I'm here! I've made it in one piece by myself without asking anyone for direction. The flight on Sunday/Monday was surprisingly fine. When I went through security in Phildadelphia, nothing was taken from my carry-on and thrown away and I made my flight with enough time to purchase currency while waiting to board. I had a window seat and an older couple sitting next to me who did not bother me and were actually quite pleasant. The meal was very nice and I felt full afterward.

When I arrived in London I assumed going through customs would be similar to the time I was in Spain so I went to the bathroom shortly after stepping off the plane. BIG MISTAKE. The line for customs was five million miles long and I saw a lady from my flight about half way through the line when I got there. Imagine Space Mountain at Disneyland...you reach the entrance and then you realize that there is still a line zig-zagging through the building before you get to the ride. I was there for about an hour and a half. The good news is I didn't have to wait for my luggage afterward and I hopped on the express train to London's Victoria Station.

At Victoria Station I had a great time lugging my overweight luggage and bags around. I was really struggling, but I didn't think about that when I was packing. I purchased a single tube ticket to King's Cross Station and it cost 4 Pounds...$8!

At King Cross I took a little breather and tried to figure out where I was. After going in the wrong direction twice, I finally found Pentonville Road and made my way to my unfinished student housing.

When I got there it was quiet and there were a few people waiting. Slowly people were arriving and check-in was taking about 20 minutes per person. None of the rooms were ready even though we were supposed to be able to check-in starting at 9:30. Everyone was so tired we all just wanted to take a nap and a shower. I got there around 11:30 and I got into my room at 2:30.

Luckily my room was completely finished with kitchen, bathroom, frig, bed, desk and chairs. However the gym, the cafe, the wash room and the studying rooms are not yet finished. If we sign up for a gym membership for a month, NIDO housing will reimburse us for it.

I unpacked, I went shopping for toilet paper and a blow dryer and I came back for a nap. It was glorious!

GSE took us out to dinner down the street from NIDO to a place called "The Other Side". I had lamb ordered medium-rare, but it was pretty rubbery...still good...but not the way I wanted it.

I've been having orientation for two days now and it will continue tomorrow.

I'll be keeping you updated!