"To Elvis"

Yesterday Alex moved in which was exciting! She's moved all her things in and she's here for good. We went to this cute cafe a few blocks away. The Italian man who owned it was so accommodating and sweet. He would see the "regulars" and knew they were trying to get to the football (or soccer) game and would take their orders quickly so they would make it in time. It was wonderful and very reasonably priced.

After that, we ventured to Oxford Circus where Alex has her internship because there were a number of stores there and we were lookin' to do some shopping. It reminded me a little of New York City. There were SO many people and the stores were GIGANTIC. It was exhausting just trying to look at the clothing. I had a lot of fun though and will definitely be going back at some point.

We had our first home cooked meal in our flat last night! Yes, it was instant mashed potatoes, and yes all we had to do was put the preprepared chicken in the oven, but still, it's progress! It was actually really delicious. My next challenge is going to be attempting laundry. It's a little difficult since our washing machine (which is located in our kitchen!) is so tiny. We also do not have a dryer so we have to use drying racks. It is most definitely going to be amusing.

Last night we met up with some of the people we hung out with on Thursday night at Havanas. It was nice to know some of the locals and hang out with people who actually live there. Havana Fiesta is this Mexican type bar that we have really been enjoying, I believed I mentioned it in a previous post. We spent a little more on drinks than we would have liked to, but I am enjoying trying all the different drinks offered. Things will also calm down once classes and our internships start. The bartender that took care of us a lot last night was named Elvis. He was a straight up baller. We continuously toasted to him because he was awesome and definitely loved us. It was also great last night because we got in right before they started charging a cover. We were recommended some great drinks. The one we liked the most was a drink that the bartender had invented for the menu. It was sort of like a raspberry, strawberry daiquiri type drink. I don't really know how to describe it, but it was great. We were also introduced to B52s which were fantastic!

It's also nice because guys here are so sweet! My friends and I got a number of compliments on how we were dressed or how we looked, but not in a creepy way. It's definitely an ego boost being over here! I also love that I have an "accent." I have gotten a number of compliments on it, which is CRAZY to me. Although sometimes it has a negative connotation over here, I think we are doing a pretty good job fighting the stereotypical "American" image.

Today, we literally just hung around the flat and watched Netflix. We are exhausted from the past few days, so it was nice to just relax without any obligations. Classes start this week so that should be interesting. I still need to find a place where I can buy a notebook! I only have classes on Wednesdays and Thursdays, so I have the next few days free since my internship has not started yet. I emailed my supervisor, but I still haven't heard back. I'm going to use them to perhaps be a tourist and maybe even FINALLY find a camera!

I am definitely starting to feel more like an adult. I'm currently waiting for my landlord to come and collect rent, I'm ordering drinks at bars, and I'm living thousands of miles away on my own. Being here is definitely helping me claim my independence.

Well, I think that's it for now. I am missing lots of people from home and truly wish they were here experiencing this with me!

Lots of lovin from Fulham,

Paige Xx