We've only been here three days, but I feel like we've been here for weeks. There's this strange old guy staying at the hostel, and as best as I can figure it, he does nothing all day but smoke smelly cigarettes and mind everyone else's business. He's very creepy. It's kind of strange staying at that place, because a lot of people are just on extended vacations. So they're all in "backpacker mode" -- they expect us to want to party all the time and be their best friends. But that's not what we're here for. I feel a little antisocial with them, but I feel like we only have a small window of time to get ourselves settled before our money runs out.
I was reminded of Nadia today in the internet cafe when the Canadian owner put Bruce Springsteen's
I'm on Fire on the loudspeakers... tee hee. Totally reminded me of that tape, and then I felt like watching
Saturday Night Fever and listening to the BeeGees. What a bad influence on me you are, woman! :)
We got a mobile phone yesterday, since we can't apply for a job or find an apartment without contact information. Today we sent out a whole bunch of resumes, and are hoping to get something soon. I'm optimistic of our chances during the day, but full of doubt the minute I close my eyes to sleep. I guess fear is good for you on some level, although I haven't discovered how yet :)
Every day I'm tempted to go shopping; the shoes here are fantastic. And I hear there's a Manolo store in Central London... hmmm :) But all I can afford is window shopping, which will have to suffice I suppose. The fashion isn't really that different, at least what I've seen so far, which is good, since I can't really afford to buy new clothes either :)
The weather here is changing... today was considerably colder than yesterday, and I wore my sweater all day. Good thing I packed lots of winter stuff.
Anyway, I apologize for the boring entry today. I did have something amusing to write, but when I sat down to post it, I couldn't remember what it was. Yep, I'm a loser. :)
Oh, if you want a postcard or our new mobile phone #, send me an email (with your addy).
S.
Well, after a long and tearful goodbye at the airport, we're finally here. I managed to get some sleep on the plane -- a first for me. (Marie, are you shocked?) Although I was rudely awakened when the plane hit some nasty turbulence. Feeling the plane suddenly drop and shake was pretty unnerving. And since I tend to assume the worst, I thought we were going to crash :) Good thing I had my scrapbook; it definitely made me feel better, even though it made me cry. For those of you who contributed to it, I can only say that I'm touched, and I love you all.
Anyway, we finally got to our hostel about 3 hours after arriving at the airport. I blame Shane; with my EU passport, I was pretty much waved through the gate, whereas it took about 45 minutes for Dingman to go through border patrol. It was pretty funny -- or at least it was to me. We retrieved our bags, stored two of them and then headed to the tube to make our way to our new home for seven days. After a few wrong turns out of the station, we found our hostel, which is better than we thought it would be, since it has a fridge, stove, microwave, pots, pans and utensils we can use. We spent eight pounds on food today. Pretty cheap by London standards, from what I've seen so far. The location of the hostel is pretty good too; we're within walking distance of the tube, a few supermarkets, a job recruitment centre, and about four banks.
The plan for tomorrow has not really been decided yet; all we know for sure is that we're meeting Hamida in the afternoon. We'll probably make some enquiries about flats, since we've already compiled a list of potential places. We're saving our tourist-y day for Saturday, when we plan on taking a double decker guided tour through central London. I've been on it before, but I can't wait to see it again.
S.
Last night was the 80s cheesefest, and I had a blast. What a sendoff. :)
Solid Gold,
Girls Just Want to Have Fun, and
Dirty Dancing... who could ask for anything more? I had a great time with the girls (and Matthew, hehe) and can't wait to get copies of the pictures.
Was feeling a bit sad today because it's finally sinking in that I'm leaving. I have said goodbye to most, if not all, of my friends by this point, and the fam is coming over later to bid me adieu. I also finished packing today, which means I now have nothing left to do with myself, other than feel horribly sad. I will miss everyone.
S.
