We have arrived!

We arrived in Durham 28 Sept and have been here nearly a week. It has been an intense 6 days of unpacking, cleaning (mostly Amy), walking to and fro, going to inductions/welcome events (mostly Nijay) and all around fatigue and crankiness (mostly Simmy). But, and this one is huge, this place is beautiful. Amidst this very modern-feeling city lies the ancient vestiges of medieval Durham filled with a castle, cathedral and cobblestone roads and walkways.

Answers to common questions:
How's the weather? Though it has sprinkled some, we expected much more rain. The temperature is a bit colder than the US and requires a light coat during the day and something heavier after dusk.

Any strange experiences? Well, we could think of many, but a big one that comes to mind is when we went to a local Italian restaurant with a few other American couples. A british woman at the table next to us stopped by before leaving and commented on how cute our baby was (which is true). Then she fished around in her purse looking for "somethin' fur the baby." A one-pound coin she pulled out wouldn't due, so she gave us a two-pound coin (equivalent to $4). Wow! Go Simmy!

What has been the hardest experience? We decided to visit a nearby TESCO (similar to Walmart) and had to take a bus. We thought we knew which bus to take, but we were wrong. We ended up going someplace completely different at about 8.30pm and came to a shopping centre where no buses would run back to our apartment anymore. We imagined (in such a case) to take a taxi, but when we arrived at this centre I brought up to Amy the problem of having a baby and no car seat (which is required by law). Oh, also, we had no phone. So, we panicked and looked for the first bus stop we could find. After waiting about an hour or so (with no shopping done), we finally boarded a bus that took us back by our flat. So, total bus ride for three both ways - about 5 pounds or $10. Shopping accomplished - none. Did I mention that Simmy was crying?

Have you had a WOW moment? For me (Nijay) it was definitely reaching the Palace Green where the castle and cathedral are. It is absolutelybreathtaking. See below. Cheers!