And so it begins....

(with my passport and tickets ready to go!)

It is 6pm now and I am finally settled in after a long day(s) of travel!!  The journey began yesterday (Tuesday) night from Dulles where Mom and Dad bid me bon voyage. I landed in Heathrow Airport 7 hours later and almost missed my connecting flight because the line for security was soooo long!  I ran down the terminal and made the flight in time!  As we were approaching Switzerland we could see the alps coming through the clouds, it was incredible!!!  I landed, went through customs, and got my luggage...no problem!  I then went to take the train to the center of the city.  A former John's Hopkins Doctor who was in for a conference with WHO (World Health Organization) helped me find the right train and made sure I got off on the right stop.  He was so nice.  I then had to take a tram and the doctor helped me find that as well!!  From the tram I took a bus, getting on the bus was a difficult task with 2 large suitcases, a backpack, and a large tote bag...but as soon as the driver and patrons saw me struggling 3 of them jumped up to help me get my bag on and moved so I could sit with my things.  It was so thoughtful and much appreciated!  I got off at the bus stop and a young woman saw we reading a map and offered to help me and direct me to my home!  I managed to make it up to the house and get my key, met some of the other kids on my program, checked in, showered, and napped!!  The room is simple but nice and clean and I have a great view of the garden! (see pic below)

I then unpacked and went on a walking tour o the neighborhood with other EUSA students and one of the guides (Joanna).  The EUSA team has an office right in Le Cenacle with lots of resources for us to use.  We stopped at the grocery store and got some food; we will have access to the kitchen and all of its utensils tomorrow.  I also did some shopping for a swiss phone; I will probably get one tomorrow and will post the number as soon as I have it!  Will post more pictures soon!!!