Finally!

I have arrived but not without some adventure and drama. . .such is my style.

In Detroit my flight to JFK was delayed by about 5+ hours which would have resulted in much headache because I would have missed my connection to London. Thankfully in line to be re-routed I found a GVSU girl from my group so we were able to do the long laborious process that was to come next together. We were able to get a flight to Amsterdam then to London with a 5 hour layover in Amsterdam but that was all we could get to arrive the same day. Fast forward to trying to board for London. In the re-routing things got all haywire and we weren't authorized to get on that flight witheout our bags which had flown long before us to JFK (and as we were told were already waiting for us in London). We then missed that flight and had to catch the next on a different airline on the clear opposite end of the poorly designed and confusing Amsterdam international! Upon arriving (finally) in London we found out our baggage had still not arrived yet. So I am still without my luggage (luckily enough to get by in my carry-ons) but safely and happily here!

Day one was a treat grand enough to make up for the first day of travel. Our living arrangements are cozy as is the space-less London's way but fabulous and friendly. Very secure, we have key cards to get in and out of our building and 24/7 security staffing. Its well worth the money we are paying for it! Also I'm still without a roommate so if that keeps up there may be the bonus of much coveted free space in my flat!!!!

The top photos are the view from my bedroom . . .the one with the blue/green panes in it is actually another tower in our complex!

The day started with an excellent orientation for our group and an interesting scavenger hunt through the city. We were provided with rhyming clues with point values and told if we made it to the last clue by 5 and had the most points we would be bought a round of drinks. So the GVSU girls headed out together to try and conquer London. On the tube into the first portion of the map we realized that not only did we have to navigate the transportation and locals on our own but we had to actually figure out what we were looking for (no nothing easy like Big Ben or Parliament). Luckily it was a quick and safe way to get comfortable with city maps, transportation and navigating the locals!!! Plus to gain points you had to take photographs of your group in front as proof which was nice group bonding!! (Photos to come when they get forwarded to me!!!)

All and all a wonderful first day in a city I can already tell I'm going to have quite the committed love affair with!!!!!