The jet-lag is playing it self out. I'm still tired from the time difference, but I've got my appetite back. And I'm waking up at the usual time (local). The day started out with the bus blowing past the stop, even though there was someone waiting at the post. It took another ten minutes for another one to come along. My first task was to go to the Medical Centre for an initial meeting. My blood pressure is good, and my weight is down to 100 Kilos (220 pounds, or less than 16 stones for you Anglophiles). I weighed almost 230 last Thursday. In fact I haven't weighed this little since about 1993. Maybe I'll be down to my fighting weight by the time I'm done.

I went to open a bank account, but can't until I produce a letter from the school with my local address. I also can't do internet banking because I'm a foreign national(?). The banker recommended an account that uses the phone, instead. Makes sense to me... The rates are pretty good. 2.5% interest on a savings account. That almost covers the cost of converting dollars into pounds. So I went to Student Services to get a letter. The highlight was the young woman, obviously frustrated, who threw herself to the ground in a crying, hysterical fit. An amazing site to see, but not as entertaining as it looks in the movies. Plus it meant we had to wait about 5 minutes for them to clear her out. I was given a form to fill out, that will take at least three days to process. On the other hand I was able to go online and change the info myself. Now I can't get the stinking system to print the certificate I need to take to the bank. And it didn't help that the Internet was down and the system was s-l-o-w. One way or another, I'll get it.

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It really was a beautiful day today. Sunny and about 65 degrees. I learned how to catch the bus to and from school. The stop to get to school is about 5 minutes away. The way back stops about 400 yards away.

I wasn't able to go to New Student Orientation, because the place was full about 30 minutes before the start. I'll get there earlier tomorrow. I've connected to the network in my room and wirelessly in the Library (nice building). I also registered with the National Health Service. I have a preliminary screening tomorrow.

Tuesday's registration has been moved to Wednesday because of a scheduled strike by instructors and support staff. And then I get to go to "Mature and Part-Time" student induction at the Student Union after that. And then there's a department induction on Thursday. And there's meetings with tutors (advisor) after that, and then... Man! These people loved their organizational meetings.

I also found both the local market, Price Cutter, which is just down the street, and the big supermarket, Tesco, which is about 1 mile away - but it's right on the bus line. The Tesco's nice. The classic big store, but they've got a better variety of "international" foods than US markets. I think it's in the area called Newington. Ain't that a coincidence?

I met two of my 6 "Suite Mates" in the kitchen tonight. One is a woman from China, the other a guy from Turkey who was raised in France. We all just came to eat dinner at the same time. Oddly enough, I had Sweet and Sour chicken, while the Chinese woman had pizza. I find irony entertaining.

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Check-in at Great Dover was quick and painless. I went to the bar(!) and got my room assignment and keys. The building was new in 1999, so it's in very good shape. It's got six sets of rooms wrapped around a center court. Security is pretty good. I have a swipe card to let me in my "building," as well as the computer lab, laundry, and reception. I then have a separate key for my "suite" and my room. I'm on the fifth floor with a nice view of the outside courtyard between our building and one for king's College. I can see the dome on St. Paul's from my window. There are six rooms in the suite, and a large kitchen that opens to the inner courtyard. That has a freezer, two cook tops, a stove, a microwave, a toaster, and a table large enough for all of us.

My room is a very nice size (they estimated 10x15, but I think it's a little larger). The bathroom is actually a very large shower stall with a sink and toilet. The shower head sprays at all sorts of angles, except straight down, which makes rinsing the shampoo out of your hair difficult. Also, you have to take care not to walk into the bathroom in your socks, or they'll get all wet. On the other hand, the room has it's own mini-fridge! I can actually drink COLD soda or beer. While the room has a radiator, I'm not sure it actually qualifies. It's set to turn on if the temp drops below 16C (60F), and you can turn it up to 21C (70F) for one hour at a time. It never comes close to warming the room. All things considered, it's a nice place.

My address is:

501-2
159 Great Dover Street
Southwark
London, SE1 4WW
UK

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After days of consternation and anxiousness, I flew out on Saturday (Sep 27). I knew that I'd make it to London when Jon said that he'd "drag your kicking and screaming ass onto that plane if I have to." Thanks, Jon. He and Cherie came up to drive me to Bradley. Jon Ryan came, too, but really just to nab my car. The flight to Chicago was fine, though it took a few tries to get through security (computer, cables, iPod, camera lenses, film bag...). I had a 5 hour layover in O'Hare. I gave some thought to trying to fly stand-by on two earlier flights, but decided I really didn't want to get to London at 7 in the morning.

The London flight was fast - we had tailwinds - but that also made it a bit rough. I now know what caused the tailwinds. I hear Connecticut got 5 1/2 inches of rain on Sunday. Heathrow was the usual Bataan Death March to immigration and customs. I had to produce my letter of acceptance and tell them where I was living before they'd let me in. Like almost everyone else I've run into, he was both amused and encouraging that someone his age was going to school. Took the Heathrow Express to Paddington (great train) then a cab to Great Dover (£20!) A tad pricey, but better than schlepping my bags on the Tube. Got to the hall at about 1:00.

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