Are you Ready?

Well hello! After my interview Wednesday I had some down time so I watched Glee after much trouble with the internet, and the fact that hulu doesn't work outside of America. Molly and Rachel cooked a lovely Mexican dinner for Kelsie and I. Our floor mates were definitely jealous. We decided to go for our first night out! Almost everyone in our building hung out together for a while and then we all headed off to O'Neill's. Rachel, Molly, Kelsie and I stuck with some girls from Bryant College in Rhode Island who seem to know their way around since they have been here for a few weeks. The place was so packed by the time we got there, but that made it more fun! The bar was three floors and more on the 'pub' side. A live band played mostly American songs which made it even more fun! We tried a few kinds of beers, including Bulmers- a cider beer. Delicious, but I am terrified to look up the calories. We have now successfully met students on our program from USC, Bryant, Chapman University in California, Boston College, Texas A&M and Villanova. Many of these kids were with us at O'Neill's. When we had had enough we took our first black cab! It was a perfect and easy way to get home and not too expensive.

Mexican Fiesta Chefs



KU Girls at O'Neill's


Thursday we MEANT to wake up early and shop, run errands and get phones finally. When we woke up at 11:00am, we knew that was not going to happen. We did get our phones and somehow it is cheaper to call America than to call any phone in the UK! We were able to get on a family plan so it is free for us to call each other.

That night we had a party hosted by EUSA at a restaurant/bar called Smollensky's. There was delicious finger foods and everyone good two free drinks- so all in all pretty good. From there, the four of us left with some kids from Chapman to another pub to hang out. Eventually we made it to Zoo Bar, where it seemed like everyone from the 'welcome party' was! It was really fun, and reminded me of the boom boom room in Lawrence-except people are from every country, speaking different languages! I failed at picture-taking Thursday...

This morning we had our first professional seminar...on Business Coms. Pretty common sense but I think it is the only way we will meet up with kids from other schools once we all start work. I did get the BEST brie cheese on my sandwich for lunch from a little french shop. Every Friday we have a different seminar and a visit to a different museum-today was the National Portrait Gallery. Fairly enjoyable, but I have got to find better walking shoes! After the museum we headed over to Knightsbridge, where all of the good shopping is! It was only two stops from where we live but we hadn't been yet. We're saving Harrod's for a day of its own so we checked out Topshop and some other different stores.

Harrod's



We just relaxed tonight since we know tomorrow is going to be RIDICULOUS. First is the Queen's "official" birthday! Her real birthday is in April, but since the weather is usually bad then, the country has a second birthday for her so there can be a proper parade! This is one of the few times she comes out of the palace and can be seen in her carriage, so hopefully we can catch a glimpse of her or the lovely Harry and William! The USA vs. England World Cup game is tomorrow night and I can't wait! We have been stressing so much about where to go, who to root for, what to wear etc. A few people even told us we would get beat up in the streets if America wins! I'm thinking we'll just go to a pub with open seats if we can find one and try not to speak to reveal that we are American!

until next time!

cb