Wheatus Rules!

Hi everyone. Sorry I haven't posted in over a week. I intended too, but keep forgetting. Alas, here I am today to recap so far.

Last weekend was the Mayor Thames Festival along Thames River. It was really cool. It took several hours to walk through it all, filled with vendors selling everything from food to clothing to books; it was just about everything. There were also river races and concerts, and yes, even fireworks. The festival, in a way, signifies the end of summer for Londoners; however, in an ironic twist, this week after the festival was the most summer-like since we have been here. It has been high 60's and no rain, with partly sunny skies. You could have laid out and gotten burnt! That's pretty surprising for London this time of year, or so I am told.

Then I have had classes all week and that's just always exciting (sarcasm?). I haven't had a single thing to do for homework yet, but soon (aka this week) I have to write a paper and prepare for an exam. This Thursday I will leave for Istanbul, Turkey with my Islam class. I am super excited to be going! There are planned trips to Hagia Sophia, Grand Bazaar, Blue Mosque, and even a Harem. Add in some free time and we get a fascinating trip to the gateway to the East. Pictures, of course, will follow.

Speaking of pictures, I haven't been able to upload many to this blog, but you can check out my Facebook for pictures or conveniently click the link on the right hand side under Other Study Abroad links and it goes right to my Shutterfly website where I upload all my pictures. Check them out. I have to upload some newer ones from this past week I have taken.

Oh, almost forgot! I took a tour of the Houses Of Parliament on Tuesday! Of course, I found it completely fascinating. I would venture to say that I enjoyed it even more than the US Capitol. It must be all the extra history it provides. There were soo many things about it that made Parliament amazing: architecture, history of the rooms, the Queen's role and mores, and being in the same room as so many Kings and Queens, let alone PM's. Hopefully I get to go into Westminster Abbey, as that is one of the oldest buildings in London and one of the most amazing Gothic architectural buildings I have ever seen!

As for the title, my roommates and I went out to a pub last night and a band was playing. They were all 40+ men who were rockin out to a whole bunch of songs and it was a great time. They also played a cult fave, Teenage Dirtbag by Wheatus. It pretty much made my night.

Finally, I have discovered that London is now a place I can call home. It's only been 3 weeks! I picked up Michael from the airport yesterday and took him to his college. I was talking to him about all these different things about London, mostly insider tips like stand on the right side of the escalator. I realized that these trivial things I have become accustomed to. I don't really have to worry about where I am, because I know I can find my way back in a heartbeat. When we talk about our flat, I call it home. These things, which may seem really little and obscure, mean to me that I am adjusting to life in London and claiming it as my home. Let's hope it stays that way.

Alright, I am off. Next time, you'll get to hear all about Istanbul!!

Justin