Bus: DC to Boston

The beginning of my third week in the US. Here I am, this lonely traveler, backpacking through strange and unknown territory. A backpacker with a trolley-bag instead of a backpack. I rely on moments of comfort from the company of friends, but these are few and far between. Hard to come by, these oases of affection in this desert of unfamiliarity and loneliness.

The last few days were well spent in the company of close friends. Family, almost. I realized how much difference this can make once it was time for me to leave this morning. With a heavy heart and heavy footsteps, I reconciled myself to being on my own again.

I’m on a bus to Boston. DC to Boston is an eleven hour bus ride, and as I watched the cities flash past my windows, slowly I regained some peace. Thank god for bus rides! The physical act of putting distance between myself and a place with strong memories (whether good or bad) always helps me distance myself emotionally and mentally. In this respect, Chicago will be a difficult experience this time round. The city feels like a self-destructive and occasionally bad tempered old friend. I have learnt to watch my step in Chicago.

But for now: always looking forward, looking forward.

This next week brings with it three interviews in three different states. I start at Framingham, MA and move to NYC and then to Derby, CT. Significant travel time involved, lots of bus trips. Interspersed are a few hours with friends at Boston and at NYC.

I also simply MUST get around to planning the last week of November. I know I’m going to be in Chicago, but I have to get to Cleveland, Detroit and Flint within a span of ten days. (How?)

Yes, I feel adventurous. I am a sojourner.  When I think of how l will get to tell the story in February when I’m done, it makes me feel incredulous. How much of it will I actually remember?

I am trying very hard not to lose sight of what my REAL aims are (apart from the residency thing). I have to prove to myself:

Yes, I can take care of myself when I’m alone and amongst strangers for long periods of time. Yes, I am responsible enough and self-disciplined enough to prioritize. To accomplish my goals with excellence.

This is my ultimate challenge for the next 4 months. This is the talisman that I cannot overlook, the force that keeps me steady.