Post 1: Across the Pond

I can't believe I'm here. It's already been four days, but it's still sinking in. I, Lauren Tyler, am in London. LONDON, ENGLAND.

The flight went well, except for the severe ear-popping pain I endured. Sitting next to Eric Reither meant that I got no sleep whatsoever, but that's alright. Each seat had a personal screen display with movies, television, games, and flight information, so I watched two movies and became a champ at Bejeweled. The in-flight meals were better than I expected, and the flight attendants were very attentive (as "attendants" should be...). Eric and I sat next to a very friendly woman who grew up in London but has lived in America for the past 15 years. She told us that her daughter is amid the college application process so she asked us, as current college students, about things like financial aid, housing, and (appropriately) studying abroad.

We spent the last three days shopping and exploring. Our program provided a guided walking tour of just our area and a bus tour of the main boroughs in London. We checked out some shops, pubs, the nearest tube station, the Kensington area, and central London. We also went to the "Miss London" store, and I bought a nice gray jacket for only 15 pounds and a tan satchel because I've found that it is absolutely necessary for any nighttime activities.

But food is SO EXPENSIVE. Kensington is one of the wealthiest areas in London, so it's difficult to find cheap prices anywhere near me. I actually got my first fish and chips on Wednesday, and I really liked it. That was a pleasant surprise, seeing as fish has never been my favorite. Of course, we had to try the bar's signature beer, as well!

My money is FLYING out of my hand, and I'm experiencing intense monetary separation anxiety. I have been, and probably always will be, extremely financially conscious.

On Thursday, we went to see the west end production of 39 Steps in central London at the Criterion Theatre. It was pretty funny! There were only four actors even though the play featured seven or eight different characters all with different accents and ways of speaking. True talent. That being said, most of their humor centered around poking fun at the customs, history, or accents of local British, Scottish, and Welsh people. I've found that the British have a very self-deprecating sense of humor. Our bus tour guide was making fun of the royal family nearly the entire time.

My room is better than I was expecting, and I love my roommate. That's always a huge plus. Her name is Jenna, and she's from Florida. I also love my RD; he is genuinely helpful and super funny. Actually, all of the staff and professors I've met have been downright hilarious. Both the walking tour guide and the bus tour guide had me laughing out loud. I wouldn't be surprised in the slightest if our bus tour guide, Eleanor, has a second job as a stand-up comedian.

Unfortunately, I've had a different experience with the people I've met on the street. On the first day, Eric asked a woman where to buy a cell phone on this street, and she looked him full in the face for a moment, rolled her eyes dramatically and just walked away! Then he asked another man who sure took his time with answering. (He didn't even help us in the end.) I was rather taken aback.

I've already found myself picking up an English accent... and I can't say I'm too upset about it. I'm signing off for now... until next time readers! Cheers ;)