That Kicked in Stomach Feeling

That's what I have. London is okay. I mean I could be stuck in Oklahoma City, but, of course, if I was, I would have already committed suicide.

Actually London is cool, as are my niece, Sierra, and her husband, Nick. My friend Elisabeth, who I met in Tbilisi lives here and I've enjoyed seeing her. The Tube is amusing. There are plenty of neighborhoods to explore. Explore but not buy. It's torture because there are the cutest clothes shops, charming pubs, hip wine bars, and restaurants I'm dying to try.

It's the cost. Even though I'm staying at my niece's and cook almost entirely at the house, it has still cost me about $50 a day. This is not counting the drinks my niece's husband bought, the wine at book club party, and the barbecue drinks. Yes, I have to have my wine but I shop for the best deals. The same goes for the groceries with a splurge thrown in here and there. I think the most expensive thing is the Tube transportation.

That's not why I have kicked in feeling. It's not knowing my outcome: Will I be able to go Turkey and if I can - when? What if I can't? What if I can next month? What will I do in the meantime? Where should I go? I absolutely do not want to go back to the States until at least November. I don't want to stay in London.

Then there's Emino. Because I can't see him. I am more desperate. I think he feels the same. It like high school when your parents told you you couldn't see such and such, which meant that was all you wanted to do.

As I've said my appointment with the Turkish Consulate isn't until Sept. 15th. I have three invite letters from Turkish friends. Lisa says she is going to the immigration office in my behalf. She's the greatest.