FINALLY!

I'm in London. I've been here for almost 2 weeks already. Time has been flying by (even without regular internet access!), and I've been starting to warm up to the city more and more.

At first it was hard. All of my other experiences were in France, there was that extra bit of intrigue that came with trying to learn the language, trying to understand the culture, etc. Here I find that I see as many foreigners as actual British people. Sometimes I feel like I'm the only person in the world who speaks English, especially in my neighborhood and even more so in my own house!

I live a 20 minute tube ride from the center of London (which may mean different things to different people I've discovered) in a rather large house with Morgan, 2 Spanish girls, and an Italian guy. Quite the European household, and everyone speaks English at different levels and they certainly aren't used to hearing an American accent. So communication can be tricky sometimes, but I think we'll get there. It is sometimes a little annoying to have to go into the city for the ENTIRE DAY if we're going to go, but transportation is quite expensive (especially when you have no income!). The neighborhood is certainly not the greatest, and really not the most exciting, but it is comfortable and we have everything we need within walking distance. Sometimes I think it would be nice to live closer to the center, but it would be a much more expensive lifestyle...so for the moment it is a trade off.

It took a bit to get settled in, and a week and a half to get internet...but sure enough things are coming together. There isn't the instant gratification of the US that I am accustomed to, so patience here is key. Everything is a waiting game. Let's just say that I hope to have a bank account by February 8th...and even that might be wishful thinking.

All of that being said, school started as planned and I'm already two weeks into my course! I'm still trying to get my exact schedule for the year sorted out, but mostly because I have too many choices of courses that sound exciting to me! University here isn't like in the US either, so I constantly have the feeling that I'm forgetting to do something. My tiny black 'diary'/calendar will certainly come in handy!

As for the city itself, like I said, I'm warming up to it. At first it was difficult because it ISN'T Paris, and nothing else will ever be Paris. But after a few days spent walking and walking (and walking and walking and walking) with Morgan, I've discovered a lot of charming neighborhoods and streets and found some great places to sit and read (when/if the weather ever shapes up!). PLUS the museums are FREE which is the greatest thing ever really. So far Morgan and I have visited the British Museum (which happens to be right next to my school!) and the Natural History Museum, both of which were impressive for £0 and would've been equally impressive for $10-$20! The Tate Modern and the Science Museum have been calling my name as well...soon enough! It's really nice to have Morgan here (usually!) because I always have someone to hang out with, play games, watch a movie, have meals with etc. Plus he is pretty much obsessed with doing the dishes, which certainly isn't a problem for me!

Speaking of which...it's dinnertime!