Entry 1: July 7, 2009

I cannot believe that I have already been in London an entire week. It feels like it was only yesterday that I was on that incredibly long plane ride from RDU to London. I have never been so happy to get off an airplane in my life.

But it was totally worth it, London is amazing. All of the buildings seem to have this history in them because of the architecture. It is so beautiful. The place where we are staying is also incredibly nice, especially the view from my room at sunset. It is absolutely breathtaking. The staff is also extremely helpful and sweet which is not what I expected. I thought that the English did not show a lot of emotion towards others especially strangers but the staff here does express that they are very happy that we are here. The nuns are by far the most open about their excitement that we are here studying their culture. They are by far some of the most experienced and sweet women that I have ever met. I went and had tea with them the other day and it was my favorite thing that I have done. I feel that I could sit with them for hours and talk with them about all of things that they have accomplished throughout their lives. Something interesting about the afternoon tea is that they drink their tea with milk here. I was a little hesitant about it at first but it is actually quite good.

I have also seen some shows this week. I saw “Chicago”, which was done very well except for the fact that Jerry Springer played Billy Flynn. I am not sure why but I just could not take him seriously because of how he and his show are viewed in the United States. I also saw “The Lion King” which was incredible. I had heard excellent reviews about the show but you really cannot understand how wonderfully done the costumes and choreography are until you actually see it for yourself.

Overall for now I am absolutely in love with this city. It is just so beautiful and their truly is so much culture to experience that it is definitely a unique and once in a lifetime experience.