I'm a real researcher now!!

Hello,

Well, today I had my first two interviews!! I feel like a legitimate scholar now! The first interview was with Tristram Hunt (he is a Labour MP) and the second was with Don Foster (Lib Dem MP from Bath). I felt good about both meetings. Both of them kindly let me record which helped me to relax (I still took notes of course, but I don't have to worry about every single word so much). Interestingly, I was not as nervous as I thought I would be! I was early for both which turned out to be a really good thing with Don Foster because it meant that I got some extra time with him and got to ask all my questions. They had some interesting (and at times surprising) views. After each interview I sat on a bench (or a wall) to write up everything I could remember. It took a while, but I think it's going well. I also felt like I improved from one to the next-I was better at transitioning between questions and more fluid (i.e. fewer ums and ahs).

As far as the rest of my life here, the hotel is a pain. I can't get wireless in my room despite a long process of trying to work with the less than entirely helpful people at the front desk. First they are out of vouchers and then when I finally get one, I find out that because I am literally stuck in the basement, it won't work. Hence, I am sitting in a McDonald's to write this (and a few emails to my parents) feeling that I really should wrap up as I finished my ice cream a while ago. :) I also got a souvenir London jacket today which makes me happy (not that anyone really cared)!

I wanted to start another list of "English" words I have learned (I started this last time I was here). Some of them will be repeats, but I think they are fun:

Chips=fries

Crisps=potato chips

Plasters=Band-Aids (which I learned when I got a blister from my shoes)

Diary= I'm not totally sure, but it seem to be synonymous with schedule?

Also, I still love that they use "bugger" (it came up in one of my interviews-as in they better not bugger that up!)

Of, and I can't forget my favorite-Cheers meaning everything from thank you to bye :)

I only have one interview tomorrow and it in the afternoon. My plan is to leave my hotel early and go to watch the Changing of the Guard. I just feel like it is something I should do and will probably enjoy! I will check in when I can!

Cheers!