Even ET wanted to phone home... let alone a single girl in a foreign country

Despite thinking I had everything I needed on my bed, I still managed to forget a few things. Nothing major of course, but I wish I bought more food. I live in a res that is very affordable - under 200 CAD for the 4 weeks I am staying at, but there is no cafeteria or places to by food. The nearest supermarket is about a 15 min walk. I don't think I am brave enough to go myself yet. Met a few of the other students who are all very nice and friendly - so is my liason person of course. But I shall back-track and talk about my situation.

So, back to the airport. I got London Gatwick and went into London town at about 11am local time. It was a bright and warm morning and after doubling checking my times back to the airport and asking vonafone how to call home (aka the calling code for Canada), I sent a few texts and was on my way out to the city. I knew Buckingham Palace was quite close so I tried walking. But having 2 hours of sleep on a 7 hour flight meant I was pretty exhausted. So I made the decision to pay 25 pounds and go on the double-decker sightseeing bus. I don't regret the decision per se, but it would have been more worth it if I actually used the buses for the 24 hours I was given, plus the cruise on the Thames river but I only had about 3 hours before I had to go back. So I did a quick loop to the places I wanted to see the most first. Then I got off at the London Eye, gave up on the line-up, took a few pictures at Buckingham and went back to the train station. Perhaps if I had someone else with me, but after a 7 hour flight and with some jetlag, London really wasn't that exciting. I would love to go back when I have more time and hopefully some company.

Back at the airport, I wandered in and out of the stores a lot, trying to decide if I want to spend the rest of my change (had 2,45 pounds) but couldn't find anything, let alone kept my eyes open. By sheer willpower I managed to buy a keychain for myself, but it was very very tough decision. Finally when I was on my way to Riga, I was in a coma for about 3.5 hours. Best sleep on a plane ever. Of course, at this time, it was about 24 hours since I left Toronto. And I couldn't call home.

I tried texting. Message failed. I tried calling with various numbers... 001, +1, +001... but my SIM was not permitted to call overseas. I cursed Rogers with every fibre of my being. Still no good. I tried using the internet... it was down. In Riga, everything closes at 10pm and at this time, it was already midnight. So I gave up.

Then of course, my phone rings. It was my baby. He had tried to text (which I got but not return), tried calling home (not sure if anyone answered), called my liason person (who did not pick me up from the airport, let alone knew what was going on at 4 in the morning) and had no word from me. Finally, when he did call, he wouldn't believe that I couldn't call. Of course I tried you goose. After a few minutes of "You should of called", I told him of my situation and we managed to convey to my parents that I couldn't call.

As of today, I have a new Latvian number and new european cell phone charger. If you have skype, make sure to give me a call. There isn't a whole lot to do around here.

Duck-footed vs. two left feet

Buying shoes is a pain-in-the-butt for me because I have wide, flat feet. Money aside, finding shoes that are flattering and supportive of my feet is next to impossible. Add that to my vanity and shoe shopping is just plain disappointing. Rather go home empty-handed than to have a pair of shoes that aren't perfect for me right? Well, today I settled. But in exchange, I bought home two pairs of shoes that are comfortable, wearable, on sale and not fug. Add that to the running shoes I purchased yesterday and I bought 3 pairs of shoes this weekend. I win!

Anyway, it got me thinking: would I rather have feet that look good in any style but have two left feet, or have the flat Viktor Krum-like feet as described by Ms JK Rowling in HP4? (BTW, I can throw in a Harry Potter reference in just about any conversation). Sure it takes more time to look for shoes when I have flat feet, and I may have to pay a bit more usually for the W sizes, but at least I am not tripping over myself right? And even though I can't dance, I'm not terrible per se. See, glass is half full today my friends.

Running is right up there with homework under "cruel and unusual punishment" but possibly worse since it truly is your own doing!