time to be honest.

Confession: Last night, I was super sad. I was homesick, and did not feel a fraction as excited as I thought I would be for the first day I was in London. I was down, and went to bed a little after 7 pm. 

{I was awake for over 24 hours, though}

I think one of the main reasons I was so bummed was because I

 was completely exhausted.

Oh, and because my bedding that I ordered did not arrive {and won't until Monday} so I slept with my sweatshirt for a pillow and my new coat for a blanket. Pathetic, right? Not the best first night in a new place.

But today, everything is so. much. better!

The day started at 10 am, so I was able to wake up slow and think about how I would have a better attitude and see London with a clearer, more rested mind.

Anyways, we headed to the ISA office for orientation via the Tube. The ISA staff is wonderful! They are all so nice and helpful with everything. They are definitely making this easy! 

After orientation, I went to Primark with some fellow ISA-ers and bought a throw blanket and pillow for tonight--such a relief! {And it only cost 7 pounds...another relief!} We explored Oxford Street, the longest shopping street in all of Europe! I cannot wait to go back and explore that area!

We then went to Starbucks and grabbed a bite to eat before heading back to the ISA office {which is near Piccadilly Circus--another really cool area!} to hop on a red double-decker bus and a 2-hour tour of the city!

That was when I really started feeling like I was in London. 

We saw all of the major sights that are icons of this city. 

And can I just say...when I saw Big Ben for the first time, I think my heart skipped a beat! It was truly incredible. I am in love with Benjamin. 

Now, I know everyone has seen a million pictures of famous London sights. However, I can't resist posting them. After a conversation with some new friends, we established that the pictures just do not do London justice. It is truly amazing in person!

Thankfully, today was a lot better than yesterday. The ISA staff is wonderful, I am meeting so many cool people from all over the U.S., and London truly is as beautiful as everyone says!

BIG BEN 

Westminster Abbey!

The London Eye with Ben in the background

Tower Bridge

ISAer's in front of the Tower Bridge: Jessica from California, Sarah from California, Megan from New Jersey, and Chloe from Nebraska.