Getting Oriented

Today we had an orientation meeting with Charlotte in the afternoon, so we decided to make a day of it and do some exploring. Above is a shot of the Great Blue Rooster (well, what would you call it?) in Trafalger Square.

We have arrived

This morning - middle of the night to all of you - we landed at Heathrow. Getting through immigration was a bit of a pill. We managed to find ourselves the one immigration officer that didn't really know what she was doing and we stood there for at least ½ an hour waiting while she talked first one person then another to figure out what visa to admit us with. Finally, she got us sorted out. By this time everyone on our flight was already through - not a full flight by any stretch. Our luggage was waiting on us. We loaded up a cart and waltzed through customs. The poor driver was wondering what happened to us. A delightful fellow. It was interesting to ride again on the left side of the road. Glad I'm not driving.

We've spend the day getting settled in. We walked down High street a bit and found something to eat, stopped at the grocery to pick up a few things for this evening and in the morning. After a bit we found the magic handbook with such vital information as the wireless password.

The picture above is of the back garden. We looked out the window and there was the fox. By the time I got there with the camera he was headed out the back. I tapped on the window and just as he turned his head, I got him.

I'd say we've arrived. We have a back garden (how British is that?), one that is visited by a fox (!), behind a house in East Finchley. Tomorrow we head into the city for a bit of exploring.

Hey, It doesn't look so cold

Back in the valley now sharing space with the "polar vortex". Vaguely reminiscent of a medical procedure, isn't it? Ever met a doctor or nurse with warm hands?

Having a cup of coffee in Staunton while E has an appointment. Looking out the window it could be summer or the year 2034 since there is no vegetation in the scene. However, do not be fooled. It was 3 degrees this morning when we finally emerged from our hotel room in Harrisonburg. It is not quite 18 degrees now. Single digits are again promised for tonight.

Hanging out in DC

So. Just in time for the snow storm, we go to DC. Caught the Metro on Friday to the national mall to visit the National Museum of the American Indian. Really great place to visit. Every other museum I've been to is about stuff: paintings, sculpture, artifacts, etc. This is the first museum I've visited that is all about people. Great stories. Great traditions. Beautiful artwork. Humanity. Also great food in the restaurant. Don't miss it.

And then there is the National Botanic Garden.

Pet sitting

Our house sitting gig involved a cat (Zoe) and a dog (Raven). Two handsome and very well-behaved critters.

Pizza?

It is just possible that there is still a deal for students on pizza at the Strada chain of restaurants. There  is one in Covent Gardens.

On your way to eat, take note that:

On 12 September 1933 the Hungarian physicist Leó Szilárd, an exile form Nazi Germany, had an insight that changed the course of history as he crossed the pedestrian traffic lights at the junction of Southampton Row with Russell Square. He realised that splitting an atom with a neutron could produce further neutrons which could also split atoms leading to a chain reaction and a massive release of energy. This led directly to the development of the atomic bomb and nuclear energy.^[3]

History is all around you!

The Adventure Begins

Today we started what is a bit of an extended process of heading to London. Today we moved out the house until we return in May. We've rented the house to a delightful young woman who moved in this morning. Tonight we are house sitting for friends just up the street.

When we loaded all our stuff in four suitcases and put them in the car. Driving down the driveway for the last time in a while, it seemed very liberating. Once you decide what you need for a semester long stay, you realize that there isn't much you really need. Except for perhaps a pair of shorts, we've got all we need to be gone an indeterminate length of time.

So, our adventure has started. In another 12 days we leave the country.  For now, we are relaxin' and being free.