Settling in my temporary home...

It has been a strange few days... New digs, long lines, familiar faces and new experiences. I am quite happy in my temp. house and can't wait to get settled in my new flat.

Thursday's move was a bit rushed, but all worked out in the end. I had a total of three suitcases, one pack, one backpack, four boxes, a computer bag, a school bag and a purse. That's it my friends... That's all I own. Of course, once I am in my flat I will be purchasing a few things (a desk, a set of drawers, etc) but I am living the 'lite' life at the moment.

Friday I had an afternoon appointment to get my work permit squared away. I went in to school in the morning to finish my year 10 reports, then hopped a train into London and a train out to Croydon to the Home Office. My appointment was for 1:00 and I was about an hour and a half early, so I found the office and grabbed a bite to eat. Then I joined the queue for appointments... At 2:45 I met with an interviewer. [Why would someone hire a keyboard pecker for a job that requires typing?! It took forever for him to enter my information!!] At 3:15 he released me, stating that my passport would be ready in two hours. I ran outside for some fresh air before they locked the outside doors at 4:00. While outside, my voicemail rang. Emily and Nico were in London, so we made plans to meet at 7:00. I left the Home Office at 5:30, a very happy girl. Now I can start moving forward with all the rest of my paperwork.

It was great to see Emily and Nico. I had a blast with them, although I am afraid I have scared them a bit. You see, I am not much of a London guide. I do not spend much time in pubs or doing social things in town - I tend to stick to museums or just walking about. After meeting the happy couple under the London Eye, we decided a drink was in order. Every pub we passed was full on a Friday evening, most had people spilling out into the streets. Then we passed a pub near Trafalgar Square that looked empty. Wanting a place where we could sit and chat, we entered this place and ordered our beers. Taking a closer look, the place was full of men with very few women. Nico and I had a seat at a table and I started to notice the posters on the wall - all were gay pride. I had taken them to a Gay Pub in London!! Luckily, Nico was not too freaked out and if he was, he played 'calm' very well. We chatted about their trip around the UK and looked at pictures - they've seen some beautiful places!!

The rest of the evening was fun. We had Indian cuisine for dinner and another drink before catching the tube. I hope I didn't drag you around the city too much, EJ and Nico, but I really enjoyed hanging out with you guys! If you are in London again, I promise to have a better plan. :) Hope you enjoyed U2 on Saturday!!

So, I spent Saturday helping Vivine (the woman I am staying with) get ready for a barbecue in the evening. I got to use an electric lawn mower - it felt like I was vacuuming the lawn instead of mowing it!! I wasn't sure whether I would stick around, feeling a bit like I was intruding, but I am glad I did. Even though I think Richard, my student, was a bit uncomfortable. The family is great and reminds me of home. I had a blast and I even have found a new favorite drink - Pimms. :)

Anyway, I need to hop in the shower and make a Fathers' Day phone call home. Then I really should head into town to do my shopping and I still have my year 7 reports to write. Busy few days, but nice.