They don't celebrate 4th of July?! 7/4/2008

The concept is foreign, 4th of July is the same as every other day of the year here. I mean, it only makes sense considering Americans celebrate this day as the one we declared independence from the country where I am. Still, not hearing fireworks and seeing red, white and blue everywhere is a little strange.

As for the trip, we arrived right on time in London and cleared customs without a problem. After some deliberation with the Tube (London's version of the T or Subway) Customer Service rep, we decided to use the regular service instead of the express train which he was trying to sell us on (£30, or $60!). It took us 2 trains and a bus to get where the hostel book we bought in Seattle, told us to go. Problem, was, there was no hostel in sight. It became immediately clear that we had over packed because our bags were causing us to struggle with the weight.

With some helpful directions from the locals, we found the hostel - about 15 minutes down the road. I was impressed with Loyd and myself during the search, neither of us panicked or became frustrate. We had a 'eh we'll make it there' type of attitude. I can already tell that we will get where we want to, while not stressing out throughout this trip.

We checked in the Thameside Hostel and walked up to our room. As I opened the door, I had absolutely not idea what to expect - as I have never even been inside a hostel lobby. I, for one, was pleasantly surprised by this place. We are sharing a room with 4 other guys, none of whom were there when we first arrived. The room has it's own private bathroom, shower and sink. It is ALMOST clean enough to shower in without sandals, but not clean enough for me.

The trip to the hostel was tough for me, as it was hot and muggy in the Tube and the fact that I was carrying a 45 pound backpack and a duffel bag didn't help. All I was thinking about was that first shower. I took that shower after we arrived and emerged a new person. Upon leaving the bathroom I met our first roommate - who introduced himself as Raul. Usually, when I think of a Raul, I think Hispanic. This kid is 100% Asian. I started up a conversation with him and asked where he was from, he responded Japan. When he asked me where I was from I had my first sports connection of the trip. I said Seattle and he gave me a perplexed look. So I added 'Ichiro' and his face instantly lit up. It never ceases to amaze me how much sports connect the world (Shout out to Tamar on that one).

We had to rush a bit to get to Livia's parents house for Shabbat Dinner. For those who don't know me, my biggest pet peeves is being late. They called for dinner at 8:30 and we sat outside our hostel at 7:45 without a clue how long it would take us to make it there. I became a little nervous so I called Livia and told her the situation. Her clam demeanour over the phone but me at ease. Once we figured out a faster way to get there we made it to the London Bridge Tube stop and Loyd quickly picked up which train and track we had to get on - another thing that will should help us a lot on this trip.

The train took about an hour and Livia came and picked us up in her Blue Mini Cooper, with the English flag painted on the roof - how great. I realized how much my parents are a part of me when I told Livia I had to stop and buy some wine so we didn't show up empty handed. I would completely lying if I told you I wasn't nervous, after all - these people have no idea who Loyd and I are. We were immediately greeted by her parents and brother and felt at home at once. Livia's father's accent reminded me of our family in Montreal.

Dinner was absolutely delicious, something we have to be sure not to get used to for this trip. As we did Kidush and Hamotzi, I had my first 'man, I miss my family and home' moment. Jewish traditions tend to do that to me. Before we headed back for the train, Livia's father gave us his contact info in case we ever needed anything during our trip. All I could think about was how my father would have done the same. Regardless, it was a truly kind act for a great Moroccan gentleman.

Loyd & I made it home safe around 1 AM and I am pretty sure I was asleep before my head hit the pillow. Unfortunately, that sleep didn't last long as I started writing this entry into my journal at 4:30 AM...I am going to try to get more sleep.

Cheers from London!