First blog from London- October 07

We have officially been in the UK for 2 weeks now. During this time we have learned a TON about life in another country, and have some ideas about why we "yanks" left in the first place. The following events are a true and exact account from the lives of Peter and Sam VanDerPuy.

Banks: They don't like us, or money apparently. 2 weeks in, we still don't have a bank account.

Public Transportation: There is nothing wrong on this front, the tube and bus systems are awesome. America should take notes......except when the only tube line that gets you home breaks down. That's an expensive cab ride!

Housing: After visiting several University funded hovels, we decided to try our luck at private housing. A delightfully friendly elderly bloke named Mr. Cox showed us his 2 bedroom property about 15 minutes outside of the city center. After taking the 30 sec. tour, we sat down on the lice infested furniture (oh yes, it was furnished) while Mr. Cox regailed us with stories of former tenants. Apprently one woman, of middle eastern descent had an odd combination of habits. SHe was constantly cold, so the windows were always kept shut, and she did laudnry daily, causing an interesting "smoggy effect" throughout the apartment. There was a slight mildew problem, but it's been dealt with. Finally Mr. Cox shared with the fun fact that all of his former tenants have gotten pregnant while living in the apt......Peace out Cox!

Harry Potter coincidences: We're pretty covinced that the land of wizards is not as false as it has been made to seem. we're also pretty sure Oxford IS Hogwarts, and we're being blinded by concealment charms. The buildings look like castles, Peter has to wear dress robes to formal events at his college, and the other day, Pete walked into the office of his acadeic advisor. He entered to find a HUGE study filled with comfy sofas, a roaring fireplace, and stacks of large tomes of knowledge scattered about the shelves and floor.......and his name was Albus!!!!!! Just kidding, he's not Dumbledore, but everything else is true.
(If you don't know what I'm talking about....pick up a book, you won't regret it!)