I've had a bit of an adventure in getting to Falmouth. It's come to represent a sort of finish line not just for the rowers but for me as well. Not only is this the place where the final job of this project takes place, it's the location where all I have to do is wait, relax, and get my mind in order before I head off for the rest of my trip. All things relax after the rowers come in and the media pressures have been satisfied, but just being here has put my mind at ease as well. I found a backpackers hostel in town that was first available on Sunday due to the events and business of the town centre this weekend. Fortunately, a bed became available this evening and for tomorrow, well, the owner of the place has offered to let me stay in the lounge. I've been met with such kindness since I arrived. A kind gentleman helped me first find the road on which the home was located, Carmen, the house employee/permanent guest, offered me a ride into town after helping me to get situated in my room, Charlotte, the owner of the home, gave us a ride to town where Carmen then headed to work... The owner of the place where she works just happened to be outside where Charlotte waved him down for a hello. He looked straight at me after greeting her and asked if I wanted a job "washing up"... Of course! An opportunity to make a bit of money to off-set the cost of my hostel is certainly a relief! My hostel is 15 pounds per night... a huge deal considering the other costs I've seen in town. I feel as though I completely lucked out or have paid my dues for whatever wrong I committed to having deserved a stolen bag... not that anyone but the thieves themselves deserve such a fine.
I'm now sitting at The Cinnamon Girl in the town centre where the streets are lined with cobblestones and supposedly this is situated in the oldest building in all of Falmouth. Just walking down the street I got the most wonderful feeling... This is exactly the type of town Yaya would have loved. She'd be so happy knowing that I was here and within the first hour was familiar with the locals. I'm so happy to be here, really. London is wonderful, but so busy and so expensive. Ivan is so wonderful and was so kind to show me around. I really am indebted to him. He became my bank with no credit card with which to withdraw money and no i.d. with which to receive wire transfers. Thank goodness for Ivan and Paypal! I will see him again, but will first enjoy my time in Falmouth... and really don't have a choice as the rowers aren't due to arrive for anywhere from 4-14 days. Hopefully I can secure myself with a job while I'm here to make my costs minimal. I could really live here for a while. If the airport situation continues with the "absolutely no carry-on luggage" including my camera... I just might stay.
This town reminds me of Morro Bay, CA a bit... of course this is older and quite a bit bigger. There's a similar feeling of mixed tourists, locals, and students. Currently, there's a festival going on and Charlotte and I walked past dancers that would have received my "proper" praise had they smiled or danced so lazily. I admit they were dancing to a pretty lengthy Missy Elliott song, but they should have practiced a bit more to prepare themselves for public showing. Haha, listen to me getting critical over free entertainment. Seriously, the coffee that Jonathan, the owner of the Cinnamon Girl and the most sarcastic fellow I've met so far, was the strongest I've had in weeks. I admit this is definitely a tea country and love a "proper" pot of tea... but just need that "crack" sometimes. There's free internet and this will be wonderful when I require uploading time for all of the photos of the rowers. I've already been getting media requests from such places as Fresno. Keep your eye out... I'll try to list more places where you may find my work. I know that the new issue of Synthesis Magazine will have the work I did of TV On The Radio, but think it may be in the Sept/Oct issue. It'll be a nice welcome home.
Yes, I'm jazzed up on caffeine... feeling a bit high and my stomach is feeling a bit empty. I need to prepare myself for work and figure out whether or not I can wear my flipflops while doing the dishes. Hahahaha! I'm going to do dishes for money! I suppose it's no different than doing dishes for a free place to stay for the past 10 days. I've been very fortunate and am very grateful to all of the people that have looked after me and have helped me in some way since my bag was taken. Okay, I just got caught by Jonathan for "touch-typing"... one of the two rules he laid down as I sat down with my computer. ("Touch-typing": typing away as your eyes and your head drift away from the computer to stare at other things... obviously a bizarre, personal pet-peeve). He's quite funny.
I miss you my dear friends and family. I will get some photos up soon... somethings funny with the site, but I'll figure it out and show you photos of the train ride from Plymouth.
Love,
erinn!!
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