walk, walk, walk

The library closest to our academic center is that of the University of London's and it is amazing! This is specifically because it is the building that Batman lived in (really tall sky scraper with lots of lights) and where Hitler was going to be based if he succeeded. So it has hundreds and hundreds of years of history as does everything in London. I've also never been too excited about studying for hours in libraries, but this one is the epitome of a stereotypical flawless and gorgeous vintage library setting. There are floors and floors of tall mahogany bookcases filled with all sorts of different sized and color-bound books...it's incredible to look at! After somewhat learning our way around there, we got our official "uni" library cards and for the FIRST time in the week we've been here were freed for the afternoon/night! translation: time to explore! We got done around 12:45 and walked until almost 6 o'clock!
We started out on Sloane Street where Chanel, Dior, and every other famous designer you can imagine has a store - it was a window shoppers dream!!! All of the Londoners say that if you have to ask how much something cost then you don't go in the store...and even from the sidewalks you could easily tell that statement is a true one. Once we got closer to Oxford Street (filled with stores but affordable ones) we started actually shopping.
I found this traditional English store that makes leather goods and all things British from feather pins you dip in ink to leather book covers - so neat! I picked up a couple things for my grandfathers and Dad (I'd tell you but sometimes they read this), stayed in the Longchamp store way too long, and about every other step got a wiff of the food from vendors on the streets. From hot dogs, sweets, and roasted chestnuts to smaller versions of Belgium waffles you can only imagine how good it smelled! We walked around forever and ever and then walked around some more. Girls we live with kept talking about Primark, so we ended up going there as well. They said it was like our version of Forever 21. We walked in and I have never in my life seen so many people, so many racks of beautiful clothes, and prices so well. After being around all of the Chanels and $9 a beer pubs it was a relief to see something affordable in bulk! The place was a few floors high and had everything from beauty and clothes to mens and suitcases - all cheap and good looking!...a student's retail heaven. I ended up getting 4 shirts for about 20 pounds so $32 - the best 20 pounds I've spent since I've been in London!
After that I went with one of the girls, Kristen, to pick up her laptop (didn't want her going solo in London when almost dark out) because she had the wrong converter and the power fried her motherboard after being here 4 days...scary stuff! Luckily they had fixed everything and then we headed home!
After a day on foot and much exploring the sweats and a t-shirt are on! A salad, some reading for school, and then a bit of a screw top bottle of pinot...best end to a day this new Londoner could ask for :)