Landing in London

So, I'm finally here. After a loooong and novel 7 hour, 45 minute plane ride, I made it successfully to Conway Hall in London. I am living a beautiful flat with 6 other girls. We have a great kitchen, 2 bathrooms (yes!), and I am in a room with 3 others. My flatmates are lovely and we've begun to figure out cooking and buying things.

Stores here a different. Unfortunately, there is no Target or Walmart equivalent here in the centre of London. It seems that you need to visit many different smaller shops in order to purchase food, etc. So far, I've been to Iceland (where the cashier picked on me for being American-- but it's cheap), Sainsbury's (a nicer shop), and Tesco (another nicer shop). I've found some staples, but I'm still no expert cook. I've made some good grilled cheese, though. Peanut butter is a bit different-- less sweet, but maybe that's better for you.

London as a city is absolutely amazing. Every time I get homesick (and I have a few times), I just go outside and realize that I cannot leave yet because there is so much to see still. I cannot believe how beautiful it is. We are living very near to Southbank, which feels kind of artsy. We're right near the film institute and there are many, many restaurants and some street vendors nearby. Walking five minutes from my flat, we wind up on the riverbank, looking across the whole cityscape.

The first day upon arrival, we took a walking tour and I felt as if I was in Chicago at night. I can't believe how many people are always out and about. Nights here end a bit early, though, surprisingly. Most shops and restaurants close and 6.00 pm, and the pubs seem to close between 11.00 and 12.00.

Last night was our first night out and Kelley's birthday was at midnight. We attempted to find a casual pub and just get Kelley a quick drink, however, we attempted to walk into 4 pubs, but chickened out. They are INCREDIBLY crowded and it seemed that the pubs we found had a slightly older crowd. We eventually wound up at a club where other Notre Dame students were heading. I was a bit hesitant about this, but it was nothing like I expected. It happened to be Retro Night at Walkabout, so the music was '70s-'00s and there was a lot of space for dancing. I had a great time! It was a long walk around the city to wind up nearer to our flats, but it was a great experience for my first time out and I think Kelley had a good time too (we got the DJ to sing to her).

Yesterday we also stopped at the National Gallery after our class orientation (I love that I can just stop! All the museums are free!) We walked around for 20 minutes and I saw some Van Goghs and Seurats. It was amazing that I can stop in anytime I want. Since the National Gallery is about 3 minutes from my class building, I feel like I'll be visiting frequently.

Today we went to the Museum of London and I realized how little I know about London history. It was great, though, and I hope to go back.

I still can't believe how impressive all the different sections are in London. The Museum of London was in The City of London (which is a neighborhood of London, essentially) and I felt like I was in the Capital in Hunger Games. It was right near St. Paul's Cathedral. We didn't go in today, but it's outside size makes the Basilica at Notre Dame look like a dwarf.

My room is on the "Lower Ground" floor, which happens to be "-1" on the elevator.

View of the skyline from the Waterloo Bridge

Jenny, Kelley, and me at the club.

The IMAX near my flat. On the first day, the entire circle had Les Mis pictures. Today, however, they are changing them to have a Subway ad. This is sad. But currently, some Les Mis are still there.

St. Paul's Cathedral. We passed this on the way to the Museum of London.

My flatmate Molly running from the pigeons that descended upon us as we were eating lunch on the fountain at Trafalgar Square. Fun fact. There is a 500 pound fine for feeding the birds. (Yes, I meant 500).

But, that's all for now! Miss you all.

Love,
Carrie