Ireland with Holly.

Busy Busy Busy

Excuse the lack of writing.

Last weekend was a weekend at the theater. I like having access to so many plays.

Went to Stonehenge. I conquered a rock...But not at Stonehenge...You can't even touch those mossy things.

Midterms are next week...I might have to do something about that.

Last night, the entire program went to see a play called "The Homeplace." I noticed a gray haired middle aged man sat diagonally behind me to my left. I thought nothing of it. During the play, the man would laugh and even snort at mildly funny to not funny things. I did a little turn and (not evil) glare thing to ask "what's your deal." I continued watching the play.

At the end of the play, after the man had fled the theater, I listened to the comments of my group members and learned that snorty man was Michael Keaton. Was two feet away from Michael Keaton and didn't even realize it. I didn't get an autograph. No picture with Michael Keaton. But I did glare at Michael Keaton.

This just goes to show, don't glare at people in the dark, you might be glaring at Michael Keaton

B&B Visit

Stratford was cute. Saw Shakespeare's grave and sat in the cemetery and read with Holly. It seems it's more acceptable to chill in places of death in this country.

"A Comedy of Errors" was very good. I got into a conversation with a cute older British couple...Their son is an actor who has a role in a new King Richard film.

Today we stopped in Oxford. We managed to find the church where various scenes from Harry Potter were filmed. The cast was there shooting for about 4 weeks. Britt was so excited, we had to create a "no screaming" rule. Jumping up and down was still allowed though. Personally, I happily entertained the thought that I was breathing the same air as Alan Rickman.

The best part for me, was finding a pub called The Eagle and Child. J.R.R. Tolken, C.S. Lewis and others used to chill there every Tuesday morning. I was happy to have a good conversation there for an hour or so.

Tonight I plan to chill and do some reading.

I actually have to go to class tomorrow.

The struggle to schedule for classes at Chatham continues.

I do, however, have a third floor apartment all arranged.

Not too much to report.

Have been taking a few down days after being touristy. Have been on the eye and to the London Aquarium. Have also spent a lot of time at the British Library.

Birthday yesterday was good. I spent most of the day finishing Harry Potter. Also went out for dinner which was nice.

Tomorrow the group is going to Stratford upon Avon.

People are waiting for the compy.

I have classes?

Yesterday we (Britt, Holly, Megan and I) went on the eye. Great view.

While walking back to the dorm, several ladies were offering free tickets to "Fame." After initially saying no and walking several more paces, we stopped. Wait a sec! It was my first time seeing Fame. It was pretty good...corny around the edges. Glad I didn't have to pay...but entertaining.

Must run. Late for class.

Dorm

Have moved into the dorm and have found Holly, Britt and the rest of the group.

I don't think I'll be able to post too often. There's a real fight to get to the computers here.

Yesterday did a lot of walking around the area.

Moving Day

In a little less than an hour I leave for the dorm. I'm very excited to be staying in one place for longer than a week. It'll be a nice change.

I'm also looking forward to being with friends again. Alone time is only good for so long.

Wish me luck with the transportation! I seem to consistently have issues in that area. Although, this time I'm only taking a cab...Not too much should be able to go wrong.

By the way, going to see a movie in London is very expensive.

Lack of Action

Not much going on today. I'm starting to get ready for the move to Russell Square. I did some shopping for snacks and the like. It's sad, I'm already at the point where it's hard to close my suitcases and the trip is far from over.

I bought Janet Evanovich's latest Plum book (felt the need for a laugh) and read the part where she works at a dry cleaners while I did my laundry. The coincidence amused me.

Now, having lugged laundry back and forth five blocks, I realize how nice it was having washers and dryers in the dorm.

As for more of the bombing fall out, I keep thinking about the man whose conversation I transcribed two days ago. He worked right outside the the entrance to the tube at Russell Square. I'm sure he's okay, but I just keep thinking about how sad he must be, about how his business must be suffering, etc. Also on the news, they keep running interviews of people who are still missing loved ones...all the interviewees have pictures of those missing...and when some of them talk about how their loved one hasn't been in contact, they're close to tears. Le sigh.

Back to the world of the less depressing...

To avoid calls from psychos (that I don't know and love)

I've turned part of reporting my new phone number into a trivia game about me. If you have any trouble figuring the number out...just e-mail and I'll give the whole number too you...Sorry, I'm just too lazy for a mass e-mailing.

Oh, and I don't actually expect any of you to call me...but, more so, answer if I call you...say on Harry Potter night. hee hee.

First off, the country code is 44.

On to the number...

X Y 9 X 41 Z 94 Z 1

X=The number of times I've been to Africa.

Y=The number of the month I was born.

Z=The number of years I spent at MSU.

Best of luck kiddies.

I think I might go to see a movie tomorrow....

Next Morning

People are making adjustments, but most of the news reports here are on how Londoners won't let an attack stop them from living their lives.

I'm really impressed with MSU's decision...I totally thought they were going to try to protect their own butts and not let us go. Britt's still going! (I was a little surprised given her parents' over-protective nature) But then, my own father's reaction was rather surprising as well: Be safe, but take advantage as a writer. Hundreds of journalists wish they were where you are now. And if you can continue your program, do so.

Father also has foolishly written in an e-mail that I should "buy something" for myself. When will the man learn? Never EVER give me a reason to shop...And if you make this first mistake at least outline a spending limit. Silly mad did no such thing.

Am still working out Chatham class shedule and living arrangements.

Light in a Sad Moment

MSU has decided to continue all of its study abroad programs.

*Waves arms in air...Does happy dance...AND jumps up and down* Don't I look silly.

Am SO staying. Fear won't stop me. Nope.

Will probably be getting a mobile tomorrow (that's cell phone to U.S. people)...I'll somehow post the number in a cryptic way tomorrow if all goes well.

Holly, howz aboutz ya? Still going to come chill with me?

Sleepy time.

Post Attack

I've been glued to the TV in my room all day, watching the news.

For the most part, I'm completely okay. The only thing that really shook me up is the fact that I was at the Russell Square station yesterday...Traveling on the line where one of the bombs went off. And the thing is, I was really nervous to travel on the tube alone for the first time. I'm totally giving the credit to God that I got up the courage to go. But even if I hadn't gone and delayed my trip until today, chances are good I still would have missed the trouble, because I was still eating breakfast when all of the ugliness went down. Now all I can do is pray for those not as lucky as me.

Any-hoo, I did leave my hotel for a couple of hours to give myself a break. My hotel is in "zone two," which more or less means I had a bit of distance from the chaos of central London (zone one). In my area it was pretty much business as usual...The buses were even running.

I'm still waiting to hear the fate of my study abroad program. The meeting to decide began over two hours ago. I have a lot riding on it. It's too late to sign up for summer classes back at MSU and if I don't take the 310 course I'm scheduled to take here in London, I don't graduate. And if I don't graduate, Chatham won't let me start in the fall. Worst case is that I push Chatham back a semester...But that would still be a big ol' complicated inconvenience. So yeah...So it goes.

bugger

Explosions in London.

Bugger. Bugger. Bugger.

Hey, Cutie

First full day in London has been great.

My hotel is very modern and interesting. Breakfast is served on couches. They have these TVs in the walls throughout the entire building. They show random abstract images including the inside of a lava lamp. The practical side of me thinks these TVs are completely useless. But the rest of me always want to stop and stare when the lava lamp image comes up. The only real problem I have with the place is the lack of soundproofing of the walls. When my neighbor is in his/her bathroom it sounds like he/she is in my bathroom. It's slightly disturbing.

Today I traveled on the tube and didn't get lost at all. Or die. Or end up having to sleep in a corner of the tunnel because I'd gotten so lost. I was rather happy about that. I went to the area where I'm going to live and have classes starting next week. I wandered around looking for my dorm. It started to rain a little so I went into the student union and sat in the caf. They had the TV on and it just so happened it was time to announce the location for the 2012 Olympics. When London was announced as the location, everyone cheered...Including me. It was entertaining.

After the rain stopped, I continued to wander. I found a book store and did the most important thing I'll do today: Reserved two copies of Harry Potter for Britt and myself...I would have gotten a third for Holly, but I know she likes paper backs.

After that I wandered some more...Eventually going into the library and asking for directions to my dorm. Then found dorm...Turns out we'll have a bit of a walk to the Harry Potter midnight party, but it's still very manageable.

After that I went to a cafe, had some coffee, watched the pigeons attack the table outside and steal food, etc.

I also had a fun conversation with a British street vendor:

Me: How much for this scarf?
Man: For you?
Man stands up and approaches me.
Man: You won't believe it...
He pauses for effect.
Man: ...800 dollars.
I make a fake-horrified face.
Man laughs.
Man: It's only 8.
I pay.
Man: Have a good holiday.
Me: You too.
As I begin to walk away. I silently wonder what British holiday it is.
Man: (calling after me) I'm not on holiday, you are. I'm working.
Right. Holiday=vacation
Me: Well then, have a good work day.
Man: I am. You just made my day.

One thing I've noticed about Europe is that men are more likely to say something to girls they don't know in the street. Usually such treatment makes me uncomfortable and I try to ignore guys that do that. But there's something about hearing "Hey, cutie" in a nice British accent that makes me smile.

Running out of time again.

I promise at some point I will tell you about the first two weeks of my trip.

London

Arrived in London this afternoon. Would tell you about drama of airport, but thinking about it makes me too tired and twitchy.

Tour went well. I was with a good group of people. Details later.

Will try to post tomorrow...have to get online because Instigator is still making trouble (!!!!!) and need to register for Chatham classes...that is proving more difficult than would like as well.

Tired.

Only have few minutes online left and must walk million and 0ne blocks back to hotel.