London Here I Come

I flew to Texas and then had a layover. The one hour layover turned into four. I lucked out because I could call people during the layover, but I was anxious to just arrive. Angel #1: I boarded the plan and this nice man helped me with my carry on. Yes my carry on was so heavy! Stuffed completely full. He probably could tell I was nervous as he gave me all sorts of advice about life in general. The best advice that he gave me (in my opinion) was this "life is 10% what happens to you and 90% your reaction to what happens." I loved this! This means no matter what happens most the time we are in control of the situation, by choosing to react positively. So even though it was a long flight I was glad to sit by someone who was positive and comforting.

Starting to land, my first view of England! 

When I arrived I went through customs (yes, nice man was still carrying my bag). Customs was followed by a quick money exchange. I felt if I took care of the exchange at the airport I would feel a bit more organized. Angel #2: During my layover in Texas this girl overheard me talking to people about living near Hyde Park. She said that she lived very close and would be willing to help me get on the tube when we land. That was comforting in a moment of stress. Walking off the plane I was praying she would remember who I am. I had told her "purple boots" hoping that would help her recognize me. After getting my luggage I couldn't find her. I couldn't find the boy I was supposed to meet at the airport too. No phone to contact anyone. So the quest started. Pulling my suitcase, holding my bag, and carrying my backpack I circled the terminal. Nobody. Now I don't love being alone so this was hard for me to be alone and not know my next move. Right when I thought I may lose it I saw her walking towards me smiling. Yes angel #2 found me! We exited the terminal and found the other student. We got on the tube, which reminded me of the Subways in New York. The tube ride was noisy, dark, and a little smelly. I wanted to see outside but couldn't. Finally we reached a stop and I saw little stone houses with a wall, and green trees. Before I had time to let the beautiful  image sink in we were underground again. 30 minute ride to our stop. People shuffled on, shuffled off, 2 school boys dressed in their school outfits got on. I thought about Zach and McKay. Tube was not too crowded. We discussed church, school, and music. Angel #2 is here in London studying music at an academy. She attended boarding school in London when she was a child. She wanted to know how the Mormon church was different than other churches. She then said, "I may be wrong but aren't you guys not supposed to use modern day technology?" We explained how that is the Amish, and no Mormons are different.

Her and I riding the tube! 

When we got off at our stop we walked up the stairs, well, more trudged up with all the luggage. We got to the top and I turned the corner and honestly thought I has been dropped straight into a storybook. An English storybook. Charming buildings lined the streets, and to top it off there was a light rain. Angel #2 told us this was typical London weather. I knew these rain boots would be handy! (Thank Mom & Dad) I looked at what was different, but noticed what was familiar. I saw a dog that looked like Chica tied up in front of a store, I saw a Yankee Candle display, a Starbucks, and pharmacy type stores. I noticed that there were people going to and from places holding umbrellas and wearing tall boots. We walked for a good ten minutes. We passed the cutest little children dressed in peacoats & uniforms. Just like the movies! I wanted to stop and talk to them but we had to get to our apartment. All of the sudden we turned the corner and saw a row of gorgeous apartments. Also, gorgeous cars!  I peered into some of the apartment/townhome structures and some were absolutely stunning. Chandeliers, beautiful artworks, and fancy home offices. This street was so quaint and charming. Almost like a San Francisco type neighborhood. We got to the end of the street and went into an office to get our key. The lady had an accent and was so friendly and proper. People here are so proper and traditional! We got our keys and walked a short block to the edge of Hyde Park! I saw all at once the entrance to the park, a bus, and a red telephone booth! It was too good to be true! Our flat (apartment) is right across from Hyde Park! Our door faces the park! It is a perfect place right in the center of the hustle and bustle of things. We have a key to the main door which puts you in a small hallway with stairs. Each floor has one flat. There are 5 levels, and I am on the fifth. As I was checking the bulletin board out a group of girls walks in. They had just gotten back from the Tower of London. Three of them were my roommates and were so sweet to help me lift everything up. They showed me around the flat. It consists of a family room, with a balcony looking at Hyde Park. A little kitchen, and a big dining room with huge table. We are all divided into separate rooms with different bathrooms. My room has four girls in it. Some of the rooms have 2 & 3 girls. We all share the flat! So all the common areas are shared by all 16ish of us. We have another flat down stairs. The buildings around us contain college students from all over who come here to study. I met two of them who happen to be in our same building! Class for me doesn't start until Monday. The girls all say that they can't believe how much free time we have. It is like living in Provo where we do our own thing. It makes it so fun, because I wake up feeling like a am a local. We have freedom to do whatever we are interested in. I think we all are still trying to get adjusted and figure things out. Especially me since I am the last to arrive.  I am anxious to get out and explore everything tomorrow! Tonight we talked, and watched the Bachelor & then The Young Queen. Today we are going to explore. We decided we all need to make a list or everything we want to do while here!

Angel #3 = My parents, siblings, Ty, uncles aunts, grandparents and friends who were so excited for me to have this experience. The nice sweet texts and e-mails wishing me luck and telling me to have the best time. The shopping trips mom and I took. The words of advice from Ty and my dad. I am so thankful for my family and friends who are so happy and excited for me. I am so happy I can communicate with people and think it is so sweet I have so many people excited for my experiences! Love you all!

We each have a closet. 

Xoxo,
Kristin