KPMG covers two weeks of temporary housing for us. We are on the 20th floor of an apartment building in the business district of London, Canary Wharf. It's surrounded by the Thames and our views are amazing. Simon has only thrown two items over the patio wall, and fortunately one was a piece of paper that blew back onto the patio wall.
I feel like a circus taking the kids anywhere with me. No one around here has kids with them, and if they do it's just an infant or toddler in a "pushchair." But to be honest, no one really notices us, everyone seems to be pretty preoccupied on their phones or just going about their business. I've never seen so many people in one place, especially with suits on. (Says the girl who has lived in Kuna, Idaho for the last eight years.) There is a bridge we can see from our window that crosses the river and there are always dozens of people walking across it.
Fortunately, wherever you are in London there is a park close by. We also found a supermarket where we've done our daily shopping, because that's about all I can carry back to the apartment. It's not far but I'm surprised how heavy two bags can get. Yesterday one of the bags tore and so I had to carry it so awkwardly my fist was clenched the whole way home and I had a little "what am I doing here?" moment.
Our apartment is split over three levels, and I'm used to the uppermost level being the warmest, but when you are on the 20th floor of a building the difference in temperature between levels is pretty inconsequential. There is no AC here, and although we haven't really needed it, it's hard to sleep with the windows open because the trains that come through nearby can be quite loud.
"Sometimes I just feel lonely."
I'm sure lonely was the best word he could come up with to describe being homesick. He probably longs for his bed, our house, all things familiar. My heart went out to him. I was actually telling my mom that he was the one who seemed to be coping with all the change the best, but it's possible (or rather, likely) that he just internalizes things so much.
Richard uses the word "cerebral" to describe Eli.
The kids are doing better than I expected, but they also are all showing some manifestations of the upheaval they must be feeling. All things considered I feel grateful for their adaptability and enthusiasm. And I'm certainly open to any suggestions for ways to help them feel secure and comfortable. I'm sure getting settled into a house and having our belongings arrive will do good.