The first days in a new country

Flying to England was the first trip I've ever made overseas, and it is the first time I've ever flown on a plane. Needless to say, my nerves were a bit worked up. Once I got on the plane though, everything was great. 

Despite a fifty minute delay, the plane ride went very well. It was absolutely amazing at take-off to see the city of Chicago all lit up beneath me. I had a fantastic view, right on the edge of the plane's wing. I could see the city below and watched the tiny cars look like they were floating on golden rivers. 

Sleep was not easy on the flight, and sitting for eight hours in a cramped seat became a bit agonizing. None of that mattered though when I could see over the beautiful country of England just an hour before we landed. It was the most magnificent view, for just beneath a row of puffy clouds was the place I was going to be living in for the next three months. Excitement level: uncontainable.

After landing in Heathrow airport around 9:30am (UK time), and breezing through customs. I met the Kingston University Welcome staff and had a lovely greeting after my long flight. I had to wait just over an hour to get on the bus to Penrhyn Road (Kingston's main campus), and then I had to wait another six or so hours for enrolment and my taxi to take me to my home stay. I was exhausted.

My landlady has been very kind and lovely since my arrival. My bed was ready, I had a hot shower, and nice cooked meal. It was such a nice way to end a very long day. 

a view of Richmond Park

Today, Torie made me tea for breakfast, and I'm already obsessed with it. It is just so good! Then, we went for a walk in Richmond park with Torie's dog, Millie, and the view was magnificent.

Later in the evening I went shopping with some friends in the busy shopping center of Kingston. I finally got a useful phone which will be incredibly helpful when I try and navigate my way around a huge, new city. I actually almost boarded the wrong train today, but thankfully a very kind and helpful woman pointed me in the right direction. She missed two of her buses to help me find mine and she even waited for me to board it before returning to her bus stop. I have already met such nice people! 

just doing some shopping