MELODY TIENYUN

I had flown internationally by myself before, so I was not nervous about that. The plane was nice and new-very high tech-but the seats and leg space were smaller than other airlines I’ve flown. If you choose to fly Norweigan Air, you must purchase any snack or drink you wish to consume, and even a pillow, blanket, and headphones.

When I arrived in Gatwick, I headed through immigration, it says you need your CAS number (if studying in the UK), but the officer simply asked me a few questions after looking at my passport and landing card. I waited at the baggage claim and was the last one there, when I realized that my suitcase was not coming. I picked one up just like it, recognizing that the handle wasn’t mine, only to affirm what I already knew. Someone named “Hasmik” might have taken mine by accident.

No suitcase.

Hailing a black cab taxi during peak hours is an extra 11.50 pounds, which hurt my wallet, came out to be 100 pounds (sad). But with my carry on, large suitcase, and backpack, I figure it was better than lugging it through the Underground and not knowing where to go afterwards.

My mom had been waiting for me at the dorm, Northumberland House, and I arrived in the rain to finally see my room. It was much smaller than the dorms at CMC, but it’s London. The bathroom was most interesting, as it looked like the ones in airplanes or a cruise ship, with the shower right over the toilet seat and an awkward curtain draping across the middle.

My roommate, Katherine, was extremely friendly and invited me to dinner with some friends of hers and other people she had already met. We walked around Covent Garden until we found some space at a pub. They made us pay before we got our food, even though we were sitting down, which I thought strange. Also, they weren’t too keen on splitting checks either so be prepared if you’re in a large group.

Day 2

I knew it would be a long day ahead, so I decided to make some tea in my room, but the adaptor didn’t seem to be working. I took it off the extension cord and plugged it in directly. Since it couldn’t reach far enough to make it to the ground, I had to put it on my desk. It’s strange that there are no outlets closer to the ground, but I digress.

The kettle whirred and began heating up the water. When it began steaming, I moved my electric kettle, but accidentally pushed the button on the top to pour, and the cover completely popped off and half of the boiling water shot out all over my desk, splashing my hand and neck as well! It was a mess. I frantically grabbed my laptop, wiped it, checked that it was working, moved my phone and dried it off. Thankfully, my electronics are still working, but that was scary. I ran my hand under warm water right away (first aid tip), and put Neosporin on my burns.

When I came back to the room that night, my roommate made pasta for us both. Since we do not have catered meals here, we share a kitchen with 5-6 other rooms. I also attempted to use my new, adorable little Narita rice cooker I brought from home, but I’m pretty sure I saw flames coming out from it. (My roommate smelled the smoke, so I wasn’t crazy). I rushed it to the kitchen, but saw nothing wrong with it. It definitely smelled burnt.

Needless to say, electronics do not like me.

Even though it hasn’t been smooth, at least it makes for a fun story to tell. I can’t wait for what’s next! Hopefully this does not entail burning down my room.

Thanks Somewhere New Tour! I had a great (but cold) time on the Thames meeting my new classmates and fellow GC students.