London!

Finally, I am here! Although yesterday feels like a giant blur to me. I never sleep on planes, and Wednesday night was no exception. And then your body freaks out when it doesn't understand that it's the next day, instead of one giant long day.

The flight was good. Minus sitting in the middle of two very large people. And minus me not peeing the whole time because I was afraid of making the very large people upset. And minus being thirsty because I didn't want to have to pee...but other than that...

No, not too bad. We landed in quintessential London weather: foggy, grey and rainy.

And then it rained, and it rained, and it continued to rain all day. A hard, British rain. But I kind of liked it, other than my room smelling a bit damp because of all the wet clothing. I mean, I am a bit of an Anglophile: could I really consider myself a true one if I didn't like British rain? Come on now.

Yesterday was pretty basic, I collected my keys, unpacked and drank some free beer the school was handing out for free. Oh, the joys of a London Education! Pretending like my friend Crystal was an actual student at Queen Mary (she's only visiting from her study abroad program in Spain for the next few days) was probably the highlight of my day. Oh, and being creepy around the random Jewish cemetery that is on campus last night of was also a little exciting. But scary...

Today, I had my first OFFICAL very British breakfast. The school had a free breakfast today for Study Abroad students, and it consisted of beans, a baked tomato, scrambled eggs and I would have had sausage if I ate meat. But I was very excited.

After orientation, wich was boring (except learning that if you go to Barcelona, you WILL get pick-pocketed) Crystal and I explored parts of East London by campus together. We walked in Mile Park, and then found this incredible old bridge with spikes on it! And a quiet trail by the canal, where there was all this colorful graffiti and views of quintessential East London housing, etc. which of course excited me. We then walked around a little more. The East End of London is so interesting. One moment we were walking through a street full of Hallal food and signs in Arabic, and then by the next block we're passing this incredible old church from I believe the 1700's called St. Anne's C of E Church. I really do love the diversity of East London. The only thing that makes me a little sad when I see very old, interesting buildings that look like they could be from the 1600's boarded up in advertisements. I guess London is spoiled with their old buildings, they don't feel the need to preserve all of them!

Crystal and I later on went on another adventure (Charlie is very sick) and took the London Underground for the first time. Still confused about fares, but will hopefully sort that out eventually. I have to say, it's a bit more civilized than the NY Subway with the cushioned seats and the smoothness of the ride. I went to a British version of target called Argos to pick up cheap bedding and silverware (only you have to check to see if the items are in stock first on computers before you ask for them) and then to Tescos, where I bought a loaf of bread for 70pence and other cheap items.

Oh, and did I mention that Crystal got stuck IN the underground? It's not like NY, you have to swipe your card on your way out too. Only Crystal's wouldn't let her...and told her to see an agent, but the problem was she was stuck on the other side! So a very nice British man told me to swipe mine (I was already out) and then she could get out. And it worked.

And now I am here, writing. Hopefully Charlie/Eissell will feel better tomorrow. We are planning on having a VERY touristy day in Central London. I may even go on the British Eye...but maybe only with a pint in me beforehand ; )