Looking out the window, I see a field of crops and the occasional cow grazing on the horizon. This is the view I grew up with. (Well, not entirely, but it’s a taste of the scenery.) There is thankfully no shortage of natural beauty in my hometown.

The city, however, is not something I grew up familiar with. Which is why, in the past week, as I’ve found myself commuting daily to London for my recently acquired flashy-new-job, the experience has been rather peculiar for me.

Train observations of the week:

A few seats away, a businessman snores distortedly through his matching floral face mask and tie set.

When I look out my window, a man in the station we just stopped at is rubbing his back on a lamppost like a giraffe scratching his neck on a tree.

In the seat beside me, a large bear-like man in a fluffy brown coat is snoring gently.

The first day left me drained and sore. And so, my first Google search on day two was: “good posture whilst wearing backpack.” Needless to say, shoulders have been dropped and abs have been activated.

On the train, I spend most of my time ogling the shiny metal structures that previously I could only see from a distance standing on a grassy hill. The rest of the time I fill with reading and people-watching, the latter of which I am sure you can agree to be quite entertaining. Above are a few of my recorded accounts from the past few days. After a few days passed, I have come to enjoy my time on public transport. That suspended limbo feels restful, and I make a point of not checking my phone unless absolutely necessary.

All that being said, I have undoubtedly experienced the unexpected inconvenience of delays, cancellations, and re-routing. In all the kerfuffle and blitz of the new environment I have found myself in, I have learned to surrender to these things. I put in my earplugs and groove to some tunes to pass the time.

Prior to these events, I only ever found myself traveling to London for outings and entertainment. Now, it feels good to be part of that sea of people constantly speed-walking everywhere with such great purpose. Perhaps my slow approach to life in the fast-paced surroundings could actually be a great combination.

iPhone photos from week one.

Currently reading: The Double by José Saramago

On repeat: