It's almost a month since I last wrote - not that it is a drastic drop in frequency, but so much has happened. A whirlwind traveling bout and a visitor from Kerala. A much awaited break in my otherwise Leedsian life!

I think it was really needed. One, as a break. Two, as a push back into studying. Now that the first is over, it's time the second kicked in!

There is one thing though that I have realised over the months - I love big cities. The realisation dawned after the couple of trips to London. I have been in a small city for four years and I missed my original big city. But now I realise it's not just the fact that it is where home is, but the fact that it is a big city as well. I love the crowds, the bustle, the travel, the chaos and yet the ability to find your own space in it which is only yours. I love the fact that you can get lost in the crowd and yet find friends in complete strangers. I love the fact that no one will mind if you sulk or smile, if you break into a gig in a bookstore, if you read for hours at a coffee shop, if you just love being what you are. And that you get Sushi -however dry - at a train station!!

I shall now put my imagination to work and make something of Portabella mushrooms!

Oh! I forgot to mention the 'curio corner' on my table - yes, that's what I call it now. It's got:

• two photographs (from home)
• a mug (with two more photographs from my second home)
• a small statuette (is that what it is called?) - a gift from London
  
• a transparent shot-glass (from Lake District) with an acorn (from Loch Ness) atop
• a ceramic smiling toadstool (from Llandudno, Wales)
• an egg-holder (from Cambridge)

I sincerely hope that the corner shall grow and flourish in the months to come!