My trip to London was fairly uneventful. I arrived at Bruxelles Midi at 9 AM only to learn that my train was a casualty of the curtailed schedule caused by last week's Chunnel fire. I spent my 6 hour wait chatting with Lady Tunnicliffe (yes, a real Lady) and learning about the political side of the British educational system. The train from Bruxelles was packed, as passengers from the three canceled trains converged. Travel by train has become a favorite of mine over the course of the past month and I plan to continue to utilize the mode for the rest of my stay in addition to after I return.
I arrived at St. Pancras late Saturday evening and took a cab to my home stay in Muswell Hill. My home is a charming three story and is a paradise compared to my lodgings at Cite Universitaire in Paris. My host mother, Pat, is more than accomidating. I feel very lucky to have been placed in such a lovely home with a delightful pensioner and mature (thank God!) roommate.
London is just how I remembered it. After a year away, it feels strangely like coming home. I can already tell I will be more than reluctant to leave at the end of this term. I acknowledge it's been less than a week, but the only downside I see here is the cost. The people are fantastic and there is more history here than I will ever be able to learn. The past month in a half has also opened my eyes to how wonderful public transportation can be. I wish I could bring the Tube home with me.
Though we've gone to a few pubs, last night was the first time I felt like I went out and experienced local culture. After some Shakespeare, a couple of friends and I went out to East London for a show. It had been 41 days since I had seen the inside of a music venue, other than the jazz club in Paris. I don't think I've spent that much time away since in the past seven years! I can see myself being able to settle into the music scene here as well. The two bands we saw were fantastic and I regret having to leave before Casio Kids finished, but the worry of the Tube closing overshadowed my desire for good music. I cannot wait to see what the next 10 weeks hold....
