Finally across the pond!

This delayed update is due to the craziness/lack of internet that has made up the last week. But I'm happy to say that I'm finally settled in at Mansfield, complete with internet (and a blowdryer!).

Dad and I arrived at Heathrow on Monday morning (Sunday night US time). After getting my visa stamped and the bags collected, we headed to our hotel in the South Kensington area of London. That day consisted of a lot of sleep. When we managed to wake ourselves up we made it out to the London Eye (a giant ferris wheel in Westminster). A touristy thing to do, I know, but it was an amazing view and a great way to be introduced to this amazing city!

Many other tourist activities ensued while we were in London. We took a tour of Buckingham palace, went to Westminster Abby, ate fish and chips, visited Windsor, and explored the Tower of London. Everything was incredible to see, the amount of history contained in these buildings and witnessed by them over the years is awe inspiring to say the least.

After London, we headed North West through the Cotswolds and to Stratford. The hotel we stayed in was called Ettington Park (google it now), an old manor house that's been converted to a hotel. The grounds and the building itself were fascinating, I felt like I was in a Jane Austen novel for a few days.

And finally, we arrived in Oxford on Friday morning. After many trips to the local tesco (a target type of store) I can say that my room looks less like a prison cell and more like a college dorm room. (not much of a difference between the two, is there?) My dad left today, Monday. It was hard to say goodbye but I'm so excited to get to know more about this amazing city. Every street, every building, every person here is interesting and filled with knowledge and history. I've loved exploring the different colleges, especially Christ Church (where Harry Potter was filmed). The bookstores, pubs, and markets are all amazing. Things are starting to feel less foreign to me and more like home. The people are friendly and so willing to help in any way possible and the other American students here have been a good resource.

There is so much more to tell, but I'll save it for another post. I'm going through the joys of freshman orientation right now so I'm sure there's a treasure hunt or a name game coming my way in a few minutes. More to come on Mansfield itself and my activities this week. Check out the pictures above. First is dad and I at Windsor castle, next is Westminster Abbey and last is me and a very dashing palace guard. Love and miss you all!

S