Day 2

I cannot even begin to explain how hard it was to wake up this morning.  I set my alarm for 8:30AM here.. which makes it 3:30AM home.  I had to wake up because my orientation started at 10:30 and I had about a 30 minute walk.  I went to bed last night with wet hair, so I decided I would run my straightener through it this morning.  I got out my watt converter and adapter and plugged my straightener into it.  It was taking a while to heat up, but I didn't think anything of it.  I started to use it and it was not as hot as it should be... yet again I didn't think anything of it.  As I am straightening my hair, I realize that A. my hair is not even warm, and B. there is a very funny smell to my room.  I looked down at my adapter and it was smoking!! I just kind of chuckled and said, go figure.  I did not want to set the fire alarm off so I opened my window and put it out there.  Lucky for me, someone had not only left a UK blow dryer in the room, but a plug adapter as well.  I plugged my straightener into it and to my surprise, it worked fine.  I got dressed and was finally on my way.

I made it to orientation without getting lost.  Surprise, I know.  I wanted to use the GPS on my iPhone, but I was too worried about the data roaming charges.  I was the epitome of a tourist, walking the streets with my bright pink FGCU sweater, a paper map, and my Starbucks.  Yes, I did find one to get coffee at that was on my way.  I met a really nice American girl from Neb. in my orientation, although she had been there for 2 months doing an internship.  She left early and gave me her contact information.  I think I might give her a call in the next few days.  When I left orientation, I went and got a cell phone.  My number is 07532388158.  I don't know the country code or how to call it, but that is it :).  I got a good deal on a pay as you go phone.  The phone was ten pounds and I got a card where it only costs me 6p (cents) a minute.  All incoming calls are also free in the UK.  They laughed at me when I asked how much it was for incoming calls.  A foreign concept I presume.  I also have an address.  It is the address of the BUNAC office.  If I move, they will forward my mail to a permanent address.  My address is...

Ms. Monica Funigiello

c/o BUNAC Incoming Programme 

16 Bowling Green Lane

London, EC1R 0QH

United Kingdom

If anyone decides to send me anything, DO NOT send Fed Ex.  I guess they usually try and make the office pay something, so they do not accept Fed Ex.  I also opened a bank account.  I decided to explore a bit and actually made it back to my hostel without having to ask for directions.  I had my first cup of British Tea, and it was very good!  I still think I like coffee better.  The British Museum is maybe 100 hards from my hostel and is free.  I wanted to go today, but by the time I got there it was almost closed.  I was also looking forward to coming back to my room.  I walked for probably 3 hours today.  I think I am more tired from walking than I would be is I had jogged 3 hours.  I decided to put my things in my room and go for another walk because it was too early for bed.  It was PITCH black at 4:30 and I so badly wanted to go to sleep, but that is not going to help me get on a regulated sleep schedule.  I walked down Oxford Street and it was REALLY cool.  I got Joe's Christmas present... wish I could tell you but he will probably read this!   By the time I got back to my room, it was 7:30 and I took a shower.  I used my free blow dryer and that brings me to 8:32 pm and IN BED!  I am trying to stay awake until my dad gets home from work so I can skype with him.  I miss everyone a lot.  I havn't made any friends yet so when I am not walking around, I am in my room alone.  I can't wait to get a job and make some friends.  I would love to go to a pub somewhere and just meet people or watch the futbol (soccer) match that started an hour ago, but I don't know anywhere or anyone to go with.  Oh well.  I am going to start job hunting tomorrow. Hopefully I will have better luck than everyone I have met so far in the program.  I miss you all so much!!  

Love, 

Monica