the journey over

It would be easiest to tell you what my luggage has been through in the past 24 hours - from Lincoln to trunk to Omaha to airport to baggage claim to plane to London to trolley (ie. luggage cart) to taxi (ie. small bus with many people and not much space) to lift (ie. elevator) to hotel room (ie. small room with fourish walls, three beds, a toilet and a tea pot). However, my luggage did not get to walk through Kensington Garden and Hyde Park, join me for linguine and Merlot, or indulge in gelato. My luggage was also spared from sharing a seat with me on the 7 hour flight to Heathrow. And so it is up to me to tell the tale that my 83 lbs of luggage cannot.

At 11.00 am London-time and my parents and I arrived safely (though a little worse for the wear). The flight to Chicago was pretty routine. During the 3.5-hour layover, however, my mom started to feel rather ill. The 8-hour flight was not a pleasant experience for her to say the least.

My own flight was interesting. I usually don’t have a problem keeping myself occupied, but the stench of the aged European man next to me (yes, I am stereotyping) was distracting. On a more positive note, though, my flight did include Spiderman 3, some heavy journaling, the composition of a letter, listening to my iPod (including “new to me” music) and fitful (but needed) sleep.

London feels a bit like New York City, with the added benefit of British accents. I don’t know how effective and/or insulting it would be if I tried to pick one up. For the time being I just enjoy listening.

We stopped by a little Italian restaurant for pasta and wine (some sort of Merlot, a little dry, but not too bad. Of course, I couldn’t finish the glass as it was 12.7% alcohol and I am, well, me), followed by gelato. All of this was preceded by a nice walk around Hyde Park and the Kensington Gardens. I’m looking forward to exploring the city on my own one of these days. Oddly enough being in a city full of people gets me itching to be in it by myself, or rather on my own.

It hasn’t really sunk in yet that I’m overseas, much less that I will be living here. I’m sure a large part of this is due to the fact that I’m with my parents until Friday morning, which makes my transition more and less difficult at the same time. Though I enjoy them, I’m anxious to be on my own. I want to begin my adventure.

Before leaving I must add that I think anyone who makes time enough to read this blog should download skype and "give us a bell" sometime. What could be better than talking for free? Being on your computer at the same time? Exactly. I rest my case.