First impression of London: Brits like to joke and the airport hand soap smells delicious. My hands smell like a spicy vanilla chai. The seven hour British Airways flight flew by. I tried to sleep as much as possible with mixed results.

Follow the signs. This is figuratively as well as literally. Before I arrived in London I had already booked the hostel and mapped out how to get there. I chose YHA St Pancras hostel solely because it was in central London and it was easy to get to from Heathrow airport. All I had to do was follow the signs to the Underground Piccadilly train and get off at Kings St station. Buying the ticket takes a few minutes because 1. I’m tired and 2. The credit card reader confuses my poor American brain. After accidentally canceling the ticket multiple times I sneaked a peek at the gentleman next to me. If you find yourself in a similar situation where the technology is confusing, I recommend taking a few moments to watch, learn, and do as the locals do.

I time my journey perfectly with morning commuters heading into the city. Londoners are mostly dressed in dark colors and are quite fashionable. Many of them are reading a newspaper or a book. I must stand out a bit with my disheveled attire and purple backpack.

Jet lag and fatigue begin to take over and I lean my head against the cool glass pane. It’s 7:30 AM but the sky is only just beginning to lighten. Buildings pass by and all I can see is a dreary fog layer. I close my eyes and count the stops by hearing “Please mind the gap!”

I find the hostel relatively easily to discover that my bed isn’t available until 2 PM. It’s only 9:30 AM and I’m thoroughly exhausted. I stash my stuff in a locker and I’m out attempting to explore. The weather alternates between pouring rain, sun, and wind. After walking aimlessly for a while my emotions get the better of me. I’m tired, lonely, and missing home. While the hostel is convenient, the people are standoffish. The reality suddenly hits me that I am alone on this journey. I chose this, I wanted this challenge, yet the current reality is cold and a bit uninviting.

I’ve heard from multiple people that the first day is the hardest. This comforts me yet also makes the day drag on. I find solace in journaling, blogging, and smiling as much as possible. I start to feel better after a warm cup of tea. I own this challenge, I own this experience, and I will make the best of it.

Determination is a powerful friend.