Grand Entrance- May 28th 2009

Train ride to Central London
After the father helped me from the Airport, I was on my own. I'm used to doing things alone but not in a new country :O. But I gathered my luggage and headed towards the train station. One thing cool about Gatwick Airport is that they have a connecting train station that takes you to Central London. As my friend suggested to me, take First Capitol instead of Gatwick Express!!! She is looking out for a frugal college student :D.

As I was waiting for the train (7:30am ENGLAND TIME), there was a cute guy there lol. I guess I must of said something but he picked up that I wasn't from around there. After introducing myself, I realized he's from the U.S TOO. His name is Calvin. We was heading towards the same location Kings Cross. While we were on the train, I got to know him. He was 25 years old and he got Electrical Engineering degree ($$$$$) and his job transferred him to London. He told he that "London is very different from San Antonio so he had to get used to it". I was glad to meet a person from the States because it assured me that I was not the only American there lol. One of the most funniest moments on the train ride was when he almost fell! That train was hella thick though. Poor thing, he think he messed up his foot the night before cause of basketball. He proceeded to warn me that WATCH OUT FOR THESE DUDES AROUND HERE, THEY ARE GOING TO LOVE YOUR ACCENT!!. I was like "For real??? shoot thats what I want anyways, an London dude. He told he about his few bad interractions he had with people trying him because they wanted to make fun of him. Man that train ride was almost and hour but it was worth it cause I got to speak with someone.Thank goodness we were heading the in the same direction cause I would of been lost without him!!! Unfortunately he had to go to Cambridge :( so I never will see him again. He gave he his face book BUT I CAN'T FIND HIM CAUSE HE HAS NO PICS :(.
London right before my eyes
Wow, I stepped out into the London scene, it was amazing. Tall buildings, busy environment. After I got to my dorm, I have my roommate with me. We had a French Class before so I knew who she was.

*Rant number one* my damn battery charger and my alarmclock short circuited on me. Damn volt change. They do not have a t.v so my only form of entertainment is my laptop and homework. I need for Nido student living to fix their shower heads, why is it leaking?? and why I spend so much money on a broken showerhead. Also there is no A.C here but London doesn't get so hot here and its a nice breeze.

***Back on track** I had no time to enjoy my box like dorm. I had to head straight towards my internship. Mind you I haven't taken a rest yet!!!

I really love the public transporation system here. You do not need a car to get around here. You could either catch the train, bus or walk! There is no humidity and plenty breeze! Ladies here barely wear heels and I see why. The road/sidewalk here is horrible. Comfy sneakers/shoes are a must. If a person do decide to come here, GET THE OYSTER CARD. It provides you traveling discounts when using the underground train and bus. Also London is fast paced similar to NY and nothing like FL. I am a city girl at heart. Also their maps are very detalied and accurate. I got the hang of things in no time. YOu do not need a cab remember: they are expensive and not reliable.

I went to my program, Finally got my things situated, attended a long orientation and I was sleepy cause of my jet lag! AFter that, me, a girl and her friend walked around London. We went to a different kind of tourist attraction a cemetery. these squirrels here don't play, they follow you around and demand for food!!!! Also people walk their dogs around here, not cool!
***My realization about London and my program***

1. Interracial dating is HUGE HERE. There's no sense of bad blood in doing so. Also too I doubt they have the race/ethic section when it comes to job applications? why does the States have it? I have no idea.
2. London is a very historic city. You will see alot of church looking buildings here!!
3. People drive on the opposite sides of the road and dirvers ride on the RIGHT side of the car! Yeah very confusing.
   
4. The locals here seem very mad!
5. When going up or down an escalator, stay on the right side of it cause the left side is for people that want to walk up the stairs.
   
6. Converses sneakers are in and alot of guys wear TOO TIGHT SKINNY JEANS!!!
7. Alot of guys seem flamboyant here :O
8. These buildings here are not handicapp friendly. How the hell a bathroom that has a Handicapp signs requires you to go up some stairs????
9. Food portions are reall small here :() have to buy groceries every week.
10. They really promote recycling here!!! GO GREEN!
11. London folks smoke madd cigarettes, NOT COOL
12. There is alot of Asians and Indians here!! Very diverse.
    
13. It's rare to see big people here. most of these people are so skinny :(
14. alot of black women wear braids extensions in their hair

Rant: I am upset that there aren't a lot of minorities in my program. Just four black women including me!! People need to take advantage on this opportunity. Traveling is amazing and everyone needs to do it at least one time!!!

Okay done with my long post!!! :D ttyl