Canoeing the canal

I just finished another class. It wasn't a particularly inspiring class. And with my (probably) last fall in Sweden, I have been trying to take advantage of every moment. So when we were told a take-home essay exam would be delivered to our inboxes at 10 am on Monday, my friend and I decided canoeing the canal at 9 am would be a good release of endorphins and fun before we settled into those uncomfortable chairs at the school library to write our 18 pages of regurgitation. We were right.

My friend had never been canoeing before so there was much laughter. It was a windy day so there were moments we were going sideways, backwards and every other way imaginable through the canal. My friend also wanted to try steering from the back but after scrapping me through a Weeping Willow, bramble bush and into the side of a bridge, I said enough. We had a great time!

It's so funny to me that my options for "escaping to nature," while living in a city means going canoeing on a canal that one-upon-a-time floated human waste and cholera. Peace and quiet involves the time you pass under bridges holding buses, cyclists and commuting walkers dimming the steady roar. Cascading waterfalls are replaced with spouting fountains. But I love this try the city makes to include "nature" into life for people. As a person who likes city dwelling and also moments in nature, I appreciate this effort.

Life is good in my little city life. Fall hasn't been too cold or rainy and I'm doing my best to soak up every moment. Even during exams.