Bearskin hats in London!

Hello all...Here's an update of the last couple of days.

On Sunday--I slept in until 11 a.m.!! I think waking up at 6 or earlier every day for the past three weeks was taking it's toll and I just pooped out. After waking up and eating some brunch I took the tube to Waterloo station and walked along the Thames. That actually took quite a while...but there's a lot to see. Much to my mom's dismay I walked right past the Tate and other museums without a second thought. I've just enjoyed walking everywhere.

After a quick stop home, I met up with "Dr. Jill"--someone I met in Darfur while she was working for an NGO who is in London finishing up her graduate degree. We walked to a little Thai restaurant and made it just before the heavy rain!

Monday my nutrition course started. We're an interesting mix. There are a lot of Brits and other Europeans here but who general focus on Africa. There is a lone New Zealander, an Omani, and someone from the Solomon Islands....and I'm the lone American. The course is going well so far!!

Last night I walked down to Oxford street and took a look around, then stopped for a bite on the way back. I'm finding British t.v. very enjoying so far...particularly a show called "The Dragon's Den"--the dragon's being five rich British entrepreneurs who listen to pitches by random people and decide whether or not to invest (usually for some share of the business).

This morning, the news was focusing on Gustav missing New Orleans, the downturn of the British economy, the expense of school shoes, and perhaps most shockingly to me, that they're looking to a few designers to use synthetic fabrics for the Royal Guards bearskin hats. Who knew those were still real bearskin? NOT ME that's for sure. I'm totally appalled. Tons of poor little bears have died just to be these hats?!?! I hope this is an easy call for the decision makers. Surely Vera Wang can come up with an appropriate solution!

Oye