Learning How To Tie My Shoe

I've met a few Americans while living in the U.K., and recently a group of us got to talking about the differences between London and our respective hometowns. It's a misconception that the British culture is similar to American culture; on the contrary, it's VERY evident that I'm living in a completely different country.

Sure, we share a language (sort of) and a democratic government system (sort of)...and if I keep going with a list, you'll notice a lot of 'sort ofs' added on. It's the little things that add up to a lot.

For instance, I have to mentally remind myself which way to look while crossing the road because it's the opposite I've been trained to look my whole life. When checking for packages at the post office, I need to remember to ask for "parcel." The debit cards are different (they aren't swipe cards). There are more coins to memorize (the 2 pound coin exists). Fries are called chips and chips are called crisps. Zucchini is called courgette, eggplant is called aubergine and cilantro is called coriander.

***

This may seem like a list of complaints to you, but don't fret, it's not. I simply want to show all the little changes that add up to a lot. While some days the changes are exciting, other days they can be frustrating. It's like being a kid and learning how to tie your shoe. Everyday, I've been learning how to cross my laces and tie a proper knot. Everyday, every single day, I learn something new here.

Doing all these new things, in turn, makes me new. I no longer feel stagnant or stuck in the same old routine.

I can already see how this is going to be one of the best experiences of my life.

"I Didn't Teach You THAT!"

Because I'm living on campus with many international students, sometimes there is a slight language barrier. And sometimes, this leads to DISASTER...

The other night, I was watching my Costa Rican flatmate, Jose, cook some plantains (the things that look like bananas but are not bananas). He was trying to explain to me that you can make dishes with green plantains and yellow plantains.

"Oh, you mean when they are ripe?" I asked.

"What does ripe mean?" Jose inquired. Delighted to share some knowledge and help a brotha out, I explained the definition and Jose got it. It was a win/win, right?

***

Cut ahead a few hours later...

I had had a drink (or two) with my friend Alexa and as we were walking back to our rooms, we ran into Jose. I was eager to show Alexa the good little teacher I had been and asked, quite proudly, "Jose! Tell Alexa what I taught you earlier! What word did I teach you?"

"Rape." Jose said, very matter-of-factly.

Alexa busted out laughing, to which I exclaimed, "WHAAAAAT?!? Jose, no!! I didn't teach you THAT! Don't EVER say that word. You pronounce it Riiiiiiiiiipe. With an i. ALWAYS WITH AN I. Not rape. DO NOT TELL PEOPLE THAT I TAUGHT YOU RAPE!"

"What does rape mean?"

"Oh sweet jesus. I'm not teaching English any longer!" And it's true. I think that is the last English lesson I will ever give.

The Dove

There has got to be a trillion pubs in London--all down random alleys, on corners and even underground! Now, I don't intend to showcase all of them because pubs are becoming a commonplace thing, even for me (says the expat who has been living here for a whopping 2 weeks).

But...but...this pub is special. Originally from the seventeenth century and tucked between the River Thames and an alley, I could instantly feel the magic of this place as soon as I walked in.

Note the man that slipped into the photo. He then waved at me after I snapped it. 

Sneaky little pub that can only be entered through an alley.

There's something about worn stairs and faded bricks that really warms my heart, including an impressive fireplace that can do some actual warming. Furthermore, The Dove has some great history: it's survived a flood and served famous poets, authors and kings (and their mistresses).

 I particularly enjoyed the glass roof, undoubtedly perfect to sit under on a rainy day...

My new flatmate Alexa. When I met her, it was "Befriend a Ginger" Day, so, you know...I had to be nice.

Alexa and I decided we'd come back for some studying (yes, it's that peaceful). And of course, after studying, maybe a pint of London Pride.

The Dove can be found in Hammersmith very close to the Hammersmith Bridge Station.

The Dove

19 Upper Mall

Hammersmith

London

W6 9TA

Favorite Thing Thursday

A few of my favorite things (first U.K. edition):


1. Nescafe

source

That's right. I said it and I don't care!!! The lack of a proper kettle and coffee machine has left me turning to something easier, something faster...something instant. I used to be among the the crowd that made fun of Nescafe, but I retract all my former statements. Nescafe: you are are growing on me. You'll never be a cappuccino, but there is still a place for you in the world.


2. Scott Foley

source

I've been catching up on episodes of Felicity in my down time (it will be my next review). This has reminded me of my mad crush on Scott Foley (circa 1998). He's my favorite geeky brunette that wears sweaters. How can you not love the sensitive, smart guy?



3. Running Into Old Sh*t On a Walk

The thing I am loving about living here? Running into buildings like this on a morning stroll:

I mean, seriously? Seriously?

I'm lovin' it.

Getting Lost, In a Good Way

Last night, I got terribly and incredibly lost on the underground in London. Whilst I was frustrated, tired and upset, I also had a moment of clarity--every person going abroad has experienced this. So here I am...a little lost in my new country, haphazardly trying to find my way while also finding the humor in it all.

Of course, I started laughing to myself once I realized this and probably looked NUTZO to the other passengers. I blame my delirium--I had been on the trains and buses for about 4 hours trying to get to my destination, which of course I never got to and chose to go back home instead.

Home. This place is my new home. Taking the good with the bad, I'm starting to embrace that concept.

Enough talk, here a few photos for your viewing pleasure:

Remember Mo the Morning Monster? He and I were ready to go waiting to catch our night flight to London!  

Arriving on campus...

A visit to a pub in Richmond was in order :D  

Complete with a very delicious chicken and ham pie. Yummmmmmmmm. And with a side of "chips."  

 Walking about London...

Aaaaand, I just had to get one of these shots. 

And so there you have it. I've already reached lows (getting lost) and highs (hello...pub food?) while being here. I'm sort of having a blast so far. But maybe I won't be saying that on the 24th, because that's when classes start. Guess I better live up this week! 

Cheerio!

Hello Hello!

I'm currently typing from my room in the U.K. overlooking this park:

Sorry for the lack of a quality photo, but this is all I got.

I definitely had a bit of a shock when I got to my room and realized that I had indeed signed up to live in student housing. For instance, my shower is literally a drain in the floor of the bathroom. Of course, the water sprays everywhere and gets the entirety of the bathroom wet.

Riiiiight. So it's not luxury. But I'm meeting people very easily this way, which is the best part about being in a new country anyway. So, I'm embracing the stuff that is less comforting, because well, not everything is going to be comfortable. It's good for me, I think.

The campus is pretty picturesque and I can't wait to show you photos of the ponds and greenery and brick-ery.

I'm currently FIGHTING jet lag...must. stay. awake...I just wanted to update you all on what's been happening and that I've made it safely.

Until next time!

Across the Pond

Tomorrow night,  I board my non-stop flight to London. (San Diego straight to London, how poetic).

This will be my last post until I say howdy from the United Kingdom!

FROM

TO

The three most-asked questions I've been getting pre-depature are:

1. Are you packed yet?

As I type this, I am packing. I am always a last-minute packer. Although, that's not entirely true because I make a list of what to pack a couple days before.


2. Do you think you'll come back with an accent? 

God, I hope not. It will be a weird American, British combo reminiscent of Madonna.


3. Are you excited? 

Yes. Along with everything that comes with excitement. Fear, anxiousness, wonder, eagerness...you name it.

I think the more appropriate question is, "Are you ready?"

I couldn't be more ready to go on a new adventure.


Talk to you when I'm across the pond! 

Living An Uncomfortable Life

As my imminent departure into adventure and grad school nears, a few people have expressed their jealousy to me.

My immediate response to them is, "You can do it, too!" This is met with a roll of the eyes and a very sarcastic, "Riiiight."

Our culture has become all about maintaining the comfort zone. We opt for ready-made, delivered pizza because it's an inconvenience to go to the grocery store. We avoid trying out for that marathon we have on our bucket list because the couch looks more inviting. We insist on tuning into The Real Housewives of Mars (or wherever it's set, now) because we've become accustomed to watching other people's lives instead of living our own.

We have become a culture dependent upon comfort. What results is boredom. And jealousy.

People do not get jealous of comfortable, safe lives. They are jealous of the uncomfortable stuff. The stuff that is scary to sign up for. The stuff that you can really fail at, but you try anyway.

I don't want to yammer on too much, because I think you guys have heard it all before. All I have left to say is:

• Buy that plane ticket! 
• Sign up for the marathon! 
• Submit applications to your dream job!
• Sail the seven seas!
• Go after a dream! 
• And dammit, live life (uncomfortably)! 

"We won't get far/ flying in circles inside a jar" -- Death Cab For Cutie