Today I got stuck between the doors of the London underground.

Just picture a subway closing and you being between the doors. You think I'm kidding? Well, that was just ONE part of this extremely long and sweaty day.

I woke up, calm and collected at 7, to get ready for the long day ahead, made sure I drank plenty of water so I wouldn't have to worry about being super-dehydrated later on, and headed off to the orientation with my "flatmates" (that's what everyone calls them) Once we got to the main campus of Kingston, we filled out paperwork, learned how to use our phones more, and actually got our "oyster passes" which let us ride the train zones 1-6, buses, and the tube, absolutley free! So it's a breeze to go through London, because you don't have to even think about buying a ticket anywhere, just hop on.

We went for another walking tour of downtown Kingston this time, and it was surreal. It was a mini-city all in its own, so cool, and my friends and I can't wait to go into there if we're too tired after class to go into London. Then we had a free lunch at the pub, and I had a delicious veggie burger and a pint of fosters! I only drank half of the beer, also keeping my hydration in mind! I can't believe how smart I'm being! I even put on sunscreen! (lets see how long the smart and carefulness lasts!) Anyways, it was a delicious free lunch, with all types of CONDIMENTS! if anyone knows me, they know I love condiments, especially on my fries. So, i went over to the condiment section and there was so many things. I tried all of them of course. Here's a rundown.
French mustard: Looks a little like poop when you squeeze it out of the packet, because its brown, but it tastes like a velvety mustard that's not as spicy as guldens, just a little sweeter.
Horseradish sauce: everyone knows what that tastes like, but soo good on fries!
Malt vinegar- chips and vinegar! What can I say?
And last but not least, Ketchup! Enough with my condiment tangent. I had my fun. Anyway, we got into groups and left for London to do our "photo frenzy" which was getting together with our flatmates and taking pictures in front of various locations.

We got there from the Kingston station to Waterloo, which is the central London train station. We took a left immediatley and got to the London eye! So cool. Here is a picture, I took it, so I couldn't be in it. But from L to R is Jeremy, Amber, Jenna, Kirsten and James. They're all my roommates.

On the way toward the tube, we passed big ben! It's just as big as you thought it would ever be. It was just so crowded, it was hard to really enjoy the sights. Maybe we'll go in earlier next time.

Next, we "hopped on the tube" to Buckingham palace! It was so beautiful walking through the park, and then we finally got there. It was in the blaring sun in the middle of the day, and we figured we'd come back because we needed to get other places by 5:30 but we got there!!

We finished the day off by stopping in Trafalgar Square, it was so gorgeous, but again, so crowded and hot that it was somewhat unbearable and all I kept thinking about was water. So we left the area and went to the Jubilee Market just down the street. SO cool. so beautiful, all sorts of designer shops, little bakereys and ice cream shops, and pubs all over the place. It was so cool, on a cobblestone street. I can't believe I haven't been here before, the experience was indescribable. It is so beautiful, and unlike any city I've ever been in.

After that, we were getting antsy and hungry. So we went to a delicious Thai place, and my roommate from Montana had never eaten Thai before! it was so funny, she was nervous and didn't know what to get! We helped her pick something out and she loved it, it was a successful experience for her, and us, because it was very good.

At the end of the day all I wanted to do was get off my feet, but we were in the center of London and still had to catch the tube back to Waterloo, and a train from Waterloo to Surbiton (Which is the station about 10 minutes walk from our dorm) ughhh.. so much more walking. But we did it! And made it back to our rooms by about 7:30. It was a successful trip. Next time I go in, I want to have a more definite plan, and find some really cute coffee shops and book shops, and do things that are less- touristy. Can't wait for my next trip in.