PM

PM Continued

I’m in the bar on the first floor of my hostel drinking a Strongbow—I already foresee this becoming my drink of choice. I learned earlier today that the one I bought from across the street was contraband so I decided to pay twice as much in the bar. Michael Jackson feat. Paul McCartney is playing and I’m alone except for some drunk local who is flirting with Simmone, the bar tender (she’s giggling). He will probably be kicked out soon since it’s only 9:30 and she actually has a really short temper. Yesterday I asked her a question and she just stared at me until I walked away apologizing. I’ve done this several times with different people at different shops so far but it doesn’t really phase me. I’m going to bed a little earlier tonight—I plan on taking a Sominex (or several) in thirty minutes and passing out before my roommates get back. I have a new bunkmate. He lives above me.

I just asked about staying an extra night in case we don’t get a flat by Saturday. Not an option.

No problem. I see tomorrow and Friday being very fruitful. Also, I’m perfectly ok with settling as long as the place is in our price range and is close to a tube station. I wrote the number down for a place today that looked pretty great but I don’t think it’s listed anymore. I guess I’m not discouraged, but I am a little nervous.

At about 5 p.m. I emailed a potential landlord from the GIL site (which I found after asking only three people for directions) and I’m waiting to see if she can give us a tour tomorrow afternoon. It’s near Paddington station which means it’s near Bayswater. Bayswater is our dream borough. Unfortunately, it’s only a two bedroom so Jon is going to have to sleep on the couch. I mean, we’ll probably switch off. I got through the tube no problem this afternoon—I even have a week-long pass so I can go anywhere I want within Zones 1, 2 & 3 until next week. I can also go to Zones 4-6 if I want because I put a little extra on those. Zones 4-6 are the areas where all the zombies flocked in the horror movies “28 Days Later” and “28 Weeks Later.” Scary stuff.

On my walk back after dinner (kind of bad pasta with a delicious salad on Queensway), I bought some postcards with pictures of animals painted on boobies and nipples that say things like “We’re a couple of swells from London” and “All the breast from London.” One is addressed to my parents, the other to John B. I need stamps.

Olympic Gymnastics is on in the bar right now—thank god 12 year old #323 from China didn’t mess up a lot or she probably would have been kicked off the team and then beheaded.

My mom has called once and Ryan has called three times.

* * * * *

I'm about to hop on the tube in search of the Grinnell in London office on Great Russell St.I had some delicious Udon for lunch at "Saki" on Queensway and then bought a sim card for my cell phone. You can reach me at 0753 0890 685. International calls cost 20 pence per minute. I have about 10 pounds to play around with. I will call "xxxbangbabesxxx" (advertised on basic cable with live feed from the "work room").

I'm looking forward to picking up Ryan at Paddington Station tomorrow. I'm planning on getting up early 1. so I can get the free breakfast and 2. so I can get some housing contacts from the GIL office.

I BOUGHT A TOWEL!