Well, in London, anyway. The flight was uneventful, although my bike decided to hangout in Denver a bit longer and take a later flight (despite me and it arriving at the airport extra early). No matter, United will deliver it to the flat tomorrow, which actually makes it easier for me! Shane, my landlord, and Karen, his partner, have made arriving in London a complete breeze. Karen picked me up at the airport, with a quick stop at her lovely home and tour of her garden along the way, and Shane showed me around the neighborhood a bit, pointing out good places to eat, places not to eat, and the local market and bus stops.

--- view from the flat ---
 

The weather is nice – warm with an unusual wind, which feels good after being on planes for 12+ hours. Some clouds have moved in later in the afternoon, but the cooler temps are a welcome change from the recent stifling heat in Colorado.

Bethnal Green is a bustling neighborhood and very diverse - reminding me much of NYC, but more quaint. I set out to the local grocery store at the post-work hour to find people and families of all shapes and colors – a nice change from homogenous Boulder.

I’ll have Thursday and Friday to get settled, un-jetlag, and explore a bit on my own. Saturday will be packed with various orientation activities and a late afternoon reception for the program. Sunday and Monday more orientation and touring activities and then classes begin on Tuesday.

I declined a generous offer to BBQ with my only friends in London and cooked myself a simple dinner. My own quick shower mirrored the weather outside, as the afternoon clouds have proven fertile. At dusk, it is gray and drizzling, as one would expect London to be. Shortly, at barely 8:30pm, I will turn in for the night. Today and yesterday have melted into one very long day with very little sleep and I hope to wake up at a proper time and ready to see some of the sights London has to offer.