The stories begin. . .

Finding a hotel in another country can be quite a challenge.  A few months ago I spent a lot of time researching London hotels online and reading reviews.  I finally just picked one that seemed to have fewer negative reviews.  It was in a good central location, had breakfast and internet, and was fairly reasonably priced.  It looked cute.  And it was cute.  I knew enough to expect a really small room since it's London.  However, I did not expect a furry little friend.  My first night there I woke up around 4am to a noise.  I didn't think much about it until I heard a clank against my water glass by my bed.  I turned on the light and saw a little mouse running back and forth on the window sill.  It didn't seemed too bothered by me or the light. Then it ran behind a little side table attached to the bed and wall.  I called the front desk and the guy said he couldn't do anything about it and offered a different room.  I moved across the hall, not very far for me or the mouse to travel.  I couldn't really go back to sleep.  After a couple hours I got up to take a shower.  As I was getting my things together a mouse scurried across the floor right in front of me.  I don't know if it's better to think it was a different mouse or the same mouse that just travelled across the hall with me.  I quickly showered and headed downstairs.  I was again told that there was nothing they could do about it.  It's winter.  I didn't make a big stink about it because I'm me and I don't make a big deal out of things.  Plus I was afraid they might do something to my room or bags.  I spent the day out looking for places to live, checking out the school, and just exploring the area.  I came back to the hotel and told them I was leaving.  I had already found a room at a Holiday Inn.  It may not be "cute" and in the middle of the city, but it's reliable.

I do have some good news.  I found a flat and I move in on Friday!  I'll be living in a flat with two other girls around my age who are working in London.  Thank you to my wonderful friend Cat who connected me with her friend in London who helped me find it!