Arrivals and Other Musings

Hi All;

I have arrived. The flight over was fairly uneventful. I sat next to two women going to Turkey. The conditions in the rear were a bit wild. Tight quarters were an understatement. Still, the flight went by fairly fast.

It was fun to watch Asha see London for the first time. Our driver didn't show up (never use Express Drivers of London) so we caught a cab into the city (50 pound). Melia White House is lovely. Our room had some minor problems, but they sorted us out and it will be a nice spot for me during my stay. It is on the edge of the business district, so its a mixed bag as far as people go, which makes for fun people watching.

We stopped at a Tescos and a Sainsburys (grocery stores) and loaded up for the week, although so far we've eaten out fairly often. That will stop after Asha leaves, but I will eat just fine (mom). I'd forgotten about the Tescos tuna sandwhiches, with corn, which I loved. For 99p I can have a yummie sandwhich.

Today Asha and I went to Harrods, which was heaven for Asha. I bought some nice things for myself, including a lovely alarm clock and a scarf. We also stopped at the Jo Malone counter. Her fragrances are my favorite and her line is really lovely. I bought a Grapefruit candle and some bath oils. They were pretty pricey (dont ask), but well worth it I think.

Today I also unpacked. I still have some adjusting to do, and I need to explore the neighborhood more, which I will do next week, but all in all its going to be nice here. The kitchen doesnt have an oven, unfortunately (and contrary to what I was told), so I wont be cooking myself Thanksgiving dinner in the oven. Still, as Adam pointed out, I can always buy something pre-cooked.

The news has been full of stories about New Orleans. Most shocking to me was the unedited audio of the mayor of New Orleans begging for assistance and demanding that something be done. With no FCC regulations here, the news has more cursing than a sailors bar, but the accuracy is--in my view--of a much higher quality. Unfortunately Sky News is partners with Fox, so that was a bit much, but the good ol' Beeb is still at it and I spent some time glued to it while unpacking.

I am now on London time, so its 3pm in Seattle and 11pm here and I am tired and ready for bed. Other than some being fairly dehydrated (which is better now), the transition was fine. I slept a lot, but then I was tired when I arrived.

Tomorrow Asha and I head out to Oxford Street to shop (I still need a few things for my room) and then back to Harrods. We didnt see everything (Asha wants to see the Princess Di thing - according to Asha "If there is a God, he lives in Harrods") and I want to walk around and see Hyde Park. If we have time we'll hit the V&A, if not, I'll go after Asha leaves. On Monday we're going to walk over to UCL and then on to the British Museum. Sometime this coming week we'll go up to Cambridge, but when I do not know.

I hope all is going well with everyone back home. Thanks for the note Debbie!

The phone number listed in the first post is INCORRECT. The correct number ends in 3000. Please note that since you won't be able to reach me without it.

I forgot to power my camera, so I will post photos tomorrow. I've also got a funny story about the view in my room, but I'll post pictures and share that tomorrow night.

My love to you all.

- Hopies