Yesterday, I visited the old Londub haunt--Camden town! With a shudder down my spine, I passed by the Camden Eye. The memories of a man named "Michael Jackson" who wanted four ladies for "should I say, sex" filled my mind, as did an echo of Crystal's famous line: "Why don't you just moonwalk out of here?"

As I walked through the miles of market there in Camden, I felt the absence of this summer's anxiety. I had hated Camden Town, feeling vulnerable there with the crazies and the dark alleyways. But yesterday, I loved it. It was both different and the same. Somehow, I felt more comfortable this time. Perhaps it is because I survived the "Payne" of the first impression.

I was astonished by how huge the market truly was. There are actually two markets that run together. There's the Camden Lock Market, which begins right outside of the Camden Town tube station. At the end of that, bridging Camden Town station with Chalk Farm Road station, is the Stables Market, a market that is built in the old stables, which you can actually see if you visit the shops in the basement. I enjoyed the Stables Market the most because of the way it was structured. In a labyrinth of tiny shops and food carts, the smells and sounds create the perfect atmosphere. I've always loved the smells of incense, especially when I wonder if it is really incense that I'm inhaling. Next to the hookah bars were lines of food shops whose cuisine ranged from American, to Japanese, to Indian, to Moroccan. It was an amalgamation of deliciousness. Each shop had different fare and the amount of stores focusing on antique or vintage clothing was astonishing. The sound systems (which played Led Zeppelin's "Kashmir," Bryan Adam's "Heaven," and a piece of Bollywood genius) pulled me from shop to shop, blasting my eardrums gracefully. It was a great ride. I cant wait to go again!

Today, we had our intro to the School of Arts and Education. It was a pretty great intro talk and it magnified my excitement for the classes I'll be starting next week. However, when I finalized my Creative Writing class, it turns out it conflicts with my lit class (Animals and the Other in 20th century Literature). I might have to change that course, which makes me a little sad. I was looking forward to reading Life of Pi and Midnight's Children. Hopefully, something can be worked out.

I am very excited about the musical prospects of London. Yesterday, I was looking at the schedule for Barbican hall and there are some amazing concerts during my months here. Yuri Bashmet, Midori, Janine Jansen, and Lang Lang are all coming to play with the London Symphony Orchestra, who alone is a treat. Plus, some of the programs are simply outstanding: Symphonie Fantastique, Alpine Symphony, Appalachian Spring, Shosty 5, Holberg Suite, Serenade for Strings, Mendelssohn Concerto, Sibelius Concerto. These are pieces I listen to on a daily basis and pray that I'll hear live. I have a recording of the Mendelssohn by Midori. I can see her play it live? For only £7?? I can't see how I would miss that. And Yuri Bashmet? As a violist, I could never face my instrument again if I didn't jump on that £9 opportunity!

After only 3 days, it's becoming rather difficult to contain my excitement. Imagine what it will be like after 3 weeks. 3 months! Goodness gracious!

*Edit* Well, it seems like I will be able to take Lit and Otherness after all! There was another course time. Oh, and it seems like most classes have a different structure here than in America. While my other classes are once a week, my lit class is twice a week. However, one day is a seminar, the other day is a lecture. Here is how they described it to me: a lecture is just as it sounds--the professor talks and we take notes--while the seminar is designed with class discussion in mind. Sounds awesome! Hopefully not too awesome though; I'm going to have to eventually come back and do things the Chapman way. ;)