When I arrived back in England last month, one of the first things I did was go for a coffee. Not without a certain amount of trepidation - when I left the UK 10 years ago there was almost nowhere in Birmingham where you could get a decent coffee. Cappucinos were just about accepted, but lattes were scorned. And espressso? Don’t even bother.
How coffee has changed since then.
Shops have sprung up on every high street, and though the quality is variable - many still prefer their coffee diluted to the point of tastelessness - I’m amazed by the sheer number of them. It’s not quite like strolling into a bar in Ferrara and ordering an espresso, which is served with a dinky glass of bottled water, but still, it’s a revelation. And if you know the right place you can get exactly the kind of coffee you like.
My blog posting is a bit messed up right now - I’ve been back to Amsterdam, packed a few things and stuffed them into the car and come home again. And I had a “free” haircut - but more of that later in the week when the photos come back from the lab.
I am back in Manchester and to what I am to call home for the next few months. And honestly, I’m not entirely sure how I feel about my new life.
It was bound to happen sometime - the rules of reverse culture shock include a period of coming back to earth with a bump. I know the theory, but right now that doesn’t make it any easier. And it doesn’t help that many of the people I know are going away and I suddenly realise that I don’t know a soul in this city. That’s if you don’t count the electricians who worked on my oven, and we didn’t exactly plan to keep in touch.
So I have come home to a place I don’t know, to a downturning job market, and I’ve no idea where I’ll find work.
I’m happy enough in this flat, for all its faults, when the rain stops there are some amazing sunsets. And when the househunting is over there will be time for weekend trips to the hills, and visits to see friends whose lives I have a lot of catching up on to do.
But there’s no time for that now. Now it’s time to keep going regardless. Keep my head down and keep walking the path and it will come good in the end. I know that. I have plenty to do, projects to work on and my novel to submit. Since I’ve been here only one agent has said no to my novel and they weren’t taking anyone on. And one evening when I’m watching the sky something will appear on the horizon. Keep your fingers crossed for me. And in the meantime, enjoy the Velvia sunset.
