Jan. 4, 2009 Greetings to All! I arrived in London on Friday afternoon, as I needed to check into my dorm room before 5pm. I looked another flat first at Earl's Court. It had a lot going for it, a television, phone, wifi internet, great location, but it was lacking in orderliness, and I was afraid it would have driven me crazy. The only window looked out on two moldy patio umbrellas, and I know I could not have tolerated it. I have spent the last two days trying to be hyper thrifty and walk the streets of London over using the tube. As the temperatures have been in the 20-30's, I have frozen, and have needed to use one of the lovely bathtubs available (yes, they really are lovely, the showers have a button that only keeps the water on for seconds, so you are constantly pushing the button, and on top of that, the light is on a timer, so if you are not quick enough, the light goes off!!!) to thaw my cold feet.
I decided to get a phone, as I am realizing that it will be a necessary tool for the future. That was an experience in itself, however, I believe it is all in place.
I think I shall be well qualified to eventually write a travel book, How To Do London on 9 pounds a Day!
One of my greatest joys was skyping to my daughter Kate this morning at 4am. I am not yet acclimated to the time zone, and am awake in the middle of the night. I think tonight I am going to resort to an ambien that I brought along for that reason.
I bought an alarm clock in China Town today, and I am not sure if I have it set up correctly. I am nervous about taking a sleeping pill and missing my first day at my new job!!! Between the alarm clock and my cell phone, hopefully one of them will go off accurately!!
Anyway, stay tuned. Tomorrow will be the beginning of my nursing adventure!!! Cheers, Donna