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.