Welcome to London

Hello from London:

Yes, from London. AAAHHHH.

So, I probably should have posted yesterday since this is my second day here, but yesterday was jet lag and today is excitement.

Yesterday I arrived in this beautiful city after a long and sleepless flight from Chicago O’Hare to London Heathrow. The plane ride was loud because of the children, but really, who could blame them. It isn’t the most comfortable ride… But, surprisingly, the vegetarian lasagna wasn’t too bad. My flight left at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday and landed at 7:55 a.m. on Wednesday. Besides the fact that my carry-on didn’t fit into the overhead bin (not my fault—United's bins were faulty), my luggage and I both made it in one piece.

Not quite sure where this was taken at, but London sure is pretty.

We then waited an hour for our shuttle to arrive and pick us up. The driver was a lovely man, but his driving was not so nice. It did appear that our shuttle could break down at any minute, but it never did. The three of us in the shuttle all picked window seats, and what incredible things did we see. The city landscapes. The actually green grass. The historical buildings. The roads…Yes, the driving did mess with my mind a bit. Driving on the left side of the road still messes with me a bit.

Our room when we first arrived--I'll post an updated photo soon.

Once we arrived, we checked in and I showered. I was in dire need of a shower. The combination of the long flight and the warm winter jacket I was wearing was not a good combination. Compared to the -6 degree weather I have at home, the 40 and 50 somethings are amazing. We then took a short walk to the Brunswick Shopping Centre close by to pick up some necessities. I now have to cook for myself. Not prepared for that… Oh, and I had my first Nandos. YUMMY. It definitely lived up to the praise it has received.

Not too much more happened yesterday. It was quite the dull day of drowsing off standing up, unpacking, and drowsing off again. Jet lag is sure a pain. So, I was in bed by 11:00 and up today by 8:00. (or 7:56 because I hate setting my alarms on “normal” times)

Today was an absolute blast. Since I’m studying at the London College of Fashion, I was able to arrive before the rest of the group. Four other girls and I showed up to the lobby of our building and met one of the coordinators who gave us a little walking tour of the Bloomsbury area. It’s charming and absolutely beautiful. We then had an orientation session, teaching me all the ins and outs and of British culture. I feel more Brit-ish already. Well, I guess.

Store Street is so pretty at night.

Then was lunch. We went to Wagamama. It. Was. So. Good. My first time there, and I loved it. I’ve seen Louise (Sprinkle of Glitter) vlog her Wagamama’s experiences, and I must say I agree with her and her love for the food. On our way, we saw a Primark. Clearly, we stopped back after all of our other activities were done. When we went back, we stopped by an adorable store called Tiger. It really is like an eclectic Ikea in London. And it was (except for the spendy bit). My roommate and I came back and made food. Yes, real, edible, food. Pasta and chips to be exact. And it was delicious. Very proud of us and our lack of cooking abilities. Now, I’m back in my room writing this after calling my parents. (Viber is an excellent app for free calling whilst abroad) I’m tired and lacking in pictures—my bad. But I’m planning on starting daily vlogging this weekend and, of course, taking more photos in the process. I have orientation tomorrow at the London College of Fashion, which will be incredible… Besides the fact that I have no idea what to wear. I’ll go ahead and figure that out now. Until next time,

Maggie D. xx