And it's all coming together...

Wow, the last couple of days have been INSANE. I feel like I've been going a bit nonstop ever since I got to England, which is funny since I'll have so much down-time once classes start. That's to be expected, though, since I just got here. Registration has been somewhat of a hassle, but I've had it much easier than a lot of other people since all of my classes are in one department. I'm taking:

Renaissance Drama: Shakespeare and his Contemporaries
History of the English Language
Victorians to Moderns: Literature from 1870-1945

I'm excited about all of my classes (I think), but the scheduling here is so much different than in the US. Rather than having class in the same place, at the same time, on the same days, the timetables are all mishmashed. So, I have about 1 class per day, and that's really it. Unfortunately I have class on Fridays, so I can't duck out for long weekends. Pretty much everybody has class on Fridays, though, so I won't be missing many travel opps with the group! I'm still not certain if I've completely figured everything out, so I that's on my to-do list, along with MANY other tasks, for today.

Last night was RIDICULOUS and amazing. I think my favorite quote BY FAR was "Look at how hammered my brother is right now..." Looks like the family is back together!! I knew it couldn't stay broken for too long. But last night was so fun. The Students' Union has a dance club, and there's a huge party on Friday nights that everyone goes to. It's such a different atmosphere/feeling than going to an SUA party at KU, for instance. Haha, probably because there were 4 or 5 bars, and from 10 to 11 they have £1 drinks. Reminds me a bit of Bourbon Street on a Thursday, in that regard...hehe. It's been really nice to come here and actually be able to feel like more of an adult (maybe a highly alcoholic, irresponsible adult, but an adult nonetheless).

The people we went out with are the same ones since the first night. The majority of them live in Black Block (I, unfortunately, live in Yellow Block, but, luckily, it's only a few hops and a skip away from Black), and they are absolutely wonderful. I can't believe how friendly and open they've all been. They're used to Americans, so I think that has something to do with it, but usually all you hear is that Brits are frigid. They are completely welcoming and really outgoing. Actually, I'm reallllly surprised at how outgoing they've been. I thought they'd all be really reserved and a bit "prude" in some senses, but, damn, these kids completely let go of their inhibitions. And it's quite a site to see.

Today I plan on exploring the city, going downtown with everyone, maybe do some shopping....ha, today's the first day I've gotten to sleep in, but I had to get up at 9 because I really couldn't sleep anymore. I've adjusted to the time difference quite well, and haven't napped since I've been here. So proud, so proud.

Unfortunately, though, I haven't really had any opportunities to wander around and explore yet. I'm hoping that after classes I'll just be able to take a book with me and go sit somewhere and people watch. It's really the best way to observe people completely, I think.