My body hates me.....

Alas, I am in the UK; although, my body is still in America. I bet I lost 6 pounds today! I knew transporting my luggage was going to be interesting, but let me just paint a picture for you. ( I will try to put an actual picture of this soon) My suitcase originally weighed 75 pounds, which would have cost me 100 extra dollars to check it. I sent 5 pounds of t-shirts home with my parents and then only had to pay 50. I also checked a traveler's backpack. It's huge, towering over my head as I walk. I don't even want to guess how much it weighs, but my shoulders are killing me! And last but not least my carry on, which can either be carried or rolled. I could barely pick it up, so here I am rolling two suitcases behind me with a giant back pack on trying to maneuver in out and of the tube (subway). That alone attracted some looks my way, I even heard one girl say "Americans", and then somehow I managed to get my largest suitcase stuck while the tube doors were closing. I wish I had it on tape. ha From all this chaos, I was burning up literally sweating, and it was 48 degrees I think. The directions to where I am staying said a 7 min walk from the tube station. I don't know what kind of walking these people do, I think she meant to put a 7 min sprint, granted I was stopping every 3 feet to rest with all my luggage. So, like I said my body hates me. No sleep. No food. Over 150 pounds of weight bearing down on me while walking 100 miles. Craziness. I don't recommend anyone to try it. Anyways enough of that
My day:
I am staying in a flat that a lady owns and rents out rooms for a short let. There is another lady renting the room beside mine. She is from Ireland, and in London to research for her thesis. The room is a lot bigger than I anticipated. There are two twin size beds, so I am using one to pile all my stuff on. I thought I would explore a bit of the city to try and get some groundings. The tube system is pretty easy. It's a lot like Madrid's, which is color coded. London and Madrid's underground transportation is sooo much easier than NYC. I found the Bunac office, went in looked around, checked email, etc. Then I found the hostel that I will be staying at starting Monday. These are both on the Circle. It's the yellow line that just loops around the center of London. I ran into these two guys who reeked of alcohol. They explained to me some 'game' that Londoners play, I can't remember the name at the moment. Anywho, you ride the circle and get off each stop and have a drink. That does not sound like much fun to me. The tube ride alone makes you lose your balance, I can't imagine being intoxicated on top of that, especially with how hot it gets with so many people crammed in. Maybe that's just me.... I then went and bought a UK cell phone, which I have no clue how I am going to memorize my number. It's 10 digits long! Ooooo and of course I went by starbucks to get a chai tea latte and was happy to discover I can use my starbucks gift card from the states.(hint hint to mom and dad :) )
Overall:
It was a great day. It's 7 pm here or 19:00 and I am exhausted. I could do the lights out thing right now. I don't want to be jet lagged for more than a day or two though, so I am trying to wait till 10 at least. The weather was perfect, BLUE SKY, which I hear rarely happens. I enjoyed the temperature, very tolerable, especially under my conditions. Tomorrow, I will head to the Bunac office for orientation and hopefully make some friends. Until then......... CHEERS
Praises for the day:
Safe flight
Empty seat beside me, so I actually got to lay down on the flight!!
No mishaps
No stress
Nice people to help me with my luggage
A day of Commen Sense, I don't get it every day :)
The Lord is good!
Alison

Getting closer!

I am moving out of my apartment tomorrow and moving back home to Alex City. ahhh, BORING- but I just have to tolerate 3 weeks and then I'm a Londoner...... It's getting harder to fall asleep at night, as my mind races with expectations of what is to come. I have been talking with a lady who is helping me get a job as an unqualified social worker in the UK. She has been amazing. She mentioned that I might have to rent a car over there and take driving lessons on Saturdays. WAIT A MINUTE........ me driving on the passenger side of the car on the opposite side of the road, that does not sound like something I want to partake in. Ha. I want to be living/working in Central London, but I can't be too picky. I am so excited about meeting all sorts of interesting and new people. Can't wait to keep you updated!

Cheers!