Day 3: Whoopsie daisy!

Today, day three, we got our books. Afterward, I headed to Notting Hill to check out Portobello Road with two other people. I had heard the night before from some Londoners at a pub that it was a good market to check out. We got there around an hour an a half before the official closing time, and it was amazing. I'll definitely be going back. I got 3 containers of fresh raspberries for one pound.

We took the tube there and back, which was great. I just love public transportation.

I think my highlight of the day was hearing a little girl being pushed in a stroller yelling, "Gimme, gimme, gimme. Gimme some water!" in a British accent. Bratty British children are just adorable.

Day 2: Feels like

Hello again!

So, since yesterday felt like five days, today feels like day six. I lost Internet access on my computer when I got it on my phone here at the flats, so this will be a short post.

Today was nice; I really just feel like it is "right" for me to be living in London.

We had orientation a bit more today and then registered for classes. Here are the ones I am in:

Internship
History of Britain
Economics in the UK
Christianity and Islam
Images of Britain through the Arts (required)

For the last class we are required to choose two specific units, and I chose Alternative Theatre and English Composers. I am really excited for these since we'll be going to performances an such for the classes.

Anyway, time to go out! I think we are going to check out some of the local pubs. I'll try to get the Internet back on my computer soon so I can get pictures up.

Day 1: Arrival!

So, Day One really counts as two days, technically, though it feels like even more than two.

My first flight was at 10:55 AM on Wednesday out of MSP and to O'Hare, where we landed around 12:00 PM. Next up was O'Hare to Dulles, where we landed around 5:00 PM, local time. Finally, we left around 6:40 PM for a 7 1/2 hour journey to Heathrow.

For the final leg, our plane's seat setup was 2 seats next to a window, aisle, 3 middle seats, 2 more seats next to a window. I was incredibly lucky and ended up in a window seat with an empty seat next to me. That's right, I had two tiny pillows, two pathetic blankets, and two seats to stretch out on. I consider myself to be a good traveler in that I seem to be able to sleep anywhere, but I don't know how I would have done without this good fortune.

I also ended up watching Son of Rambow on the flight over, which I've been meaning to see for a while anyway, and an episode of House.

After arriving in London, we found the Director and Assistant Director of the program and then found out we had to wait an extra hour for the bus to arrive to bring us to the flats. At this point, I didn't really mind too much though. It was actually quite nice to wait around and people watch or chat with ND students I'd never met.

We took a nice drive to the flats, which are in Clerkenwell, but I don't quite remember what we saw on the way since I was so exhausted. I dropped off my bags into the flat, and my flatmates and I drew randomly to determine rooms and roommates (there are 6 of us with 3 bedrooms), and as soon as I'd gotten to the flat, it was time to leave for the first of many 45 minute journeys by foot to the Notre Dame London Centre.

I must have been sleepwalking for much of the walk over I was so tired, but somehow we all made it for the beginning of orientation at 12:00 PM (Thursday) until 5:00 PM. I then had one last meeting with the rest of the non-Parliament interns. Talking about the details of the internship has made me even more excited to start out with BBDO Hubs Strategy.

A group of us interns then found our way back to the flats, and as soon as I walked into mine, a couple of my roommates asked if I'd like to come to the supermarket with them immediately. I turned right back around and went to get some food and some interestingly pre-packaged wine glasses for my friend's birthday. I find them to be quite odd and thought it seemed more like an American product than one you'd find in London.

We then returned to the flats, where I was able to sit down and breathe for the first time since Tuesday morning Minneapolis time. Wow.

On the agenda for the rest of the evening is unpacking (hopefully), showering, and perhaps getting a slight idea on the pub scene around the flats. We'll see if I don't end up passing out before then, though.

Tomorrow, more orientation, class registration, and -- well, I should probably look at my calendar to figure out the rest. One day at a time for now.

I just can't help but be incredibly excited to get to know the city of London and the people of London more over the next four months. I have so many more thoughts and feelings about this entire experience, but should probably get to more unpacking (and find my computer charger's adapter).

I'm looking forward to keeping up this blog and hearing back from you all!

Cheers. (Heh, had to say it, sorry.)

Edit: Picture from the flight over

From London, Part 1