Okay, okay, I know I promised I would post yesterday, but it turns out I don't have Internet in my hall yet, so I am writing to you today from a McDonald's where I have spent far too many of the last two days' waking hours. Quick updates:
1) I got into my hall yesterday and went to Primark, which is a heavily discounted clothing and home store in London, also known as the sixth ring of the inferno. I saw two women nearly brawling over a coat, utter mayhem, and a see-through lace leotard with a button up crotch. More on London fashion later.
2) Primark was out of pillows, and by the time I returned to Islington (my new home base), everything was closed. Things close around 6 p.m. on Sundays here. So, I got creative and stuffed my new pillowcase full of sweaters and slept on that. It was actually quite comfortable.
3) We started orientation today, and the people on my course are great. So far I've met fellow Americans, but also people from Italy, Somalia, the Netherlands, Spain, Portugal, Japan, Ireland, Canada, Cyprus and, of course, England. Tomorrow we start out with a reporting exercise, so that will be our first real trial!
4) On the schedule for my course, it lists an English proficiency test on Friday. My American hubris led me to believe that I was exempt from said exam, because I obviously speak English. Nope. Not true. Our course director explained today that several years back, someone native to Australia failed this test. Everyone is on a level playing field. Gulp.
It's 9 p.m. here and I think the McDonald's employees are starting to wonder if I'll ever leave, so I think I'll go and study up on my grammar! I promise promise promise a better update as soon as I have real Internet! Miss everyone back home!
Love,
Jess
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