Day 3

7.9.18

Today was a quiet day. We did not really have any sessions but Tim kept us busy. I slept in just a little then went down to the International Office. I had to speak to Sarah Gibb about my visa. I thought I was going to need a BRP but since I am only going to be in the country for four months, I don't.

Well, I did not know that at 11:30 today. Tim messaged the group about walking down to the International Office as I was on my way to the bus stop thinking I had to go to the Richmond post office. I did not end up in Richmond but instead spent my time with my AQ family. It took a second to get everyone together, but eventually, we got all of the cats in one place.

Tim got photos of all of our living spaces, and we got to see where most of the homestay people will be living. Once Aidan gets here, I will make sure to get a photo for Tim. These homes are beautiful. I haven't seen anything like them back home.

We took the train into Kingston today, and at first, I was catching up on my reading, but then I found that to be crazy. Watching the window is so much better.

Kingston was, overwhelming. I got a flat iron and curler finally but then spent the rest of the time people watching. In a lot of ways, I am not so different, but in many ways I am. It is odd, I know but whenever I see someone around here, they seem different. I can't put my finger on it, but there is something they have that Americans don't. It is a very odd feeling.

Anyway, Bailey, Maddy and I talked to Aidan today. He was still in bed but he is ready to come, and so am I. That was a brief topic at the International Office, Aidan and I, but Kristen and Andy were extremely helpful with all of our questions. The mail system over here is almost the same thing as AQ's. Mailing stuff is pretty simple, once you figure out the address. I am slowly getting the hang of it considering I ordered something off of Amazon. I think I did. Kristen said the main thing was the house number and the postal code. That is crazy. If I just put my name, 865 45377 on an envelope back home, the mailman might laugh at me.

We did ask about the WiFi because poor Bailey doesn't have the best luck with it. I went with her to the library, but she has to wait until Sunday when everyone else moves in. Poor girl.

She and I went out to get snacks afterword, and I am excited to start munching! I spent some time after that to set up my travel blog and charge my phone before she, Maddy and I went out for dinner. We walked up to the Cabbage Patch, and it was a pleasant stroll. The weather feels wonderful. It is taking a bit to get used to, however. When I left Dayton, it was supposed to be 93 there, and London was like 60 something when we arrived in. We all went from the middle of summer heat to weather we usually get in the middle of October. I am fine with this weather, but just not used to it yet.

When we got to the pub, I got a nice salad with roasted cauliflower and a gin and tonic. You have to get used to gin and tonics because they are everywhere. Good to know. We stayed for a while, and there was even a rugby game on! I did make a mistake and walked away from the bar without paying first. Scared the poor bartender, but I turned right around and paid for everything. I felt horrible! It is just I am not used to ordering at the bar. I don't mind it, but it is different.

I am happy Maddy finally arrived and I can tell Bailey is as well. She is hilarious to be around, and we have some good chats. I forget who it was, Jules maybe, but they said everything happens for a reason. Well, I think the reason Aidan isn't here yet is that then I would haven't hung out with Bailey, Maddy or Handley. I would have been out with him. So by him not being here, I was able to connect with the other AQ people and the other international students.

When I ordered from the bartender, I got caught up in a conversation with him about the States. I called him 'sir' during the conversation because that is just something I do. He looked at me oddly. Calling people 'ma'am' and 'sir' is a very American thing. I had no idea and its hard to break.

On our way home, we found the oddest thing; a full chocolate cake just sitting on the side of the road. We had a good laugh, and it was one of those you had to be there moments. We made a pit stop at Tim's hotel and got another drink with him. Eventually, we made it home. Good thing too since we are heading into London Central tomorrow!

Here is Bailey's and mine house for the term.