My current map was enough to take me to the next town to the west. I arrived with the sun high in the sky, and I purchased another map, and a pillow. I was planning to save my money, and lay low by avoiding paid accommodation.

I walked for three days and three nights, sleeping in fields, and living off the bountiful edible fruits, roots, and leaves, of the land. The first two days had me feeling flighty and rushed, with shadows taking on Mr Bishop’s form, and animal noises sending my head in a spin with my heart’s deafening beat making it difficult for me to pinpoint the sounds. By the third day I was able to enjoy the walk as a time of reflection, soaking up the beauty of the country.

I was no longer jumping at small sounds, so I was able to turn my mind towards thoughts of university, and how to step into a new life. I had put my old life behind me, and the magician in me was no more. I would make no mention of it. I would not concoct a story about my past. Rather, I would simply live in the present. My hands shook at the thought of this, and my heart beat felt light. Anticipation flooded my body as I walked into the unknown.

Shortly after sunset, I found myself approaching the outskirts of the large town of Dunkel. Small farming cottages made way for taller and denser housing, with small pockets of shops. I head straight for the town square in the centre, where a night market was thriving.

Dunkel was alive and busy this evening, with people flowing in and out of restaurants, music drifting from bars, the smell of coffee wafting out from bookstores, and an array of people walking the streets from young to old, conservative to flamboyant, intellectual to artistic. I thought I could feel at home here, but an emptiness inside reminded me that I did not know what home felt like. Although I had had plenty of time to think during my travels, I had not thought what I would do when I arrived. So without any other plans, I bought a spinach pie from a night market stall, and followed my map to the university in the north side of town.

The tall brick buildings of Dunkel University both excited and intimidated me. A few people were wandering between buildings. I located the administration centre so I knew where to go in the morning. I had been roughing it for a few days, and the thought of a comfortable bed in an inn sounded nice, but I wanted to save my coins. It was warm enough to keep exploring, and have a nap on a park bench later.