The Longest Day Ever!

I finally made it to London!!!!!

This has felt like the longest day in history.

Getting out of Dallas was pretty hectic but I made it in plenty of time to lounge, have a farewell margarita and make a few phone calls before boarding the plane.

I have decided that I am flying BA everywhere and the Premium Economy is the way to go until I can afford the First Class super pod or the Business Class sleeper loungers. The flight was pretty bumpy, there was turbulence from the beginning but it was pretty bad over the Atlantic, lots of tossing and turning right in the key sleep time...but we safely landed at Heathrow.

Customs and getting to the driver was pretty uneventful but it was a long drive into the city and to my apartment.

On the radio there were a lot of memorial activities and commentary on the 7/7 train and bus bombings...Note to self, do NOT take the tube today.

Also, they had a call in about to Pumas, Cougars and Jaguars. Who knew there were some many levels for women who want to find a little younger prey...I mean companion.

Then there was another pretty heated discussion about violence in the classrooms where students are threatening and physically hurting teachers and how afraid the teachers are so there is a pretty big shortage. Sound like the States? The driver thinks the teachers need knives to shove up some "arses" and after they are a human Popsicle, then they need to go to juvenile prison. Thanks, Driver.

The first big hiccup was that I could not check in to my apartment until 3:00 (15:00 GMT), the problem, it is 10:30!!! They did let me store my bags but all I really wanted was to take a shower and a long nap. I could have cried but my tear ducts were too tired.

So....off to God Knows Where to kill several hours.

I spent most of the time walking around, having an early lunch at a little middle eastern style diner, (think I will go there often).
See my lamb burger with chips, salad and burger relish.

Walking through The Boroughs some more (the area where I am staying) and then finally a few hours at Starbucks, where I actually fell asleep with my eyes open at least 3 times. That is freaking tired. At 2, I went back to the apartment office and they had me set up. Thank you!

I am in apartment 109 on the 4th floor. (The contradiction in numbers as well as the base floor being 0 is difficult for my tired brain to comprehend).

Also, So much for a view of the city but at this point, I don't really care. Mama is beyond exhausted. I have been up about 36 hours straight now.

After a bath and a longer than expected nap, I decided it was time to go buy a few groceries to get me started. You do have to buy EVERYTHING. There is a Tesco express right next to my building so that was helpful.

I tried to prepare with all of my little converters and adaptors and what do I do first thing...I blow up my chi flat iron. It is melted! Ladies out there, I know you can feel my pain. For the Black ladies out there, I know you just passed out thinking about being in rainy London without an essential life tool. I have already researched a new flat iron at Boots that is on my way to the office. LOL! I will go without food or sleep before I go without my flat iron.

It is hard to describe but people are very efficient here. The are polite and personable but everyone is on the move. Most Texans would think this was being unfriendly but it really isn't that. It just isn't superficial or gushing. People are helpful but they are quick. No unnecessary words, actions, movements or interaction. I am sure I will have more on this later. Still getting my initial impressions.

Everyone has been saying it has been hot but it was cool-ish 60's today and of course grey skies. You see everything from leather jackets to shorts.

UM UM, note to self, Starbuck's and Tesco express will definitely be where I will be doing some men watching. Even with my totally disoriented state, there are some cutie pies buying lattes, heat and eat curries, beer and milk. The strange thing (at least to me) is that they are very polite and helpful in the very simple day to day things. Very different but, as I said before, hard to describe.

People have a polished relaxed look here. Not sure if it is the area I am in but the people's clothing is pretty simple or dressed down but their hair cuts are edgy. The men are metrosexual, I see guys with great hair, appropriate use of products, nicely fitting clothing, good skin and manscaped eyebrows and facial hair. But they don't seem gay, (although they might be), they just care much more about their appearance.

I have really had trouble figuring out how to turn the power on for everything, turn on the water heater (Who knew you had to plan for hot water) and how to use the oven to warm up my Tesco pizza. Just a different mentality, only use the power that you need at the time. What a concept. Do you see all of these panels in the kitchen? What is a Plinth Heater?

Tomorrow will be my first day in the office and I have already been invited to two different things that are going on tomorrow and Friday. I am glad for that. I feel a little out of sorts right now so it will be nice to get into the office and see some familiar faces and some new but connected people.

Okay, well time to logoff and plan for tomorrow's adventure of going to the office and taking the tube and of course, getting my flat iron! It is especially made for Afro Hair. LOL!

Cheers,

Erika