Greetings from Abroad

"Ell-o!" (This is exactly as the cabbie said)

Greetings from London! The land of a cold, gray, and rainy disposition--all of which I am enjoying at the moment.

I have many stories to tell you, even though I have only been gone for a couple of days.

I will try to make my father feel as guilty as possible since I had so many layovers. So here is problem number one:

When I got to Atlanta for my first layover, the layover that appeared out of nowhere since it wasn't on my ticket, I had to ask the flight attendant on my plane where I needed to go for my next flight. I told her that I was going to Paris and then to London. So she tells me that I need to catch the tram as soon as possible to the OPPOSITE end of the airport, so I can be prepared to board my flight.

Nice.

Anyway, I make it over in time to give my parents a call.

On my long flight--Atlanta to Paris--I sat next to a Greek Plastic Surgeon in his mid-thirties. He was an intelligent guy that liked to talk; so we talked. Surprisingly, the conversation was good. I explained my sort of perception of life and reality, and he explained his. Well, after a while, he taught me how to taste wine (airplane wine, hahaha) and then, so subtly, invited me over to his place in Greece for a weekend--all expenses paid! His, so called reason was that I was a student and needed to see other places.

...well, from that point on he confessed his liking for me, even though I told him I tend to attract guys, without intention at the start of our conversation. Seems he didn't care too much.

The remainder of the flight was an interesting one, to say the least. He complimented me on as many things as you can think of. He said I was so unique, that I was so mature for my age, that I was a beacon of light in his eyes, even that I had a perfect nose (thanks mom). He said I reminded him of Chelsea Clinton whom he met when the Clinton's came to Greece about 10 years ago (his father was associated with politics). Oh my goodness, it made for an interesting flight.

Well, good news to my family members looking for a plastic surgeon--I have his card, of course, but bad news for the family members that thought I found a suitor!

Let's see. This was the first 8 hours.

Problem number 2: The flight was small, crampt, and didn't have televisions or games, and I sat next to a Greek Surgeon that was in love with me...wonderful.

Problem number 3: Arrival at Paris.

I get off the plane to be rushed through another check in. Well, it was okay until I realized none of them spoke ENGLISH. I had to point and make strange sounds to communicate. That didn't last too long though. I got a little nervous when I got off the flight and tried to call home to realize that my phone wasn't working internationally AGAIN. A bit frustrating when you have an international plan on the phone. So I am preparing to get on the plane and I hand the flight attendant my ticket waiting for him to point which direction I sit. But he looks at my ticket and hands it back, nodding. So I ask--"Which way?" And he looks confused. So I look both ways to realize that to my left is the cockpit and to my right is the only row of seating, hahaha. Wonderful. I probably upheld his belief of dumb Americans.

When I arrive in Heathrow and get to my friends terminal, I am dead tired. And my phone still isn't working. When he arrives about a half an hour later, with 3 times as much luggage, we get tube tickets and head for the underground (it was his suggestion since he had an oyster card and it was cheaper). Well about 45 minutes later, lol, we get off on our first transitional station. After this, we realized we should have called a cab. Cliff and I get off the tube to be greeted by "213 steps" as it stated on the sign before we almost met our death from exhaustion. For me, one trip up the stairs did it since I had an easier load to carry, but poor Cliff had to make two trips to carry 5 bags. We went through this process a couple of more times before we made it to my station. I come outside to a quaint little English town--with nice restaurants, little markets, and a Starbucks, oh how wonderful, indeed. I realized then that I didn't remember getting directions from the tube station so Cliff and I made a left out of the station. After walking about half a mile, we think we have gone the wrong way, so with all our luggage we turn around and go the opposite direction. About half a mile in the other way, Cliff nearly quits on me since he is so exhaused, lol. "I think we should get a cab, " he exclaims. I told him it couldn't be that much farther, although I had no idea and someone we asked on the street said he had never heard of the place, which brought my confidence down a bit. Anyway...we stumbled across the street and there is a sign "Bartrams Residence for Girls". Relief. So we head down the street and walk inside where I was promptly greeted by the cook. He had told me that Sister Patricia was eating lunch and asked if I could wait. About 45 minutes later she arrived with open arms. She was the sweetest thing I have ever seen. Not a bad thing could come from her mouth. She seemed so passionate about meeting me I couldn't help but blush. Well, she brought me to my room and sincerely appologized for its size. I told her that it was wonderful and I was glad that they took me in. "Ohhh what a wonderful girl you are. You really are just the sweetest thing. Come child, let me introduce you to some of the staff." So I went with her to meet some of the other nuns, all old and cute, and she was just so happy to introduce me! "This is Megan...like your Megan," she said to one of the nuns. "She is just the cutest thing I have seen! And look at that hair." She really is quite wonderful. I am enjoying my stay here.

After I got settled in I went with Cliff to his place...oh yes, by cab. And although it was only about 10 minutes away by car, it was completely different from my part of town. His was completely industrial whist mine was quaint and cozy. It was very neat to see the changes, and so quickly! Such diversity in London.

Anyway...I am sure I left out some things, but I thought I would fill you in on others while letting everyone know that I am settled.

All my Love...