Sunday, September 2, 2007

Here at last

I made it! I arrived in London this morning (Sunday) at 9am and it's so good to finally be here. Traveling went really well and the four of us who traveled from Omaha together didn't have any problems. One of my favorite parts of getting here was on the flight to London when I sat by 17-year-old twin girls who are from England. We talked about traveling, UK and US school differences, and other random things-- like when one of them asked if South Dakota was a desert. :) I had to really focus to understand their quick speech and accents. Though they do speak English here, it's much harder to decipher than I expected! But I'm sure I will get used to it and maybe come home with an accent of my own...
The place I am staying with 50 other US students is called Vandon House. Vandon House works as a hotel during the summer and then study abroad students fill it during the school year. We are blessed to be in a wonderful, central location (close to Buckingham Palace). My "classmates" here will be fun to get to know and those I know so far are great. My romming situation with my roommate, Abby, is going to work out well I think. She is very into fashion and clothes so, as you can imagine, we are quite the pair!
This afternoon, after unpacking, I went with a group to get our tube (subway) passes for the week and a few groceries. After that, a few of us walked to Regent street to an Indian Festival being held today. There were so many people there from all different nationalities which was neat to experience my first day here. London is very diverse-- which is another aspect I didn't expect. It was fun to walk to the Festival, too. Though it took about a half hour to walk there, there is always something to look at! The buildings are so beautiflul and old and, well, everything is new to me and makes me curious!
I apologize if this post is a bit disorganized. I've been awake since early Satruday morning and am running on the poor sleep I got on the plane. It will be an early bedtime for me tonight! I'm looking forward to understanding this city more and starting my classes and... going to "Wicked" on thursday night! If you have any questions for me feel free to ask them. Thanks for being interested in my experience here in London! I will try to write more soon.
blessings, Amy

10 comments:

Lisa said...

Hey, Amy! I am glad that you made it to London safely! Is it raining there? Greta is going to read Christy Miller! How big is your room? Love, Lisa

Unknown said...

Oh Gosh what a comment lisa.....fast and furious....
I'm glad you think you will get along with your roommate.... If you can deal with me you can deal with anyone :)
can't wait to hear more.......
ciao mon amie
Kristen

Britta said...

YOU'RE GOING TO "WICKED" AND I'M NOT THERE!!! How incredibly unfair! Buy me a t-shirt or a program or something! (yes, over there you have to buy the programs, they don't give them to you at the door! Dumb, I know!) Lifelight was good! Chris Tomlin was awesome! Mom's doing surprisingly well considering Trista moved in yesterday, but it helped that Sylvia and I were there until after lunch today. Have fun and write me long emails if you ever get time! Do you know your address yet?

Laura Schmidt said...

Hey Amy! It was great to see you one last time before your flight! I am glad you had safe travels, I totally understand the jet lag and the unability to sleep on the airplane.
Enjoy London! Take lots of pictures for us to see! It is still my goal to visit there someday, not just in the airport!
When do your classes start?
Well, may God continue to bless you as you study abroad. Remember to listen to Him and keep your eyes focused on our true prize!
Much love,
Laura

Marie said...

HI Amy!
Oh god I had to create a google account to post ya a message. THen my message was all deleted oh well starting again. Um yeah remember i tatlked 2 u in rapid. Well soon after i went home cause the lady was too mean. I made it to my orientation luckily, just missed the first day but that was ok. and then yeah I stayed with my cousin till the 29th and moved in that day. Been here since.
BUt thats cool that you're in LONDON! i hope u have alot of fun.
e-mail me shor0131@umn.edu, add me marie_ur_hero19@hotmail.com and my face book and myspace is mshortbu@usd.edu. Do u still have that one cellphone because I can call you sometime. Well talk to you later!

katie said...

hi amy!
i'm so excited that you're there..and so jealous. :) thanks for updating us already--i can't wait to read more! :)

love you.
katie gosselink

Amy said...

where is your charger for you raaaaazor?
did you see my note i wrote for you?

THURSDAY??!?! WICKED!!?!?!? lucky!!!!! by me a t-shirt!!! (they are probably like 50 bucks...but get me one!!!!!)

-Anna!!

John Mochel said...

Amy,

This is all so grand. Of course, you must walk the Thames on a foggy morning, paint the Tower of London, write some Shakespere, and have Tea (with milk) and scones for breakfast.

Do lots of people wear hats there? I would think that you'd have to have one cool hat to be a legitimate Londoner. Do they really call the French "Frogs?"

And, of course, be careful how you say "randy," "bum," and "rasberry."

Have a great time.
God bless you.
PJ

jan Gillespie said...

Hi Amsters!!
So happy to hear you're starting your grand adventure across the pond. Soak up all the culture and have good times while learning all you can.
I remember all the funky haircuts/dos and the people are wonderful. Have fun exploring Sherlock!
Be safe and know that you are so loved.
Jan n' Gang in Co.

Unknown said...

its so nice that we wear almost the same sizes. b/c you left a lot of clothes behind. i'm assuming that its okay if i wear some? like I wore those tan plaid-y pants to church. they are soo nice! suuper comfy and soft. i see why you like them so much. and they are not so low cut either!

its okay, right?