Roughing it!

From what I can tell in the pitch dark, Bushkill reminds me of my hometown in Maine. One main street, narrowly winding along the river, made all the more picturesque by the Fall colors on the trees. Living in the city for so long, I'm slightly startled by the complete and total darkness in the country. Normally it wouldn't bother me, but when I'm somewhere new, it knocks me off kilter, just a bit.

The driving directions were pretty clear and almost two hours after leaving Newark airport, I found my way to the "resort" (more about that later!). I made my way down some steps, mainly through feeling my way, toward the learning center. Although I was slightly anxious by the unknowns of the coming week, I couldn't help but drink in the cold air, smell of wood fires, and crispy leaves under my feet. Ahhh.... you can take the girl out of Maine but you can't take Maine out of the girl. Did I appreciate nature, seasons, and everything else that comes with that package when I was in Maine? Actually, I think I did.

Although there were lights on inside, it took quite a few insistent knocks at the door before someone opened it up. I introduced myself and was handed a key and in response to my blank look, the lady offered me a map of the resort. Ummmm.... ok..... could I see my classroom? "sure, it's room 2". ummmmm.....ok...... "down the stairs, around the corner", stated somewhat impatiently. I checked it out and everything looks pretty good, set up well. I decided to check out my residence for the next week. Back to the car, down a tiny road to the first set of villas. Easy walk from the learning center to my villa - that's nice (although I need the exercise).

My headlights illuminated the stairs down to the main door of the villa. Lots of stairs, narrow, dark. So I just decided to make multiple trips with my stuff. First trip down with my backpack and drink, down the stairs, round the corner, and there he was... One of the biggest and most outgoing raccoons I had ever encountered (and yes, I've encountered quite a few!). He was busy having a feast in the trash outside the villa two doors down and he looked none too happy that I had come upon his dinner process. I told him no worries, he could do his thing... but I guess he didn't quite trust me because he ever so slowly climbed up the tree next to the patio, never taking his eyes off of me. Don't worry, dude, I'm hungry, but not that hungry.

Back up to the car for my suitcase, another trip for my laptop bag and books. The room looks a lot like it does on line, just dingier. I'm in a two-bedroom villa - with 2 bedrooms and 2 baths downstairs, a kitchen/dining/living area on the main floor and then a loft with two more beds. There was something a little creepy to me downstairs, so I've made my bed on the couch in the living room and will sleep here for the night. I'm sure after one night of that, I'll move downstairs to one of the beds.

I definitely need to go to the store and gets some drinks/snacks/dinners - but I felt it was probably too late tonight. Hopefully the schedule tomorrow will allow me time to go shopping in the evening. Oh, and the ultimate....there's a Friendly's about 8 miles away. I just might have to go over there for dinner!!!

So I can't really see anything tonight but I'm excited to check everything out tomorrow. I have my alarm set for 4:30 so I can get up, shower, take a walk, prep my class, etc. before class begins. Oh and no cell phone reception so you will need to email me!!