san francisco origin city

The trip began in San Francisco. Or more technically it involved a brief visit to Oakland (for Bakesale Betty's amazing chicken sandwich) and Berkeley (to look at an apartment for the Spring) and then a trip over the Bay Bridge to San Francisco and the Ferry Building. My parents and I walked around, bought some snacks for the plane, saw some green parrots just out and about in the city, and then headed down to Millbrae for the night.

I got about four hours of sleep.

And then we took a 6 am shuttle to SFO and put me on my flight to Chicago. Which ended up being late due to "dynamic weather formations" (said the pilot after we got through it). I had to change terminals, take a tram, stand in a huge line to go through security again and then got randomly selected for a drug testing. I think. They pulled me aside in the little glass box, swiped some clear liquid over my hands, and when nothing happened I was sent on my way. Only to have an official search through my carry-on! With 5 minutes before my gate boarded.

I made it to the gate, and got on the plane - I don't think I have ever sweat so much in my life lugging around my extremely heavy, shoulder strap carry-on (a successful attempt to move heavy objects around so my checked luggage weighed in under 50 pounds). Horrible mistake to not have a carry-on with wheels.

We landed in London Heathrow early, but the line for customs was outrageous and I eventually was dragging my carry-on along the ground. I had gotten no sleep on the plane, only ate half of my airplane-food meal, and sat feeling queasy for a good two hours as we landed. After customs I made my way to baggage claim (of course - the very last carousel in the long, long hall), found my suitcase, and failed miserably at cooly strolling through the airport to find the Heathrow Express train into Central London. I had to stop and readjust bags at least six times.

From the 15 minute tram ride, I found a taxi who misheard my address but all worked out in the end. I arrived at my building in beautiful South Kensington, promptly took a shower, and got in bed.

Since then I have met my roommates, went on a 10 minute walking tour of our surrounding area that was cut short by heavy rain, sat through a "House Rules" orientation meeting, and went to the grocery store for some breakfast-y items when the rain stopped.

And tomorrow begins at 9 am with a mandatory fire drill.
I don't think the program coordinators understand jet lag.

Pictures of my room and building to follow - when I find an ethernet source that will let me load pictures faster.

Thank you for all the warm wishes! I'm finally here!