ok so this is straight from my journal- first impressions of London-

18th January 2010- We are just flying over London now and my god is it huge!!! I cant see past the miles and miles of buildings below- I dont know about you but when I picture England I imagine seeing valleys of grass- rolling hills etc but I cant see them anywhere! even at this height- so now it hits me just how big London is- and im here by myself! and have no sense of direction in this strange new city....

I collect my luggage and make my way to the train platform- a task in itself I should add! their are people everywhere and announcements on the PA- except I cant understand a word that they are saying- MIND THE GAP- ohhhh i get that but whats that about fire on the tracks -which tracks aghh its hard to believe we speak the same language. Its peak hour on the trains people literally jam themselves into the carriages... it reminds me oddly of a tin of sardines- and to think im going to be one of those sardines when i can actually get in the tin!

My hostel isnt hard to find its a straight walk from the station- well from two stations- London Bridge Station. Im staying at st Christophers Inn- on Borough High Street. My first time staying in a hostel and most definitely not the last!

The Hostel is huge! tonnes of stairs! I drag my suitcase up..plomp-one step-plomp two steps- plomp-plomp- argh why didnt i just bring a backpack!?! Im shattered after 20hours of flying and flake out on the bed pretty instantly! The next day I have an orientation day with BUNAC- a working in Britian Program. i wake up early- not wanting to be late- creep into the showers get in only to find that its freezing cold and its a timer button!! i pump the button willing it to stay on a little longer! just another minute so i can wash the soap outa my hair! sheesh i hurriedly dry myself and dress layering on the socks! I hope i climatise fast!

tbc...........