TOUCHDOWN!

I made it here, things are wonderful, and rest assured that I will be in touch ASAP. England is LOVELY.

The computer situation is a little unpredictable! More when I can.

PS. Hi Mom. Still working on calling you. Talk soon. Love.

UPDATE.

I don't even know where to begin. The flight was incredibly long and terribly boring -- nearly eight hours and I didn't get a spot of sleep. Landed at Heathrow in London at 7:30 this morning (that's 2:30 AM for all of your Central-Timers!) and I officially lost five hours. We were picked up by a motorcoach and drove the approx. 45 minutes to Oxford!

I am staying on campus at a building called Wycliffe Hall. It's cleared out, as students are on Holiday right now, and I have my own little room with a bed, desk, dresser, and sink. The sun shines through my window in the afternoon making for a perfect nap...which I took two today to make up for lost sleep.

There was also plenty of exploring today, though I am too tired to venture out this evening and instead took a shower to wash the plane germs off of me, then plan to retire. A group went to hit up a local pub called the Eagle and Child where the likenesses of J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis brewed ideas. I think I may head over tomorrow, when I am better rested and not crabby. Long flights and little sleep will do that.

But Oxford! Wow. Wow wow wow. This place is unbelievable. So many colleges, and beautiful architecture and history. I took a walking tour tonight with my Oxford professor, Dr. Allan Chapman, a brilliant wealth of knowledge. He showed us many of the colleges, and quite a few buildings around Oxford, including Christ Church where scenes from Harry Potter were filmed, and Lewis Carroll / Charles Lutwidge Dodgson was inspired to write of Alice in Wonderland. The River Thames runs (and originates) very nearby...I plan on going for a walk along it very soon!

I am tempted to take many photographs, but honestly believe that they wouldn't do justice for much of the scenery.

Alas, I spent my first money here today...but just .50p for a Aero candy bar at a small grocer near my hall. I told him I'd just arrived from the U.S. and he seemed to know all about the program I came with. Very friendly. I actually paid with a £5 note that my aunt Amy gave me for my trip! I haven't made my way to a bank / ATM yet so I'm just rolling with the American mulah I've brought, credit cards and £4.50. Awesome. At least it has kept me from spending thus far. Also --- thank you Amy!

Life is going to take a bit of adjusting, but I think I can do it. That is all I have for this evening. I need sleep...for I have my first lecture tomorrow!


Love.
jc