Welcome to London

Week One

I got in London three days before the program started, so I could fight off jet lag without having to drag other people down in my tiredness. Dan, Casey and Jaron were already here, so they picked me up from the airport. A luckily chance brought Robbie into the group. His flight came in at about the same time as mine, and we were able to meet up with him. The first day for me dragged on, but I'm thankful for Dan. He took me on a walk around London, and I was too tired to really appreciate everything that was in front of me. We got on the tube at the airport and travelled down Hyde Park to pick up lunch at Boots. I soon realized that if I want to get by without spending much money here I have to eat sandwiches or pasties (which is toasted bread filled with a cheese or meat.) To say the least I have been spending more money. The food had been a bland disappointment, but over the week I found more things and places that I like.

Once we walked past St. Paul's, then over Millennium Bridge I got to see the GLOBE! At first Dan pointed out the building next to it. I was definitely confused, and disappointed. Yes, I was tired. Super tired. Please don't judge. I looked to the left of that random brick building, and was appeased. The Globe is beautiful, and I hope to perform there one day. 

We walked up the Thames river and past the Tate Modern, and National Theatre, then we stopped for fish and chips at the Founders Arms. All the boys got fish and chips, but I'm afraid after the first week I still haven't had any. I might not either because every one commented on how their stomach couldn't handle it very well.

After that we all headed back to the hostel we stayed at, then because of my tired zombie state I passed out. 

Day two for me was more relaxing. I woke up early with Dan and Casey and went to the Donmar Theatre to get tickets for the show that night. Luise Miller wasn't on the itinerary for study abroad , but it was the first theatre experience that I had in London. This play was definitely a good one to see, but also I've been here for almost two weeks now, and it is still the best play that I've seen. All aspects were just amazing: lights, costumes, makeup and acting. The script was also just so beautiful. The next day was pretty eventful. Christopher Clark got in from the airport and we took a boat out to Greenwich. The boat ride was an epic journey at sea, or at least the Thames River. 

Our group went up top and sat with a couple of other tourists. Once it started to sprinkle everyone went below, but we stayed up top... Until it fell so fierce and blew so hard we abandoned boat deck, and went below. It was too late thought. We were already soaking wet.

Once I got to Greenwich I was able to cross the Meridian Line and stand on both sides, visit the birth place of Queen Elizabeth, and the Maritime Museum where Chris passed out in half a second, for the first out three times that day. 

The most horrible/great thing about that day was that we missed the boat back to London because Roberta closed the gate even though the boat was still there. We all got refunds on our boat tickets and used the extra food to eat at Wagamama's (which ended up to me my favorite restaurant there.

The next the program officially started, and everyone flew in. Then the plays began!