Have spent a lot of time wandering around town, and trying to get myself established for living here. Mainly have been trying to arrange exercise classes, as I know it’s a good way for me to meet people. Total isolation doesn’t work for me!
But during all this, I’ve been making notes and collecting ideas and thoughts, listening to podcasts, making sketches.
I went for a long run yesterday, up into the mountains, covered in snow. So beautiful! On the run I turned a bend in the hills, and came across a factory, way up high in the mountains, with lots of big chimneys, pumping out acrid and probably toxic smoke. How they could be allowed to do that is beyond me …
Later that day I read about the financial jitters in the UK over the size off the debt and rising interest rates. I thought of Rachel Reeves, the shocked woman, chancellor of the exchequer until the banks insist that she goes, then insist the government taxes the poor even more to solve the problem.
I went for a walk this morning with the intention of taking photos using my phone. I was thinking of exploring textures, and I started off doing that, taking lots of photos of walls and floors. Then I found myself taking photos of other things that attracted my attention, and I made this drawing based on a photo of a shop window. Pencil, felt pens, ink marker:
I arrived here 2 days ago, and am starting to feel more settled in my Airbnb. Mainly at first I’ve needed to sort out shopping etc, where to shop, and finding my way around.
I’ve reorganised the rooms slightly. It’s a small apartment, 2 rooms, and maybe too small, but time will tell. I’ve got an outside space as well, which I can use while the weather is still good.
I’m still struggling with getting focused on work, and also I feel pretty isolated. I’ve been using social media to hook up with people I can meet and do things with, especially running and gym classes, which are part of my usual routine, and also a good way to meet people. I’m here for over a month, so I need company during that time.
I started sketching yesterday, not of anything in particular, but just to get myself doing things, to get motivated.
This was yesterday’s drawing – the view from my Airbnb
