Getting settled in

So it's been a few days since I've posted and I've officially been here more than a week!
On Thursday, we had a river cruise for all of the international students. Although we all agreed it was too long, it was still fun and I met a group of people who live in my dorm and who I've been hanging out with.
On Friday, I went and explored a little more near campus so hopefully I won't get lost on the way to my classes.
Then I hung out with a friend a little.
Yesterday was Saturday so in the morning I went and explored the area around Russel Square. I checked out a used bookstore and got a book for one of my classes. Then I found the first real sized grocery store which was truly exciting. However, no where carries pitchers. So I"m still without the ability to make sweet tea. :(
But I'm over it...sort of...
Last night I hung out with my Romanian friends in Soho. We ate at Pizza Hut which does indeed taste the same in Britain. We had a good time. Eventually I'll be able to stay out past 11 if I can figure out how the buses work.
I picked up a bus route map in a tube station yesterday and when I open it all the way, it is literally the whole length of my arm-span. If it were even an inch longer I wouldn't be able to hold the whole thing open.
I've been pretty much relying on the tube and walking. If google says it will take a half hour or less to walk somewhere, then I walk. If it says more, then I take the tube.
Although I would like to ride a bike here, because I do so much in Virginia, I'm a little bit nervous. There are a lot of cyclists, but I still feel like I wouldn't be bold enough to pull out and I'd end up getting hit. I might try renting though and see if I can handle it.
I've been trying to join a rugby team but I missed their practices last week and emailed to ask if they had any openings but they haven't gotten back to me. So I might just end up doing a gym membership at my university instead.
Classes start tomorrow, but since I only have modules on Tuesday and Wednesday, I'm free tomorrow.
I think I'm going to go to the campus bookstore so maybe I can at least get the other books I have to read first for my modules.
For my Reading the American Dream class, the first book I have to read is "The Scarlett Letter" which I purchased from the used bookstore I mentioned, call Skoob. I didn't like it the first time, but I'm hoping the 6.5 years since I read it will let me enjoy it more this time.
Today, I went to some markets again. I do really enjoy them. I went to Columbia Road Flower Market which was absolutely beautiful. I'm thinking about getting some sort of plant for my room to give it some life. Then I went over to Brick Lane Market (yes, I actually found it this time). Brick Lane was big and colorful and they had a ton of food. I got steamed bbq pork buns. They reminded me so much of when my mom and I went to China a few years ago. They tasted so good, just like the ones in China.
Then I went over to Old Spitalfields Market which I'd been to last Sunday but I went further this time and found its attached to several covered market areas that are lined with actual stores and eateries.
It's been a good week. :) I'm learning my way around and making friends.
I'll keep you posted on how classes go!

 

Some pictures from the markets today.

Scavenger Hunt

For part of orientation, we had to do a group scavenger hunt in the city. It was a good experience because I'd been avoiding the tourist attractions. So this what I got to see them without feeling too much like a tourist. Then I didn't feel well in the afternoon so I just hung out in my room.
This morning I went to Ikea and bought some things for my room which was an adventure. There was supposed to be a shuttle bus to the store from the Tube station. But there wasn't so I walked. But then I got lost. It took me about an hour and a half to actually make it to the store from my room (what should have only taken an hour). Oh well. I made it there and back.

Later today I have my advisor meeting to finalize my course schedule. That's exciting. I can't wait to start classes.

Successful Day!!

Yesterday, I had a very successful day. I went to two markets in the morning (although they weren't the one I was initially looking for...). Then I went down to Oxford St and Regent St and checked out some more stores. I haven't really bought much though besides necessities. I found another grocery store close by that sells fair trade products. So that's pretty awesome. I chilled in my flat in the afternoon some and then I went to Soho last night and met two girls from Romania. They were really nice. We're going to hang out next weekend again.
This afternoon, I have orientation. We'll see how that goes. Things are going pretty well. Last night I ate my first like sit down place (not take out) so I was feeling a bit awkward about the whole getting a check deal but it wasn't bad at all.
Below are two pics. One of my flat building. The other of the area around Old Street (where I catch the tube).

First day

I landed in London this morning at around 7. I took the train into the city and then a taxi to my dorm where I got all checked in before 10am. I'd call that a success. The taxi driver totally held up to everything I'd read about them. That they are insanely knowledgeable about the city. After I checked in, I set out to find the grocery store which after some aimless wanderings, I did find. Then I went further into the city and explored some. I resisted the urge to carry my map around in my hand like a tourist. Having read so many books and guidebooks about London and the UK in general, I feel like I'm picking up on things I probably wouldn't have noticed otherwise. For example, people say sorry and please a lot here (but not thank you). Also people don't just randomly start up a conversation with strangers as much. Where as I noticed Americans definitely do this. I'm currently reading a book by Sarah Waters called Night Watch and its set in 1940s London which is really interesting to compare to what I'm experiencing everyday. The resident assistants are taking a bunch of us to this cafe tonight for music which should be interesting. I've meet three of my flatmates so far. But I forgot two of their names already...Attached are a few pictures. One of my closet when I unpacked. One of my desk..its kind of bare. I hope I get good books to read for my classes. Another is of a street near my flat.

First Post

I'm leaving for London tomorrow. Finally. I plan to post at least weekly, hopefully twice a week. With pictures. :)