The interview that didn't happen

Friday I spent much of the day traveling to the interview that didn't happen. I left the hostel at about 10:00 am and went to figure out how to use the transportation here. I didn't have an Oyster card (a debit card for travel, so you put money on it, use that until you run out, and then 'top up' to put more money on it) or any coins to buy a bus ticket, so I went to go find one.

I stopped at the Warren Street Underground Station and got some assistance from the staff there. I bought an Oyster card and was on my way. I took the Underground to Victoria, near the southern part of London, and then found my way to the National Line Train. I barely made the train, and then relaxed a bit while I rode to my destination. On the way there, they announced over the loud speaker that there was a fatality at another train stop, so the trains were going to be delayed for an unknown amount of time. I was going to be late for my interview.

I called Wanja at UK Pro so she could get a hold of the interviewer. I finally reached the right stop and had just gotten into a taxi to the office when I got a call back from Wanja. Apparently, the person who was supposed to interview me quit earlier that week and had not told anyone about my interview. It was cancelled. So, I had the taxi driver bring me back to the Train Station.

Honestly, it was not such a bad thing. I decided that I do not want to work outside of London--it would be much too difficult to rent a car and drive to homestays and such. It would have been nice to have the practice with the interview, and it was a bit expensive to get all the way to Redhill for nothing. At the same time, I learned the transportation system pretty well and I got to see some of England that I may not have seen otherwise. I took a different way back to London--towards the London Bridge--so I got to see more of the city, such as the Eye, Big Ben, and a few other landmarks. I liked it.

Eventually, I made it back to the hostel. I was pretty tired and took a nap for the rest of the afternoon. It was very restful.

Friday night met up with Kate in Ealing Broadway (where she is living) towards the west end of London. I think I will forever remember the mental picture of Kate standing outside of the pub, I was so happy to see her! We greeted each other with huge hugs. We spent the rest of the evening talking and hanging out with her friend David from Ireland. We stayed out much too late, but had a fun time. To end the night, we bought chicken kebobs and chips (fries) and walked back to Kate's flat.

Finally Here, Day One

Travel went very well. I left Minnesota yesterday (Wednesday, September 12) at 4:05 pm, connected in Chicago (O'Hare Intl.). The layover, only 35 minutes, was not a problem, contrary to what I had feared. I was lucky!

From there, I boarded another plane (a big 777 with 9 seats in a row--biggest I've ever flown in!) and headed to Heathrow Airport in London, England. The flight was about 7 hours, though with the time change, I arrived in London at 7:20 am (six hour time change from Minnesota to London). After arrival, I waited in line with many, many other people from all over the world to pass through Immigration (about an hour and a half to two hours, yuck!). But, eventually, I got my passport stamped (with the correct one, yay!) and I was on my way.

From the airport, I found a taxi to take to my hostel (if anyone travels to Central London from Heathrow Airport, find a different way than a taxi--it was a pleasant ride and convenient with heavy luggage, but VERY expensive). Though an expensive ride, it was cool to get to see some of London, and I made it safe and sound without any issues. I was welcomed into the hostel and checked in without any trouble. I also checked out some of the neighborhood, bought a phone, went to Boots (like a Walgreens) and got a few things, went to the BUNAC Office (where I will have orientation), and then headed back to the hostel.

The BUNAC Hostel is dorm-style living and there is a pretty tight-knit community that lives here. Some of the people have been living here for several months, some a few weeks, others just a few days or arrived today. The group dynamics are interesting to observe (the social worker in me, of course). The people here seem easy-going and the hostel is fairly comfortable so far. TV is actually very similar to home--Scrubs was just on and now we're watching The Simpsons. Most of the people here are from the U.S. and Canada, so maybe that's why.Tonight I've got studying to do with the UK Acts and Laws regarding social work practice. I have an interview tomorrow at 1:30 pm with the Surrey County Council for a qualified social worker position. Surrey is outside of London, so will have to navigate the public transportation system tomorrow (thankfully, Kate gave me directions and some tips on how to use it!). So, after studying, I'm going to go to bed EARLY! I'm pretty tired with having only had a couple hours of uncomfortable sleep on the plane this morning.

All in all, I am doing very well and am happy to be here (though I already miss people from home a bit--wish you were here!). The weather is pretty comfortable and I love hearing everyone's British accents!

So, my adventure begins...but really, I have been planning this trip for over a year and have wanted to travel/live in Europe for several years. In this time, so many people have helped me to prepare for this--friends, family, co-workers, supervisors, and professors. Without all of the listening, discussions, feedback and other support from all of you, I would not be here in London right now, beginning to fulfill my dream. I hope you know that I am so thankful to have you in my life and I appreciate your support more than I can express. I will do my best to make the most of my experience and share it with all of you.

Much Love,

Heidi

A Fine Farewell

On Sunday around 3:30 pm, I drove to Edina to have dinner at Maggie and Katie's apartment. When I walked in the door, Maggie and Katie both greeted me with a hug and invited me in to the living room. To my surprise, as I peeked around the corner, I saw Dina, Ryan, Mary, Sara, Jon, and Brian. It was a surprise going away party! I was so thrilled to see everyone and greeted them with hugs.

In addition to the fabulous friends present, Maggie had prepared a smörgåsbord of food--red and white wines, strawberries and grapes, shrimp wrapped in bacon, chips and layered taco dip, homemade brownies--that was all delicious. It was an enjoyable afternoon spent in good company and a very pleasant surprise. I got to say farewell to everyone, which I wasn't sure would be possible, given the short time I have left here in the States. So, I am very thankful.

Brian, Katie, Jon, Dina

Sara, Maggie, Ryan, Mary













Me and Maggie

A week from today

I will be moving to London, England.

I feel mixed feelings about this. Excitement. Apprehension.

This morning, as I was organizing my things and trying to prepare for the journey, it hit me. I am moving to England. In a week. Can I do this? Can I move away from everything familiar and comfortable--my family, friends, and the comforts of home?

I guess there's only one way to find out.