Based on travel to several new places where I don't know anyone, I've discovered this approximate formula for transition to a new location (some details may be embellished):
Day One: The Blur
After getting up early to catch a flight, Noel is usually tired from the travel. The surreal nature of being in a new place adds to this haze. He remembers the day, but is not able to make much of it.
Day Two: The Write-Off
The fact that he's in a new place where he has no clue who any one is or where anything is hits Noel. It's a mix of emotions and confusion as he tries to make sense of what's happening. Students at a school recognize some new guy but don't want to talk to him... he'll be gone tomorrow anyways (or so they think). (Note to Noel: don't make any life decisions on this day, your emotions are far too fragile).
Day Three: The Hope
Connections begin to be formed. A glimmer of hope of one day getting bearings and having some clue where things are. Students don't intentionally ignore Noel at the school.
Day Four and Beyond: The Learning
While things are still foreign they begin to become more familiar. Noel starts to get a sense of where things are and how to survive on his own. He begins to think he may be able to make it after all.
The Last Day: The Parting
Noel realizes he's become attached to whichever country he's in and may not want to leave. He realizes he must, however, to continue the circle of movement and transition that was put into motion many months ago.
And this is his life.
And don't worry, he kinda likes it... though he is looking forward to staying put in some place for more than a month some time soon. Maybe even buying a house and a bassett hound and stopping this crazy dialogue in the third person. Just maybe!
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