No boring moment in London!

Last night we decided to have some more Grinnell-in-London bonding at a local pub and celebrate Tracey's birthday. Little did we know how much excitement and surprises we were in for. After socializing for an hour or so a random man walks in in attempts to buy my flatmate a drink. When everyone politely declined he became very hostile and belligerent, even threw things at the bartender. Shortly after the bouncers asked him to leave he began to throw punches... needless to say the night ended with him being pinned down to the ground before being taken away in the police wagon. Everyone is fine. This is just proof that there are crazy people everywhere and one should always be aware of their surroundings.

Crazy man

My flat mates

Flat #6

Initially I was a bit nervous when I went to the Grinnell-in-London pre-orientation back in Iowa. I looked around the room and knew very few people. Out of the 27 or 28 people there are only 7 guys on the trip. Trying to find a roommate seemed like it would be nearly impossible and was worried I would be living with total strangers. However, I decided to reach out to Teddy and Lorraine and have not regretted the living arrangements. Just like at Grinnell, it is amazing how you turn into a small family in just a few days. Just like a family we look out for one another. Haha, have to thank Aniela for waking me up & ensuring that I didn't miss orientation. We all have some things in common and somethings that make us different from on another. But we are able to teach each other things about various topics, from music to theatre. I'm looking forward to more fun times & adventures with flat #6!

Teddy, Joe, Aniela, Lorraine, & Me A.K.A. Gregory!

My Flat

The flat in which we are staying in is located in central london, zone 1. I have 4 flat mates named Lorraine, Aniela, Teddy & Joe. There are 2 doubles, a single, 2 bathrooms, and a common area/kitchen all semi-furnished. I have attached photos of my new home for the next 4 month....

My Room... Twin sized bed, dresser & armoire/closet. Limited closet space as you can see... but I am managing!

 Hallway after front door

Bathroom

Kitchen, which has an oven. Believe it or not, I have been cooking!

 ... And cleaning up after myself! Doing dishes & laundry and what not! As you can see, the laundry/washing machine is located in the kitchen which is a common thing in Europe as space is very precious.

Sitting area inside the kitchen...

 Lorraine hard at work at the kitchen table!

Oh, and our flat comes with a cleaning service... which comes on Tuesdays now...

Goodbyes...

There never really is a good time to say goodbye. The other day my mom flew back home. Must say it was rather sad... I would like to thank her for all her help as well. Without her I really would not be here (LITERALLY). Thanks for making this opportunity a success! Haven't even been here a week and already know I love it!

Wellington Hospital

The Wellington Hospital

Before I began site seeing and visiting all of the tourist attractions, I went to meet my local GI doctor. I have to say thanks again to my TEAM of doctors for making it possible for me to travel. Thanks to everyone for your thoughts and prayers. I am doing well, feeling fine in London. Excited for further adventures. Below are pictures of the hospital facilities...

Fashion

Another thing London is infamous for is the fashion. Immediately after exiting the airport I realized Nike & Air Jordan's were not that common/popular and started to only notice the dessert boots and loafers. However, upon leaving Ben's Cookies we ran into a Nike Town. Anyone who knows me, knows I love my shoes. Seeing as Nike Town is being renovated on Michigan Ave, it only seemed fitting that I stop in this one... Bad Idea! saw several of shoes that I'd love to have. After chatting with a sales rep it dawned on me the reason Jordan's aren't nearly as popular in the UK. Not only are Jordan's quite more expensive with the conversion rate, but also the simple fact that they aren't nearly as exclusive as they are restocked quite often and he was not a famous basket ball player in London at the time, especially since basketball is not really popular in the UK.

Ben's Cookies

It was highly recommended that I go to Ben's cookies as they were "the best cookies ever," even better than a Ms. Fields. However, when we finally made it I realized I was allergic to every type of cookie besides the Ginger cookie. Thought I'd give it a go, however... they simply aren't for me.  

An Adventure Everyday

As I said, I chose to come to London to have an adventure each and everyday. I truly am enjoying every moment of it. I am able to see each and everything close up and personal. The other day we got off and transferred the underground tube station at baker square which is what Papa mentioned at my "Bon Voyage." Thought you might enjoy this. I will try to get a chance to visit the actual Sherlock Holmes Museum.

Next Best Thing to Harold's

After discovering that our underground/tube pass would work on the busses we decided to see where a bus would take us. We hopped on a bus around the corner from my apartment which took us down Farringdon road and across the river. The first thing I noticed was the change in scenery; there were no longer Porsches, Ferraris, Lamborghinis, BMWs or Mercedes Benz's. The next thing I noticed was the change in ethnicity. Suddenly there were many more african's around. When we finally decided to get off we decided to walk around. Immediately I saw a chicken shack called "Katie's Hot N Tasty Chicken" but was distracted when we both saw and heard an african festival going on in the court yard of a library. It was rather interesting to see this performance as I did not think rap/hip-hop was very popular in London...

Dream Cars

One thing I love about London is the fact that all of my future aspirations are right in front of me. They are a motivation for me to work harder for me to make them reality. The other day we wondered around and stumbled upon a street which had nothing but exotic cars. So of course I found it to be a Kodak moment...

Complimentary drinks

While my mother sips on her drink, I get to enjoy a nice lemonade. Very similar to a sierra mist back at home.

Arrival to our destination

Here's one for all of you car lovers out there like me.

After about an hour of waiting around do to some mishaps on AmericanExpress' part were finally greeted at the terminal by a wonderful driver. Had us to the hotel in no time. 20 minutes definitely beat the hour it took the other driver who escorted us last summer. Oh and we were able to ride in style!

Boarding the plane to London

Next stop Heathrow airport