being said, especially when it came to discussing the effects of surroundings on our souls. I do appreciate living near the park that surrounds the Chateau. Getting away from city life is sometimes crucial for me to keep my sanity. While in London this summer, I escaped to the nearest natural space, Hampstead Heath, daily for runs or picnics with friends. Moments that I savored the most were when I was able to find an open space on the Heath where I could not see another human. This was rare, but it felt significant and I was able to feel mentally at peace for a few moments.

But now I've traded the view from Parliament Hill and running on the left side of the path for the Rhine and the Nazi bunkers hidden in the forest. It's been a nice change of scene. Sometimes I've felt a bit too isolated. I spook myself easily, especially when I'm trying to figure out a new place and I haven't seen a person for 30+ minutes. The idea running across wild boars still makes me nervous as well!

I'm happy getting to know my home space before seeing more of Europe. I know I just need to keep up the habit (and perhaps buy some new shoes soon)!

-Maria