First day in Londeeernn

After two days that felt like one, I have finally arrived in London, England. A whole other country whatttttttt?? Being here in London feels strangely familiar. Like I have been here before and already know how it works. Using the tube was super simple; perhaps that is because I have used the subway in NYC and Chicago, so I am a little used to how it works, but this tube was extremely easy going. I did not even have to check my phone 5,000 times to make sure I was heading in the right direction. Walking… on the other hand, well, I do not know. I think I know what I am doing, but then in actuality I do not, haha. I got turned around a couple times, but all was well in the end. Another thing that is interesting to me here is that I have been approached by multiple strangers to have a conversation or they are trying to sell me something and this is just not the norm I am used to. Especially in a big city like this I would expect most people to be very independent and to themselves, but nope. No, no; they are indeed talkative or, most probably, just trying to take advantage of an American tourist. Another thing we did today was walk through Chinatown and this area’s Chinatown was very, how shall I say, westernized? Walking down those streets felt like walking through a painting someone made of what they thought a Chinatown should look like in a western area; not what a Chinatown is and can be. So far, my most favorite place is Russell Square Park. I went to it twice today and both times were very peaceful. I loved how the trees were planted. It was purposeful, right, but not so much in a cookie cutter style that I see a lot of modern areas have nowadays. (Why people plant trees when they have no idea how to plant a tree or what it needs to be able to survive is beyond me.) The trees encapsulated this small plot of grass in a really pleasing way. Even the restaurant in the park felt like it belonged there rather than it feeling like it was encroaching on a small ecosystem. Then post my shower time friends and I went to a bodega to get some small things we were unable to bring on the plane. We walked the then dark city streets of London and saw quite a few people smoking their fags (I hope I can say that word.) and enjoying their nights with their own friends. We also passed the city college health center and a couple of their dorms and oh. my. goodness. This one dorm building was so beautiful and sweet. It had white trimming around the doors and windows and had red brick that lined the rest of the walls. The building was in the shape of a U and inside the open area was a beautiful garden area. I want to live there. Now please, thank you. But, so far- my arbitrary but rightfully so 10/10 score for London, England Day 1 is: 7/10. Here is why: 1 point deducted for the sad excuse of the California nachos I decided to partake in for dinner. Another 1.5 points deducted for the dull and boring men of this city not leaving me alone. And finally, another .5 deduction because the tap out of the tube with your Oyster card just seems silly. Tell me why London, I would like to know. XOXO, Candace