The Plane, The Room, The Peeps

  I officially began my study abroad experience last night at 9:20 Texas time when my plane took off from the DFW airport. I had packed my personal carry-on with everything I could need for the nine hour flight: a book, journal, food, IPhone, water. I was prepared! Until I realized I left my headphones in my parents' car (we took my sister's), and hat my phone had about 3 hours of music-listening left in it's battery. Oh well, I thought as I paid $21 for a new set of headphones, if my phone dies, I still have my books to read! Yeah, apparently the lights go off right after dinner is cleared away. Other people used book lights, but guess what Danielle forgot to bring?? My phone was dying, there was only one movie on I actually wanted to watch, and I couldn't sleep because I had to pee and I was in the middle seat and didn't want to bother the guy next to me (who happened to be a very nice British man!). So, I sat in my seat watching the map of the plane's progress and tried to fathom how on Earth I was going to get through the next 6 hours. Eventually I decided that my need for sleep and a toilet were much greater than my want to not bother anybody. I somehow got about three hours of sleep, and then sat motionless in my seat for the last hour to pass. Maybe the $410 upgrade to first class would have been worth it.

 Anyway! The bus ride from Heathrow to Queen Mary was long and slow, but the view of the streets and stores I've only ever heard about made the waiting much easier to handle. My room is actually very nice, I have my own bedroom, and share a bathroom with four other girls. Space is plentiful, but I couldn't help but notice that there are no drawers for underwear and such...a British thing perhaps? The weather so far has been amazing! Low 80s with a light, cool wind. VERY different from Texas!! That being said, I do miss home a bit. OK, I miss home a lot. I'm a stranger here with no friends to drag with me places or anyone to go on walks by the river with. However, I have met some nice people, and hopefully I will find places to explore with them! In case you can't tell, I'm trying to be optimistic about this...I mean, I'm in freaking LONDON!