Week 1 in England

               Better late than never was the motto my passport and stamped visa used when it arrived just a few days before leaving the United States. I made sure to say my final goodbyes before leaving Worcester Sunday morning at around 9:30. The drive to Newark was a little over three hours, but a big thank you to my Dad who dropped me off and had to turn right around and go home. I got through security and sat at an airport bar all ready and amped to watch my beloved Patriots win the AFC championship - wasn't the case. A woeful performance by my favorite team meant that the six hour flight to London was going to be a long six hour flight to London. I watched White House Down and Two Guns on the flight, the former being much more entertaining. I wasn't able to fall asleep or anything so I was tired when we landed at London Heathrow International around 6:30 am local time. A 1 hour flight from London to Newcastle flew by thanks to entertaining conversation with Rebecca who was sitting next to me on the plane. Kaileigh our program director at Loyola was waiting for us at the airport where they took us to our different "accommodations." I'm living with Colin from Loyola and then 4 others but I've only met 2 of them. Elvis from Hong Kong - yes, Elvis. And J-Dog from India. I don't know how to pronounce his name so he's J Dog now. The weather has been cold and it's been about 30 everyday but could be worse. For most of the week we were doing orientation type things and going to different meetings, and just adjusting to life on this side of the pond. We did a good job, as a group, familiarizing ourselves with the city, and seeing different things and places. Yesterday, I took a train by myself to Durham to see my buddy from home, John. He's studying at Durham University getting some sort of post-graduate degree and playing american football. Just so happened that we were both going to be in England for the same 5 months which is awesome. I met a lot of his friends and they were all good people. I got back to Newcastle a little while ago and cooked up some pork chops. I think now would be a good time to google some pork chop recipes as mine were pretty horrendous. I'm gonna go do that. Will post soon. #locals