I'm HERE!

So I'm finally here in London. There's a mix of feelings about everything really. I was writing in my journal yesterday and all I could think about is how unreal it is. I feel like I'm still in the United States, but a very classy version, with the cutest accents ever. But after today, I know for sure that I'm looked at as an outsider. As Americans, our group blends in very well (as long as we wear lots of black, which I have a problem with--lighten up London, colors are good!), until we open our mouths. Then people stare. For instance, today we were laughing so hard as our friend Ashley was talking to a guy about buying a phone. She kept making him repeat things. The seller's face was priceless as he rolled his eyes at her and thought she was crazy when she said she "didn't understand", or that she "talked to her mom on the phone every day." We couldn't help but laugh. But anyway, the plane ride was great, minus the fact that I felt that I got very little sleep. I sat next to a girl Jen who was great. She was heading to London to work and straight out told me that she wouldn't be one of those people that would drool or fall asleep on me. She laughed harder and louder than anyone I've ever seen when watching a movie and it was pretty funny to watch. I enjoyed her company. Our car driver was also hilarious. Elise, a girl in our group, reserved a car for us, so we had a cute little sign for us. Elise asked which way to go, and he pointed the wrong way and laughed when she took off, telling us that he was parked in the opposite direction. I recorded some of the conversations that we had with him in the car, so I'll possibly post that. He was a funny old British guy. It made me comfortable already. I'm just getting used to everything at the moment. The center is nice... sometimes a little too warm honestly and the girls are so fun. We went to Nando's today for lunch and it was amazing. They specialize in chicken dishes and I got a chicken sandwich with lemon and herb sauce, as well as cheese and pineapple on top. Sooo good! We also finally found the McDonald's where we can skype with family on Sundays so that will be good. It's not too far.

I love the rain and love wearing my raincoat and boots and my new umbrella I just bought. I'm constantly looking the wrong way when I cross the street and know if I weren't in a group I would probably get lost, as many girls in our group have already, but it's a fun learning experience. I feel so grown up being so far away from home with little contact. I know this experience is going to be the best thing possible for me and I'm ready for more of it to come my way :)

But jet lag... man, it's a real jerk. Staying awake for two days and then waking up at 4:30 in the morning is not my idea of fun. Especially since breakfast is every morning at 8. I have to learn how to wake up early this semester. Blech. Miss you all in the states.