the course of a lifetime

I don't think I accomplished anything today

I refused to attend any more orientation today. Instead, I opted to go grocery shopping for some necessary items. The most interesting thing I bought was a package of already made "American panecakes" with little packages of maple syrup. I have been having panecake withdrawls because I'm so used to having them at Denny's whenever I want. They don't sell panecake batter, so these are as good as it's going to get. I'll give my verdict after I eat them for breakfast tomorrow. I'm confused about one thing though...the package says they're good toasted. I don't know how I feel about putting panecakes in the toaster.

I also bought a serrated knife. Mom bought me a normal one and I tried to cut a tomato with it last night. It slipped right on and gave me a nasty painful cut on my left middle finger. I have to be more careful, because I'm not registered with a local doctor yet. It's on the to-do list. Since I'll be here for longer that six months, I automatically qualify for British National Health Insurace. I don't have to pay anything for my medical care or perscription drugs. I'm anxious to see how this system compares with the American one. It seems that health care in the US is increasingly geared towards the rich.

There was an option to go on a riverboat disco on the Thames tonight, but I don't think I want to go. I have met some people, and they are mostly very nice, but they're all fresh out of high school and ready to party. I like to go out and have a drink, but preferrably in a place conversation is possible and the main goal is not to get fall-down drunk. Most of the pubs close at 11:00, so that makes the alcohol situation even worse. People go out at 9 and have to speed drink to catch a buzz before closing time. When class starts, I will hopefully meet people with similar interests. Maybe I'm just a wimp...who knows?

What did I learn today?

Nothing in England is open for 24 hours. If you want to do anything other than grocery shopping, you better do it before six, because that's when the shops (clothing, electronic etc.) close. And if you want groceries on Sunday...the stores close at 5. I leared that when I needed milk, walked all the way down there, and it was abandoned at 6 on Sunday. Brits are simply on a different schedule.

posted by Amanda and Bernie @ 6:02 PM