I have arrived

Today was travelling day.

When my alarm went off this morning, nerves kicked in. Did I pack everything I needed? Was my suitcase going to be too heavy? Would they let my rucksack, which looked huge, still count as hand-luggage? I didn't pack any DVD's, could I not at least fit one in somewhere?
On another note, was I emotionally ready to leave? Did I even want to go at all? Well, there was no going back now. This was going to happen. And I must say, a big part of me was, and still is, very happy that it was going to happen.

After receiving a beautiful present from all of my loved ones, I said my final goodbyes to our cats, alive and not. Then it was finally time for mom, Winnie and me to leave for the airport). As soon as we got to the airport I could get in line for checking in. I let Winnie load my suitcase of exactly 20 kilograms onto the conveyer belt as I got my passport and ticket checked. After that I had about 5 to 10 minutes to sit down with my mother and sister before I had to say my final goodbyes to them. As expected, a few tears were shed, but I didn't feel so nervous anymore. I was ready. My journey to London could begin.

It took forever to get through customs, but once that was done (without having to go through an additional bag check, which was a first), the only thing I could do was wait to get on the plane.

The real pickle came once I'd arrived in the UK, or so I thought.
I had to reclaim my baggage, which took no time at all. After that I had to buy my own train ticket to get to Liverpool Station in London, which I could easily do at one of the ticket machines. I did not need to go to the service desk or ask someone for help. After arriving at the train station, I needed to get a ticket to travel by subway, which turned out to be the most dificult of the three, because the ticket machine wouldn't accept my bank card, and I had to go stand in line for the service desk. But in the end, I am now a proud owner of my very first Oyster card.

Because all the traveling went by so easily, I was way too early to check in at the hotel I'm staying in during my first week, but I was able to store my luggage there while I went out to eat lunch and go to the supermarket. In the end I was still too early for normal check in, but the nice lady at the reception desk had made sure my room was all ready to go.

Now I've got the rest of the afternoon and night all to myself. In an hour or so I'll go out to get something to eat and after that I'll have a nice night of Doctor Who, along with the rest of Britain.

I'm having a blast!

You'll hear again from me soon.

Ps. I want to thank everybody who pitched in on my cookery book: I Could Eat. I look forward to reading all of your messages to me and cook the recipes you wrote down for me. I'll let you know how they tasted!