Today was a London adventure. I decided I'd rather walk than take the tube, as it was actually a beautifully sunny day, so I set out through Hyde park around 9:30 this morning to go see the changing of the guard. I got there with no problems, though I did meander aimlessly for awhile since I had the time. Unfortunately though, I was a little dehydrated after my flight (even though I did drink a lot of water mom, it apparently wasn't enough) and I didn't notice it til the crowd started to push and it got a bit warm at the front of the group. I got a little bit dizzy, but there were two very nice London guys and an Australian girl who noticed I was a bit out of sorts and they got me out of the crowd so I could get a drink. (I ran into the two more times after that and they kept asking after me, they were all very nice) Then a little more hydrated and out of the madness of the crowd I was able to watching the changing with little incident. I was very embarrassed though, I had felt perfectly fine until the body heat of the crowd just pushed me over the edge, although I'm tempted to say it was really just shock at seeing the sun since I was expecting rain all week.
After the changing, I made a point to go chug a couple bottles of water, just to be safe, and then I headed on my way, which turned out to be towards Big Ben. I then proceeded to wander around Central London (though I haven't crossed the Thames yet), and eventually ended up at Westminster Abbey. I find it's difficult to locate places here because all the buildings in Central London are in the elaborate older styles, and thus all look similar in their grandeur. Luckily the Abbey was ringing its bells for quite a long time, which made it much easier to locate.
Now I need to decided if I want to go see the Globe and the London Eye tomorrow, or if tomorrow will be Baker Street and the London Zoo! Maybe Platform 9 3/4 will be on the menu too...

Sitting on the plane, if I look out the window I can currently see the far Irish shore. Im not nervous right now though. Excitement is definitely back in on the map. And to make it better were landing an hour ahead of schedule. What an excellent start to a trip!

I saved my letter for landing. UB girls, you're amazing. Best part of my trip so far! The best part is I do in fact remember each of those days you guys mentioned. I'm going to miss you girls so much! Morgan, you will have to tell me about all the new awesome restaurants you go to. Mom, I hope it comforts you that I'm nervous for all the same reasons you are.

And wendi, those toothbrush things are a godsend. Thank you so much for them.

And mom, tell John there was no problem with using all my bags as carryons. So you two will be fine like that for ny, no added charges. Also, thanks for the pictures you put on my camera. :)

I keep hearing phone texts going off and trying to check my phone before I remember I don't have it here. It's also weird to think that while it's almost noon here it's only four in the morning back home still. At least I slept most of the flight and don't feel off kilter at all on that front.

I've spent the last couple hours wandering around Kensington gardens. It was a lot of fun even if it was sprinkling the whole time. I even found Peter Pan! The park has the coolest old gnarly trees too. Very awesome. But I think tonights going to be an early night, I'm awful sleepy since I only really dozed on the flight. So here's to next time!
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Almost Gone...

I'm sitting in my living room, getting the last of my stuff together. My flight leaves in only 6 hours! I feel much less nervous today than I did yesterday though (thanks Mom), and for that I am thankful. I had originally been going to stay up and make jewelry all night, but I'm very glad I didn't now. I needed those couple hours to function today. It's weird to think that this is the last time I'll be here for awhile. None the less, I'm very excited. I know this is a good step for me, and I know that I am ready for this, but the step is much larger than it seemed even a week ago. So here's a big thank you to all my friends and family supporting me in this decision. It means the world to me that you all have my back. Next time I write, I should be in London!