What a whirlwind of a few days it has been! I left home at 11:30am on Wednesday the 12^th. I had a layover in Atlanta then flew 8 hours to Manchester, United Kingdom. That was followed by what seemed a 10 mile walk lugging too much luggage to the train station. After changing trains twice and literally just about ready to cry from exhaustion of the luggage, I finally made it to Bradford around 10am local time on Thursday and had a short, albeit stressful (luggage and not knowing my way) walk to my apartment. The apartment is all I had hoped for in a good location, cozy and I love being able to cook my own meals and have my coffee at my leisure. The apartment host lives in the same complex and is very nice and available if I have any issues.

I went to the rescue after a little rest and it felt surreal but also familiar to be back. At this point I had been up over 24 hours and while I didn’t feel tired per se, I was starting to feel ill. Wonderful Katie surprised me with lunch, which literally made all the difference and made me feel so much better. I won’t detail my every move but I have learned to clean a certain area of the rescue and had time to love on the permanent residents, which is the best part of the day.  I have also finally learned how to navigate to the rescue and back! I have walked several times as it is only 1.3 miles. Everyone has made me feel welcome. Katie and volunteers have taken me grocery shopping, to a lovely dinner out Friday night and an amazing lunch at café on Saturday . Sunday morning was quite chaotic with more cats admitted and lots of volunteers on hand to clean. The rescue is open to the public from 1-3pm on Sundays. There were many visitors and finally we had sunshine and just a nice day overall.  I admit it’s been difficult at times when I think of Manisha, especially as I spend time with the other cats and she is not there. There are many little feline characters though who appreciate the love and whom I am getting to know.  I am also learning so much about what goes on behind the scenes, which is a LOT. Some of course I expected and am familiar with, but Katie has a unique operation as a critical care rescue and there are so many moving parts to be managed that people may not think about. All of it takes loads of energy, organization, teamwork, extreme mental fortitude and unrelenting dedication.

The brother of a volunteer has been so very kind and helpful in loaning me a bicycle. He even rode with me yesterday from the rescue to my apartment and back so I would know the way on safer bike paths. This will make my commute so much easier! And I can also go further out shopping if I wish. Today I am “off” from the rescue and slept later than I would care to admit. Sara told me before I left that she was proud of me for getting out of my comfort zone. I shrugged it off because what do I like more than cats? Since being here I have been super tired in the evenings and it dawned on me that yes, I am in a completely new environment and every move I make takes energy and effort as nothing is familiar. As an extreme introvert, this is taxing even though I am thoroughly enjoying myself and look forward to doing things. I definitely want to take advantage of all opportunities! However, each day brings a little more routine and less “new” and I do love a good adventure, which this definitely is! At some point this week I am going to make my way to Huddersfield station in hopes of meeting station cat Bolt, who along with previous station cat Felix, has a large social media following. There are also two books about them. The station is very close and I can make the trip and back in a morning before work. All in all, I am very settled in my apartment and looking forward to what new experiences the week may bring! Below are some photos of new friends at the rescue.

Friday night dinner

Stunning Moped, who of course reminds me of Manisha

Adorable Flora

Little Dijon, enjoying the sun after a period of being under the weather

Beautiful Carrots

View along part of my walk