Scene 3: Did YOU know that was there?

Today, I put on my backpack and just started walking.

There were little crosswalk signs like this to help me:

I like that it tells me not just to cross, but to cross with care. There are also handy street signs:

First, a tall monument.

Then, a park. St. James Park.

This park is pretty big. It has ducks, swans, and lots and lots of pigeons, including this one:

The fattest pigeon I have ever seen. And it had red eyes. So it was a fat, evil-looking pigeon. If had been able to fly I might have been concerned.

There was a french cottage:

And impressive gates.

There were also policemen on horses, riding down the street.

This street was apparently important, because on it were some very imposing buildings, like this one, where they train the royal guard:

And statues like this one:

And this one:

Which was next to a very pretty little garden...

Which was next to, oh yeah, Buckingham Palace:

Did YOU know that was there? I was surprised. A park... a horse... a palace? Apparently.

Anyway, I explored all around and had a late lunch in the park. Then I realized it was 58 degrees and I was cold. And it started raining again. Not a problem, since the only thing I forgot to pack was my umbrella.

Later that afternoon I found a bookstore:

And let's just say the rest of the day was... filled...

One of the girls in the hostel is named Veronique (she's from New Jersey; the other two are from Greece and Yale Business school--as a group we make no sense) and she informed me that there is a Chipotle less than 20 minutes from my place of residence. The only one in London. I just might end up there one day, accidentally. Who knows?

Until tomorrow,

Brooke

Scene 2: I Found Them.

When I was in Spain, I fell in love with milk chocolate digestive cookies that they do not sell in the US.

Guess what I found at Tesco tonight? I AM SO HAPPY.

Other things I did today, my first day in London:

I found a park. Well, I ran into a park. Everyone was sitting on the grass eating lunch. It was sunny, I read my bible, and then I fell asleep. I have jet lag, okay?

I woke up and nothing was stolen. I've started rating an experience as a positive one if nothing was stolen. This includes me being stolen, because after seeing Taken I trust no one.

Also, after traveling in Spain, I've realized that anywhere that I speak the language (which is English- that's all I've got down) is better than anywhere that I don't. So if something doesn't go well, I think, "Well, at least they speak English."

After I found the park, I found a library. This was the London Library, and it was very pretty, and I soon  realized why. IT COST $30 A DAY TO READ THERE.

Obviously that didn't work out.

So I got lunch (from a chain called EAT, which is a lot like Pret) and went back to the hostel, where I researched libraries and found ones that didn't want my firstborn child in exchange for reading material.

Off to Westminster Reference Library, where I learned that people like to sleep in libraries and that this is not allowed. Seriously, three people around me were woken up by the librarians.

I was there for a while, and found some Scotland reading material (aka research) and I'll be back there tomorrow to finish learning.

Then I went to the grocery store! This is where my cookies were purchased. I also got a sandwich for dinner, which is exactly identical to the one I purchased at EAT today. Huh.

All in all, a good day. I just have to remember that when people talk to me, I cannot respond with a mockery of their accent. It just happens.

-B

Scene 1: Alive

I made it. I'm in London.

I've arrived at a hostel near Picadilly, and it's really cute. All girls. Lots of purple. I haven't met anyone else staying in my room yet. I can see the London Eye from my window.

Last night I stayed in a hotel, which was wonderful.

My suitcase... is heavy... which is fine, since I only have to move it around once a week from here out. But really, I packed very well and still, it's heavy! (And it's also the largest suitcase I've seen. In London. Airport included.)

People have been really nice (or, no one has been mean).  A man carried my suitcase down the steep stairs at the Picadilly Tube station this morning without me asking, and the woman at Pret (a cafe chain) yesterday afternoon was very kind about informing me that I had to actually pick out my food and bring it to the register for it to be cooked.

I met a really cool guy on the plane yesterday- Jeff. He trains tigers. His girlfriend trains manatees. They met at Exotic Animal Training School. What? Who does that? He has a tiger cub living in his house right now. I saw pictures.

It's definitely strange to be alone. Really alone. I love skype and talking to people, but when I hang up I'm by myself. I can do anything, go anywhere. Those aren't such huge bonuses right now, when all I want to do is sleep.

In July, Tida will come, and in August, some of my family will be around. August 9th, I'll be on my way back.

Prayers mean a lot. Even though I'm excited to be here, I miss home. When I start voyaging out and making sure the days are full, time will pass a lot faster. I'm excited to see what I learn and how the screenplay works out.

Until next time,

Brooke