Yes, I'm Alive!

First off, I apologize for not blogging until now. We have been so busy this last week and a half that I haven't had time to sit down and reflect on everything that I've done so far! Now, onto the post.

When we (the MC London semester group) arrived in London, we hit the ground running. We walked around a bit, ate some pretty mediocre burgers, and met our London History and Culture professor, and we walked some more. By the end of the day we were exhausted, overwhelmed, sore, and a little homesick. I'm not going to lie, I thought I had made the most expensive mistake in my life! (Foreshadowing: I'm fine now) After a good night's sleep, however, I was fine. Some of us went to the little park that's right by our hotel after breakfast. 

Russell Square

The squirrels here are very friendly if they think you have food.

I think Trafalgar Square is my favorite spot in London, so far. Just like Big Ben, and Westminster Abbey, it is just so typically London. It's a beautiful spot, and I can't wait to go back.

My group for a citywide scavenger hunt. We are in Trafalgar Square!

You can see Big Ben from the square.

The enormous statue dedicated to Nelson in the middle of Trafalgar

The famous Harrod's department store. I was afraid to touch anything, because everything was so expensive.

I know this is a very small post, but we are about to leave to go see a play called Captain of Kopenick. I will try to update again tomorrow about Stonehenge and Bath! 

London and My Expectations

With only two weeks left before I depart, I've been running around like a chicken with it's head cut off. Shopping for last minute things, doctor's appointments, and saying goodbyes to everyone, I haven't really had time to just sit and reflect on what exactly is about to happen. I have more questions then answers at this point, which is probably normal for anyone in my shoes.

It's often said that cities have their own character and life to them. Paris is often described as romantic. New York, as business oriented. London, however, has never been labeled as any one thing. I've heard adjectives from all over the spectrum, from eclectic and grimy, to proper and posh.

I want London to speak to me. I want to experience the city for myself and come up with my own adjectives for London. I want London to be a character in the story of my life. Who knows? Maybe I will be able to call London "home".

Mind The Gap

I think one of the things I'm really excited to do is ride the Tube. I've always loved public transportation; it makes for excellent people watching. I can't wait for the oyster card, the charmingly British names for Tube stops, and the signs saying "Mind the Gap".

One thing that makes the MC London Program so unique is the month of home stay. We will all be divided up and placed with host families who will become like our second family. Yesterday, I found out where I will be living! I immediately pulled out my maps of London, and figured out where I'll be. It's fun imagining what my hosts will be like. Do they live in a small house or a big house? Maybe they live in a flat. Do they have children or pets? What do they do for fun? What do they like to eat? I won't know until I meet them!

"Not All Those Who Wander Are Lost" - J.R.R. Tolkien

As January 28th draws closer, I get more and more excited. I am so blessed to be apart of the 2013 London semester! I genuinely feel that the group I'm going with is going to be one of the best groups the program has had. Of course, I'll miss home and everyone here, but the excitement I have to spend three months in England far outweigh any sadness I feel.

Now, do I pack a pillow, or no?