17-Aug

Day 3

Well I told myself that when we got over here I would keep a good account of everything that we dealt with and went through while getting acclimated to London. If for no other reason, it might be fun to look back once we're all settled and point and laugh at how dumb I was when I got here.
So far things have actually gone rather smoothly. Some of the "fun" started when our driver wasn't there to meet us when we got to Heathrow. Now I knew pounds were the currency, but when I had to ask for change for the payphone, I couldn't remember what the coins are called....
Pence. Damn ignorant Americans.
Our hotel is nice. Thick Victorian era walls laden with expensive paintings line the living room area. Thick carpets and lavish furniture fill each room. Expensive electronics. A small fire burns in the corner near a large oriental style rug. A labrador sleeps on the rug.....mmmm so nice but not very true. Actually, we are crammed inside a small room. I think the building was erected near the time that Earthly power was swinging away from reptiles and toward mammals. Whatever was just before Chromagnon Man.
The good news is that Leah and I were lucky enough to find a 2 bedroom apartment thats being renovated right now in a nice little part of West London. It comes fully furnished, it's close to the tubes, and will be ready for us on Tuesday. We couldn't be happier about it. Yesterday we worked on getting bank accounts, which was harder than it sounds. Without giving too many details, just think of a hobo walking into Goldman-Sachs and asking to finance a home. Well, not that bad...
The area where our hotel is is a strong minority area. (mostly Indian) We're headed into Central London today to get a feel for the rest of the city. It's interesting seeing people at work with men wearing turbans and women wearing traditional Indian clothing (sauris?). Maybe I will wear my ethnic 'two six-shooters and ammo belt'.

Out for now...