..Two days til my departure date!
I am in the process of fixing my bank account (just got the customer service rep after 20 minutes on hold), testing my rented pay-as-you-go phone, and finishing last minute paperwork such as my financial aid packet and work reflection that my boss requested.
And after I am done running errands, I can actually start packing! All I've done so far was moved the clothes that were chilling on my bed all break down to the floor on top of the duffel bag that will become the home of the rejected clothes while I am away.
While in Mammoth, I didn't really think too much about London - well I guess that's a lie. I thought about London a lot, but only in snatchets, minute moments of recollections that I'd be leaving the country very soon. Then I'd forget again because I'd have to put on my jacket, or get off the ski lift, or avoid the reckless rider about to clip my board.
Anyway, now I can't believe this whole study abroad thing is about to start in less than two days. During pre-departure meetings, the study abroad team at LMU talked about culture shock. I admit, I laughed a little bit inside. Me, experience culture shock? Yea, right. But now that I have been thinking about London pretty much non-stop, I have realized that I am going to be in a foreign country for the first time on my very own. I won't even have a cell phone (I hate to say it but I am so reliant on my cell that I have been texting friends constantly to make up for the 4 months I won't be able to text them)!
Now that I have had to figure out how I am going to exchange my US dollars for British pounds (should I make the exchange here? should I make the exchange at the airport?? should I make the exchange in London???) and how I am going to get from Heathrow to my residence building (should I take the tube? should I take a taxi?? should I walk to save money???), I have realized that these things are a little bit complicated when you're doing them for the first time.
But I am off to a good start. I know that I have a great big adventure ahead of me and even with mistakes made, I shouldn't really worry about it. Because I am ready to enjoy every second of it. While staying smart, of course.
About Me
- Lara
- Los Angeles, California, United States
- I started this blog when I was a full-time volunteer with Good Shepherd Volunteers (GSV). I spent one year in NYC, one year in Malaysia, and one year in Thailand. As a volunteer, I believed my main role was to love and know the people and communities I lived and worked with. This blog helped me to process and share that experience. I don’t blog so much anymore, but you can find me on Instagram @LATorii7
4 comments:
Exchange your money there and try to find a place that has a better exchange rate (yes, they do exist). And if the clerk is a guy, flirt with him. Hahah I swear that's how my mom got more Euros in France.
And although it might be expensive, I'd suggest taking a taxi to your place, at least for the first time. It'll be less stressful after a 10+ hour flight. You'll get more acquainted with London afterwards, and then you can use the tube.
I hope that helps, Ms. London!
Too bad we don't have BBM. Definitely take a taxi when you get there. You'll have plenty of time to experience the tube later...
And, really, Nathan? More Euros? That's hilar.
Yup, a better exchange rate.
what's BBM? and it looks like i'm taking the tube for now because a friend agreed to wait for me at heathrow. unless i'm really late and unable to make our meet time, then i'll def take a taxi
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