Day 1: Arrival and a Tour to the Neighborhood

Finally, after paperwork and orientation sessions, I am here in London.  The flight was a non-stop PDX to HTR. As soon as I landed, I followed the signs to the Underground and searched for the Piccadilly line. The trip from Heathrow airport to Green Park Station was long. It took about 55 minutes.  I got off the train at Green Park and chose the Jubilee line,  then looked at the signs for Bond Street. I got in, and got out immediately since the very first stop is Bond St. I searched for my hotel and after checking in dropped like a potato.

I must have slept for two hours only. I thought it was more. I took a shower, dressed up, and went to the Joe and the Juice store around the corner. I ordered a "Hell of a Nerve"( the name sounds already irresistible to me), which is a smoothie made of strawberries, bananas, and elderflower. Then I ordered one Joe's Chicken Sandwich. Both were delicious, and they seemed fresh and clean. I was feeling hangoverish from the long flight, so the smoothie felt heavenly. Having quenched my thirst and hunger, I returned to the hotel to lay down.  I got up at 2:00 am and could not sleep until 5:00 am. then I woke up at 8:00 am. 

I went to Cafe du Paul and had a full breakfast as I was starving. I found the wall panel very fitting so I took a picture of it.  Decent place excellent service and it was very tranquil. I enjoyed my cup of latte. I would definitely try this place again.

After checking out, I am ready to walk to Westminster University, Marylebone Hall. On my way out, walking around Duke St., I found this home where Simon Bolivar stayed circa 1810. Neat!

 The maps application was messed up, it kept rerouting and rerouting and  there was a lot of lagging. I ended up going in circles twice!
Finally,  after 35 minutes of fumbling and fumbling, I found my way without the navigator.






I was hot, tired, and thirsty. But I made it to my dorm. Here is a picture of what it looks like: So far, the room feels airy since the windows are tilted. I hope I don't need to buy a fan.

After receiving my schedule, I took a nap, I am still tired. I walked around Baker Street corner with Marylebone St. I found Nando's and decided to give it a go. I found a place, then ordered at the register and by the time I sat down, there was a big line after me.  I had a fresh house salad with chicken breast, plain flavor.  I added olive oil and salt, and it tasted much better.  I had a glass of red wine.

We met our instructor at 5:30 p.m. and were introduced. Professor Welsh invited us to Bill's to have dinner. I ordered a Halloumi Burger, it was good!

We walked around the neighborhood with the entire group, seventeen of us. The teacher recommended going to Paddington Street Gardens.

We scanned Baker street and spotted Tesco, Sansbury's, and Robert Dyes, which are on my radar for grocery shopping and miscellaneous items to buy such as an adaptor for my phone and computer and a fan if the room gets too stuffy. Well, that is the end of my day today.