Today began like any other day (yes, I'm actually falling into a routine here in Romantic London), but instead of taking the tube to classes, Crystal, Nick, Uven, and I walked.  It was actually a fairly nice little jaunt; a bit hot, but not too bad.  Unfortunately, I can't say the same for my strolls through town later in the day.  Just to give you a sense of the heat here, yesterday's high was 100 degrees (only 1 degree under the hottest temperature ever recorded in the entire country), and temperatures in the tubes and busses soared above 130.  Ick!

My classroom was so stuffy and sticky today that the entire class had to relocate to a room that at least had a fan.  And once again, I thoroughly enjoyed the lecture.  We're finally nearing the Romantic London period and our discussion of Fanny Burney's "Evelina."  I can't wait!  We're also taking a field trip tomorrow, but I'm going to have to miss it.  Tomorrow is the day my entire scholarship group is meeting and eating lunch with the Lord Mayor of London at Guildhall.  Apparently, it's a big, dressy deal.  Should be fun!  I sure wish I had my camera. . .

After classes, I headed to Pret with the gang to pick up a sandwich.  Mama, you would absolutely burst with pride if you knew what I ate today!   Well, there's no reason you shouldn't know, so here's the menu:  Breakfast--A nectarine and one of Aunt Marlayne's protein bars; Lunch--Half a chicken/avocado sandwich on wheat bread and an apple; Dinner--A chicken salad.  See how healthy I'm becoming (since today)?  :-)

Once we had eaten, Crystal wanted to head to the computer labs and then do some clothes shopping.  I followed her from store to store, hoping to soak in London's fashion and shopping culture.  It was fun at first, but it soon lost its zip.  I certainly wasn't going to buy anything from any of those overpriced shops!  Crystal did manage to find two T-shirts and some flaming-orange shorts.  After that, the two of us searched for a cheap hair-straightener for Crystal's hair and a small fan for her room.  It took us awhile to accomplish that mission, and we were both dripping pools of sweat by the time we found a tiny shop with decent prices which was owned by a friendly Indian family.  The man chatted our ears off as Crystal purchased her things, and I stood in front of the store fan and reveled in the pure joy of cool air ("Hey!  We going to charge you one pound to steal our cool air!").

I had intended to do some sightseeing today, but after my jaunt through the town with Crystal, I was too tired and too hot to attempt anything.  So the two of us purchased Italian ices (after searching through several grocery stores; the ride home on the tube wouldn't have been bearable without those "frozen lollies!") and headed back to the apartment.  I then spent an hour or so planning out my future sightseeing excursions and organizing them by price, hours, and tube lines.  I've got some great stuff lined up!  After that, I took a wee nap and then woke up in time to go with Crystal, Uven, Jill (a new member of the crew, also known as Stinky 2), and Nick to a pub with a dinner special.  I was STARVING by this time, and the chicken salad I ordered was absolutely delicious.  Mmm. . .

You know, that pretty much sums up my day.  Things have been a bit less eventful than usual.  I'm glad, though; I've had this indescribable longing to watch "Mary Poppins" for ages now.  I think I'm going to hop in the shower, then do just that before bed!