Well, I've officially been here for a week. The week was spent becoming familiar with the place I'll call home until next June. Actually, right now I can't really imagine an 8'x 12' dorm room could ever be home, but London itself is pretty awesome, so I think I'll like my broader surroundings just fine.

I am glad I've had experience in big cities, especially when navigating the public transportation system. London's Underground is amazing. I can't decide if the person who designed it was insane or a genius. Just looking at the map is mind-boggling. If the Tube routes were pieces of yarn and you pulled on all the ends, a knot would form that could never be loosened, I think. And what's even more crazy is that this is all underground. The network of tunnels is so vast, one wonders what the city is actually built upon. It seems like just a few below the surface is hollow nothingness.

But, some of these tunnels are quite far in the earth. Russell Square, the station closest to my hall, has an elevator to take you to and from the Tube. There are stairs available, but a posted sign recommends using them only in an emergency since there are 175 steps! Another popular stop also discourages using the stairs because there are 195 steps to the top--equivalent to 15 stories, it stays.

I actually won't be needing to take the Tube on a regular basis. My classes will be held in a building that is just a five minute walk away. One thing I love about cities is that a person doesn't need a car to get places. After the driving the wretched commute from Lansing to Tinley Park all last year, I am looking forward to walking and talking public transportation everywhere I need to go here in London.