The Trip to London (And So It Begins...)

Yesterday, I departed from Newark airport. I was full of hopes, dreams, and that warm, happy feeling you get when watching dog food commercials. In no time at all, I would be snuggled into my bed in London, just awaiting the adventure of study abroad! But, alas, it would not be so easy...

First, as was expected, the line for security at Newark was abysmal. There was one long line from which they then sorted us into smaller lines, where our passports were checked and we were filtered into the security check lines. This took about 40 minutes. No biggie! When I arrived at my gate, they were beginning to board the plane (it was still 50 minutes before departure time).

After boarding, we waited at the gate for 50 minutes because apparently, we were missing some equipment. Still, we made up the time in the air and arrived above London on time. I use "above" London because we were unable to land for a full 40+ minutes as it was snowing (the most snow they've seen in 20-30 years, I was later told). Well, we landed safely. And that's what matters, right?

Well, we were funneled into passport control, where the line wrapped around and around almost to the gates (and only 4 employees were on duty). It took 2 hours to get through passport control. By the time I got through the last train from the airport had departed, and I was forced to take a taxi. The taxi cost £75. I make it up to my room. It is now 1AM. I check in with the family and go to sleep.

Not an hour later, I wake up with a splitting headache. Mind you, it was not from dehydration, as I proceeded to drink about a quart of water (thank goodness I bought that Poland Springs!). I had no pain killers and the headache persisted ALL NIGHT. I barely slept more than an hour total. The headache lasted until about lunchtime today.

That's the exciting story of my arrival in London. Luckily, the day was better. I met a few cool people and got to wander around London a bit. Also, I'm officially a KCL student. Check it out!



Mind you, I blurred out some to prevent people on the Internet from knowing too much... BUT, I'm part of the School of Physical Sciences and Engineering! I ROCK!

Now, dinner, organize my room, and sleep... It looks like my classes might not start until January 18th, so I'll have plenty of time to explore London.

COMING SOON: A tour of my room.