Another day in London!

It was another wonderful day here in the UK! I had a hard time getting to sleep last night due to all of the jet lag still catching up with me so managed only about four hours of sleep. I still had a great day though! I went and purchased an Oyster Card for the tube system here that will allow me to go within central London as much as I want for one month. The best news was that I used my debit card and wasn't charged any fees for using it internationally! I was beyond excited since I was expecting some major fees to be charged for using it but actually got a better deal than I would've (due to fees) using an ATM. I then successfully took the tube to school where I had class introduction meetings periodically throughout the day.

I kept myself very busy between classes venturing out in London today. I spent around two hours in the Natural History Museum, which wasn't nearly as exciting as I had been hoping. At least it was free so I didn't feel too upset by my disappointment. I also was very proud that I only spent 90 pence (cents) on lunch out today! I grabbed a sausage roll (it looked like a Hot Pocket with ground pork in it) from Sainsbury's grocery store for only 50p and then got a bag of Cheddar and Onion chips back at school for 40p. I was so proud not to spend a lot! I want to be able to travel a lot so spending all my money on food is definitely not going to get that accomplished.

We finished out our planned activities with a police safety talk. One of London's cops came in and spoke to us about what not do to and what to look out for. He was the funniest and friendliest (and skinniest) cop I've ever met. I was so surprised though that London cops don't carry any sort of weapon with them because of strict gun laws. It concerns me a bit but since London has relatively low violent crime I guess it's working for them! I finished things up at CAPA by finally getting an emergency cell phone that I'm not charged anything for unless I make calls, everything I receive is free. So if anyone would like to place an international call or text to me just let me know and I'll give you my number! lol

After this point in my day, I was exhausted and just ready to give into the jet lag. However, at the urging of my wonderful roommates (seriously, I've gotten so lucky) I decided to go along with them to ASDA, which is owned by Wal-Mart. This was quite the experience. We had to transfer to a different tube and then take the overground train to get there. We noticed that the class of the people near the ASDA was much lower, the streets busier, and just things generally not being quite as nice as the area that we live in. It was worth it to get some cheap food, but I don't know if I would feel comfortable returning much more often than once a week midday. It was nice to finally get some cheap food to make at my flat.

All in all, London is absolutely amazing! I miss everyone at home a lot but I'm so thankful for this opportunity that I don't want to miss a thing while I'm here. Tomorrow we'll be going on a tour around London and then I am going to attempt to go for a jog with one of my roommates from Tennessee in Hyde Park. I think she runs cross country at her school so hopefully I can keep up somewhat! At least I'll get to see some beautiful scenary as I get some exercise.