High time for a post!

What an adventure it has been so far...I do not even know where to begin!!

Lessons learned thus far:

1.London cannot handle snow--I arrived a week ago after a GLORIOUS entire row to myself flight from SF and then had quite an adventure which included closed, severely delayed and suspended public transport.  After a nice walk in the snow with my belongings and many failed attempts with public phones I arrived at my destination..about 6 hours after landing (2 of which I spent on the runway after landing, though I am always appreciative of a safe landing:)).

2. Americans (well, Lauren) should not cross streets alone. They drive on the right. I still somehow do not know my left from my right, as was noted many times.

3. All museums in England are FREE!!! This is a dream for my short attention span because I got to come and go.  I really loved the National Gallery and the GIANT accordian that I got to see played by two people at the Tate Britian.

4. Europe is much older than the US.

5. Remember to call your bank before traveling, otherwise one gets completely cut off...thank you mom!

6. Rugby is a violent and amazing sport. I got to see England vs. Italy at Twikenham (spelled wrong)=amazing. British fans are THE MOST POLITE and civilzed sports fans I have ever seen. I almost enjoyed their composure and reading of "let's show our respect for the opposition and be good sports!" at the beginning of the game, more than the game itself, no offense rugby fans.

7. Europeans walk fast. I have no words for how much I love this.

8. Having friends abroad take you to their favorite spots really is so much better than going it alone:) I got to see two shows with Kristen and Lloyd--Avenue Q and The Birdcage, I love live shows and HIGHLY recommend Ave Q=muppets in a musical with dirty and hilarious humor. Thank you West End! Also, underground wine and tapas bar that would not be allowed in the US because they would break fire code, illuminated only by candles may be my new favourite place.

9. I am capable of not having coffee for over a week!! 

10. I am bad at using internet when traveling. Seeing new sites and old friends really overwhelms my time and makes me SOOO HAPPY!

11. Swiss keyboards really challenge me. Thezre designed for french and german= zes, just read this sentence and understand.

I apologize for the delay in updating!  I arrived in Zurich yesterday and was met at the aiport by Jessica and Rita (an old exchange student who I shared a room with for a year when I was 14).  We had an AMAZING swiss brunch with LOTS of cheese, local honey and fruit.  I got to see their house with is impressive, shaped like a giant A, made entirely of wood and truly awesome. Jessica had worked an all night shift in the hospital, so she slept while Rita took me around Baden and other medieval towns around their village.  After a dinner with Jessica and her med school friends (entirely in German, I feel SOOO ignorant) I spent a lovely late night with Roland and Jessica in Zurich.  Today was AMAZING.  To make a long story short, Jessica and I took the train up and around Interlaken, stopping in Luzerne to see old churchs...We saw the Eiger (impressive North Face), the Alps, many skiers (snowboarding evidently is no longer popular here)..many many trains, lakes, sights so beautiful they looked like christmas cards, not reality.  I lucked out having Jessica as my guide. I am currently stuffed, tired and content.  Roland made a traditional swiss meal of Roclette (I am sure this is spelled wrong), but it is a meal you cook on the table. it was fun, rich and delicious! I took photos, someday you can all understand.  

Until next time...I am safe and sound and utterly elated about life right now:)