My arrival in London was rather anticlimactic. Our program director, Lee, had warned us that "London Heathrow is the biggest and scariest airport in the world. It will take at LEAST 45 - 60 minutes to get through customs."
We got off the half-empty plane fighting polar-opposite emotions. Our uncontainable excitement/smiles/laughter was in stark contrast to the undeniable need to sleep, eat and just veg out. As we deplaned, we made the (what seemed like) two mile walk to the baggage claim, found out bags far quicker than anyone ever has (I'm convinced) in the history of international air travel and walked to customs.
When we arrived at the customs gate, we were greeted, not by a line stretching from there to Piccadilly Circus, but one that was merely a dozen people, give or take a few.
The lady at the counter had the most intoxicating British accent I had ever heard, and so it was a slight disappointment when she ONLY asked me what my business was in the UK. To which I said "Study Abroad".....stamp...stamp.. "OK, have a nice stay." Nope, she didn't ask how long I would be here, where I was studying, if I had my papers (which I was all-too prepared to hand over). In retrospect a good thing? Probably, but that accent....
After getting our bags and finding the correct driver, we embarked on the 45 minute journey to Regent's College in the heart of Regent's Park. In the absence of rain, we were able to enjoy the slight hint of pollution, traffic that would put L.A. to shame, and some of the best-looking German cars on sale today. London is a car enthusiasts heaven and the student lot at Regent's could easily be mistaken for an exotic car dealership.
Much, much more soon!
Cheers!!
okay, i'm stalking your blog because I can't sleep. BUT...this is EXACTLY how i felt about the whole thing---down to every last detail. You write things so well, btw. I will definitely be following this. Even though I'll be there for a lot of it :)
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