Hey guys,

So sorry I haven't updated you on everything yet, I've been busy experiencing three great cities! I'll try to add in chronological order now that I'm so far behind

But I'll start from the beginning:

Caitlin, Megan and myself got to the airport last Friday and just about half of our whole flight to london was filled with CSB/SJU'ers going to their different programs. We had a quick fuel stop in Gander, Canada and all 20+ of us got out to stretch our legs. It was really exciting to have everyone there, kind of like how I used to get excited for field trips as a kid.

Except this one is four months long.

There were a few disappointments: No TV's, no games, not a double decker airplane, big time changes, and there was no room to sleep.... but it was filled with friends from school.

And it was only $400.

LONDON

The girls and I arrived in Gatwick around 8 am in the morning local time, grabbed our luggage, had a complimentary taste of Pimm's (Like a rum, lemonade, herb-y mix- the local favorite so we're told) and headed off to the Gatwick Express for our journey into the city.

This is where we encountered our only truly stereotypical crabby, snotty Brit.

So, we are on the train with our luggage, as is everyone else coming from the airport. A tall, skinny man with balding hair,
 a neatly pressed pastel sweater over his shoulders,
 and a Jacques Clouseu inspired mustache,
 blasts through the trolley doors with a tiny dog choking on his leash,
yelling with growing frustration "BLOODY IDIOTS, HOW-ARE-PEOPLE-SUPPOSED-TO-GET-THROUGH.... NONE OF YOU SHOULD EVEN BE IN FIRST CLASS". Tripping over everyone's luggage, he makes his way through the cabin.

apparently we were in the way. Good morning to you too, sir.

The rest of the day one was a blur, we we're so over-tired but way too excited not to see anything. After hauling our luggage through the metro and up the stairs (couldn't find the elevators or escalators), we made it to our stop at Piccadilly Circus. Megan, Caitlin and I dropped our luggage off, changed clothes, and left to explore the city.

First stop- St. Steven's Tower (aka Big Ben), followed by sightseeing the House of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, and next on our list?

Platform 9 3/4 at Kings Cross Station. Overrrated, yes. For any die-hard HP fan = a must. We waited ten mins in the rain for it.

*3 hour nap*

Ate dinner at a wonderful pizza place in Soho by our hostel, and spent the rest of the night at a bar overlooking busy, chaotic, exciting, Piccadilly Circus and enjoying a Stella Artois cider.

More later and pictures!

KP