Mind the Gap

After 2 flight cancellations, and being stuck in Heathrow for 2 hours, I'm finally in London!! It's been a busy two days and with the 5 hour time change, I never know what time it is or what day it is.  So I will try my best to recap....

Although I had 2 flight cancellations, over half of the group I was going with missed their flight from Chicago to London and had to sleep in the airport.  Luckily I was able to get on both of my flights even though they were slightly delayed.  Gotta love that random Indiana snow storm!! Therefore I was only on a plane with one other person from Ball State, and once we got to Heathrow it took a few hours to connect with our professor and the other 6 students who got in early.  But I figure hopefully the majority of my traveling issues are behind me for the rest of my time here.  (Probably not, but trying to stay positive!)

My first night here I just got settled into my flat, that I share with 7 other girls.  While it's not huge, it's better than a hostel that I would share with hundreds of people.  The only major downside is my shower is about 5 inches too short.  Hooray for being a jolly green giant. Oh well. And of course my first night here there was a group of us that went to the pub.  I ordered a Strongbow, which I've been craving for quite a while since it is only offered at The Claddagh in Indy and some chips. I also was somewhat adventurous and tried a friends chips with mushy peas.  Yes that's right, french fries with smashed peas on top.  But it was actually really good, who would have thought.  I finally crashed at like 10 pm, since I had only gotten a few hours of sleep on the plane. 

The rest of the time, all 31 of us have been going through orientation at the school I'll be attending, City of Westminster College and getting acclimated with London.  The school was actually just rebuilt and opened at the beginning of the year, and our room is located on the 6th floor where we have a beautiful view of the city.  I also bought my oyster card, which lets me ride the tube (London's version of the subway but much cleaner) and the bus as much as I want.  Of course on the tube you must always remember to mind the gap.    Last night I had dinner and walked around Piccadilly Circus (London's version of times square kind of).  Even though London is a big city, it is surprisingly easy to navigate.

As for what's next, I have the next 2 days off to get ready for classes to start Monday, possibly  start planning some trips outside of London to visit family and maybe even do a little shopping!!  While I miss my friends and family from Indiana all the way to Las Vegas, I'm so excited to be here in London. However, I would like to send all my love to my family who will be attending my Grandma Mary's funeral tomorrow.  I wish I could be with all of you and celebrate such an incredible life.  I truly treasured my last few days in Indiana before I left with all of my family.

And so the London adventure continues....