It's Not the Next Epic But...

I’ve tried thinking of a few ways to start this blog. My first idea was to open with an idea of what was going through my mind right before I left… but then I left before I could start. I then decided I would write about the flight over first… but then that was kind of super lame, seeing as it went pretty smoothly. I mean, the only thing that I can really complain about is how airport security should either be paid more or given more coffee in the morning, because no one should be grumpy and annoyed around nine in the morning. Ah, but that’s about it. I enjoyed the ride and got safely where I had to without any worry at all. Except, you know, for being in a totally new country, but that’s no big thing.

Now I’ve been in London for a week. I figured now is as good as any time to start it, since I’m already here and really getting to know the city. I mean, epics always start in the middle too, right? Eh, not saying this’ll be any epic, not even like Paradise Lost by Milton, but I’m more aiming for entertainment.

So some of the first things I learned about London…

The Tube is your best friend, and learning it will save your life. The Tube (if you don’t know) is the slang name for the Underground here (or the subway). The map for it is absolutely awesome and super easy to use. Honestly, the hardest part is at night when you have to find a station, but you have no idea where you are. This does make it a tad bit difficult, but I assure you, they’re kind of everywhere; if you walk long enough, you’ll bump into one. Oh, just make sure you find it before midnight because then they’re closed. No pressure, though.

If you’re tight on cash, London is your friend. I don’t know about renting a place—fortunately for me, that’s already taken care of—but food, clothing, and such can be found at reasonable prices. Pounds suck compared to dollars at the moment, but that’s my fault for being an American, not the money’s. Money can be blamed for a whole lot of other reasons already, like greed, desire, inequality… good stuff. Anyhoo, I’ve totally been able to make my pounds go the extra mile this first week, which is awesome.

People here like drinking. You learn that “hanging out” in England actually means “going out and getting sorta smashed” when you suddenly notice all of the pubs, bars, and Cheap Booze stores around your area. It also does not help having college students in this same region, who are either barely legal or conveniently only legal in the UK. Hm… I wonder what they like doing every night?

Now my classes start on Monday, so actually the only students in the residence halls at the moment are foreigners (and the majority are Americans). I’ll let you know what the academic life is like later, but I feel this has actually turned into a decent introduction. Hey, would ya look at that!