I am HERE finally! After hours of waiting in the airport and on the plane, I am grateful that I am still awake and not so much jet lag even though I slept little last night. This is technically my first flight experience without my family; it did feel a little weird and rebellious at first but I was comforted by these two older British couple who kept me company and held my hand when I was scared during the take off and the landing. I can't help it! I have little tolerance for speed and height! Anyways, during our sporadic conversation about politics, British history, economy, and personal matters throughout the night, the most surprising fact about London has been the fact that Londoners are mean! On the contrary, when describing their vacation in New York City, they found the New Yorkers to be very friendly (Something the Americans take for granted). And, it is not just two people. A 28 year-old single mom who helped me to get to my dorm also said the same thing! She reasoned that perhaps the media plays a role to help portray a kind and friendly image of New Yorkers. Nevertheless, I am intrigue to find out whether this statement is true or not in the seceeding months to come.

As I walk around the London streets, much of it reminds me of NYC. However, as I listened to the people talk in their British accent and heard the phrase, "Mind the gap" over and over again in the Piccadilly train line, I realize I am not at home anymore. This day has feel so long and it seems like a continent away between my dorm and the campus. I am starting to miss my little Wheaton bubble because my aching feet would have agree!

Countdown 'til I Leave

I have to say as a New Yorker, I am not very comfortable with having an online blog because I will be very self-conscious of what I say but I also understand that this is the best and the most efficient way for me to update my friends on my abroad experience. There is just one more thing, this blog is not just for those who read it, but for myself a year, two years, five years down the road when my memories have failed me in the lessons I learned and the adventures I undertook. Many have asked me if I am excited about this trip and for some weird reasons I seem to have trouble answering that question. London is a big deal to a lot of people but for someone who did not plan to go there in the first place, I can only say it is God's plan. To someone who is not a big traveler, I might not understand the implication of this abroad experience or the impacts it will have on me, but I trust that it is the better plan than the one I originally had. As a city girl, I look forward to exploring a new city. As I bid my posse and friends who are going abroad good-bye and praying for their safe journey, I wish I could leave with them instead of waiting here patiently for another month.

There is only one more week to go before I hop on a plane and land on a city that is so different and yet so familiar at the same time. For the journey ahead, I have no doubt that there will be many challenges but I know that I am ready for them.