Should’ve bought Shape-Ups

Hello! 

I made it!  My flight was great.  If anybody needs to fly out of Calgary, do so; it’s a nice airport. (plus the people are friendly).  I only had one flight-nonstop- into Heathrow.  The two seats next to me were empty, so I was able to stretch out and sleep. For an hour ;).  Once I arrived at Heathrow, I had to wait for 2 other girls, so we could take a taxi together.  Customs was fine. I was pretty nervous that I may not have all the right information.  There was a girl in the booth next to me who looked like she was having problems entering.  Something about email, and how she couldn’t enter because she didn’t have it in print.  I hope she made it okay!!! 

Inez, my homestay host, is great.  She has two children, and 6 grandchildren.  Very hip and chill.  Her apartment is quaint, and small, but a great size for just one person.  She’s doing my laundry; that’s a hard task to give up, because I’ve been doing it since 6^th grade, but I’ll learn. :)  There is also another girl living with us.  She is from Japan, and is in London to help further her English.  She’ll only be living with us for about another week.  

On Saturday (4), I walked around Battersea Park.  It’s so much bigger than what I thought it was.  It was a sunny, perfect day, and there were so many people.  I, personally, was thinking it may be just me and a few other adventurous souls, but I was wrong.  I just have to remember that I’m living in a city that loves their parks, and enjoys spending time with their family walking, playing, and chatting.  

On Sunday (5), I had a free day, so I decided to check out the underground and the bus system, get an Oyster Card (a debit card for the transportation around London), as well as explore some of the downtown areas.  Once I had found my way to work, I tried going to my school, and got lost.  But I wandered around a bit and found the British Museum (our class is going to that on Monday).  The school must’ve been nearby, but I didn’t look hard enough.  Then I decided to journey to Westminster.  As I walked up the tube stairs, Big Ben was RIGHT NEXT to me.  I took several photos as I wandered around the Houses of Parliament and into Westminster Abbey.  While walking to a pretty building I wanted to take a picture of, I stumbled across the changing of the guards at the House of Guards.  Of course I took a video.  Next thing I know I was at Trafalgar Square.  Where my film ran out.  Thank goodness for my extra chip!  Then I saw Buckingham Palace, where the Salvation Army was having a parade. Next I tried to find my way home, and after getting lost a few times, and having to walk in the rain, (no coat or umbrella, whoops) I found the correct bus.  Who would know the theatre that is holding Billy Eliot is right across the street from the bus station, and the theatre that is housing Wicked is down the street?  Those are two shows I have to see.  

What I’ve learned:

Thank goodness I have walking shoes. They’re perfect. Thanks mom!

Bring a coat or umbrella with you. No matter what. 

The Underground is awesome. Oyster cards are VERY useful.

Sometimes getting lost is okay.

ALWAYS bring an extra camera card chip.