Orientated?

I've been here less than 48 hours, and so far as the university are concerned, I'm now officially orientated. The process included some wonderfully vacuous speeches from various university dignitaries ("you join UM at a pivotal moment in our history"), some helpful information from the health service ("if you show up without insurance, we keep your first-born until you pay"), and, especially for international students, advice on how to adjust to American culture (fast food is key, it seems). A particular highlight was the university's President exhorting the room full of new grads to cheer at someone dressed in a big furry ibis suit ("we take school spirit very seriously here"). I kept quiet.

Of course, I'm anything but orientated. I've found the nearest grocery store, set up a bank account, and worked out the best way to uni on the surprisingly efficient public transport network. I haven't by any means got used to the idea of living in such a car-happy city. Nor have I seen any beaches, boys on rollerblades, alligators, or art deco buildings. But there's iridescent dragonflies flitting amongst the palm trees on the campus, and little lizards jumping into the bushes as you approach on the pavement. And, perhaps, a hurricane on the way. Enough excitement for now, I think.