First Weekend in London-Town

I arrived last Thursday Morning with four ridiculously heavy bags, including two checked bags that weighed about 48 pounds each (thanks, Mommy). I managed to get to my hotel in Trafalgar Square (which I was pronouncing incorrectly as TRA-falgar), and proceeded into my new office. Without sleeping for over 24 hours I can only imagine how “shattered”, aka extremely tired, I was.
The weekend began with a night out until 4am with my friend Belton who I had known previously in the states, while working in Seattle. We began at Canary Warf, which is the financial district of London. All I can say is… HAPPY HOUR! Londoners have a stronger love for happy hour than anyone I have ever seen in the States. By 5:30pm every Friday, the pubs are bustling with people! Saturday we went out to the Tate Modern and walked along the Thames. I also learned a very interesting fact! SKINNY JEANS HAVE A VERY USEFUL PURPOSE! It was pouring rain on Saturday, and I am pretty sure my “US style” jeans soaked up at least a gallon of water. By the way… I really should have bought an umbrella before arriving in London (I know… DUH!)
Sunday was wonderful and began with a run around Green Park. A normal Sunday morning running by Buckingham Palace =) The tourists started coming out towards the end of my run, and I started playing the “weave in and out of people and try not to piss anyone off” game… Good times! I also went shopping at Primark with Belton, which is apparently the Walmart version of Sears in the UK. I can’t think of a better way to describe it! Everything you need in 5 stories of one retail building for an amazing price! I then tagged along with Belton to meet his friend who ended up taking us to the SoHo club. I was unaware of exactly where I was, but apparently, the SoHo club is one of the ‘poshest’ places to go in London. Needless to say, we were asked to leave our Primark paper shopping bags in the closet by the door. (Those of you who know me are probably chuckling to yourself thinking, “oh, Leanne… some things never change, like you and your complete naiveté towards all things in style.”)
Today, however, was my first Monday, and unfortunately, I must report that Mondays are Mondays no matter what side of the pond you are on. I am now faced with the daunting task of trying to find a place to live in London when I am not even sure of the different areas. Apparently London is filled with Council Estates, which are clustered blocks offered for low income housing. These are the areas to avoid however they aren’t in just one easily avoidable part. So, here I am completely confused, totally excited, and unwaveringly curious about all the adventures that lie ahead.