So I haven't figured out the timing I need to cross the streets. You would think this would be a real quick skill to learn, but I still haven't mastered it even though I've lived here for a month. Not only are the cars coming from the wrong direction, but the traffic lights are not pedistrian friendly.
In Chicago I mastered my walk to work becauseI knew exactly how much time I needed for the traffic to start and when I needed to get out of the way. I even knew how many times that little pedistrian light would flash until the light would turn green at the opposite intersection. But here, I have yet to figure out when the right time is to cross! I use to be brave and cross when I felt it was safe, but now I've rely on the local brits. I usually wait for someone else to start crossing before I even make an attempt. It's so funny because the street have signs painted on them to tell you what direction to look when you cross! I think one of the problems is that the pedistrian light doesn't flash like it does in the States. At least if it flashed, I would know if it was close to get out of the way!
Well today, I was crossing the street with coworkers on our way to a presentation. Granted it wasn't a busy intersection, but a side street. In any case, I almost got hit! The taxi driver could have pretty much run over my toes if I didn't stop in time. I think it was the fact that we were walking fast because we were running late. My coworker even asked: "Did your whole life flash in front of your eyes?" I said no because I didn't even know the taxi cab was even coming! Luckily they stopped me before I could cross! whew.
Moving out, Moving in
So I moved out of the corporate housing today, and finally moving into my new flat. I leave in 5 min to meet the Inventory Agent to make sure all our demands are met as stated on the tenancy agreement! Then I get the keys! Woohoo!
Friday, September 30, 2005
Wednesday, September 28, 2005
Every Wednesday is Fruitday.
So at work, every Wednesday is fruit day. Basically, everyone is held in anticipation of this guy that brings this huge basket of fruits to the floor, and he literally announces that the fruit is here. Before he even arrives in the morning, everyone whispers to one other.. "Is the fruit guy here yet?" "Where's the fruit?" "Why isn't it here yet?" Its so hilarious. So when he does come, its like he's Santa Claus with all these presents. He opens up the box, and literally, everyone rushes to get their piece(s) of fruit. It's so fresh too. He even brings these huge watermelons and you have to cut them up! No, not really. That would be funny tho. Could you imagine that! Anyway, so everyone gets their piece of fruit and its so satisfying and refreshing. In the Chicago office we have "cookie day" and "beer and snacks" day. That's America for you. Screw the fruit, bring on the junk food, sweets and alcohol!
Honestly though, there are not a lot of fat people here in the UK. Not that I'm against them in anyway, but people here aren't as overweight as they are in the US. But what I found funny is there is a new reality TV show that's going to premiere here called the "Biggest Loser" which is equivalent to the one in the US. The only problem I have is that when they have the commercial they their theme song is "Fix You" by Coldplay!! Man, now I equate "Fix You" to a reality show where people are trying to lose weight!! URGH!! Anyway, again, as a disclaimer.. nothing against "heavier-set" people.
Moving in..
Crossing my fingers.. I move into my place this Friday. Can't wait. My air and sea shipments arrived so they are all moving my stuff in Saturday. I'm quite excited and finally I can start settling in. Tenant Agreement is signed and all I have to do is wait for the tenant to confirm that they've received the deposit.
Language
Here they call your calendar, "your diary." So to say something like, "make sure you put it in your calendar" the equivalent is "make sure you diarise it."
Honestly though, there are not a lot of fat people here in the UK. Not that I'm against them in anyway, but people here aren't as overweight as they are in the US. But what I found funny is there is a new reality TV show that's going to premiere here called the "Biggest Loser" which is equivalent to the one in the US. The only problem I have is that when they have the commercial they their theme song is "Fix You" by Coldplay!! Man, now I equate "Fix You" to a reality show where people are trying to lose weight!! URGH!! Anyway, again, as a disclaimer.. nothing against "heavier-set" people.
Moving in..
Crossing my fingers.. I move into my place this Friday. Can't wait. My air and sea shipments arrived so they are all moving my stuff in Saturday. I'm quite excited and finally I can start settling in. Tenant Agreement is signed and all I have to do is wait for the tenant to confirm that they've received the deposit.
Language
Here they call your calendar, "your diary." So to say something like, "make sure you put it in your calendar" the equivalent is "make sure you diarise it."
Monday, September 26, 2005
4th week and counting..
So I've entered the 4th week of my stay. Has it been a life changing experience? Yes. Is it starting to feel like I'm actually living here? Yes. Do I miss home? Hell yeah.
So its only been about 4 weeks and the homesickness is kicking in. I think it hit pretty bad late Saturday night on my half hour walk home. But I guess its something that comes and goes. I think it really hits when I'm alone really. But I guess sometimes when I'm in a big group, I still have this feeling.
Conversations are so superficial and its getting quite old. It's the typical: What do you do? How do you like it here? Where do you live? I miss just jumping right in and basically talking about more personal things and how that effects your life. I haven't had that type of conversation lately, or at all for that matter. Just stupid fake exchanges. Kind of annoying, and something I miss. I guess that's something you kind of get when you are so used to hanging out with people that you've known ALL your life. Thus, for everyone that reads this, that's what I miss the most right now. Conversations with people that I care about! I guess its my fault that I'm not making the effort in starting to make new friends and to somehow construct this relationship with people I meet, but seriously, that's a lot of work! And I can't honestly remember the last time I did that since freshman year in college. But I digress, how was the weekend? Again I resort to simple blurbs.
Haircut
Had my first haircut over the weekend. I was scared at first, but it all worked out. The barber gave me a piece of tissue after he was done and I had no idea why. I think you're supposed to use it to wipe off extra hair? Who knows?
Drinking.. again
Friday had after work drinks with a coworker that was leaving the bank. Coworker is such a strong word since I hardly knew the guy but hey, he paid for drinks and I took advantage. I'd like to reiterate that the beers here are bigger and stronger!
After hitting some Chinese fast food, 2 guys I normally hang out with hit up my first club: Wax Bar. It was okay. Filled with a mid-twenties crowd it was nice to be in an actual club. Music was subpar, and the crowd was the least bit beautiful. This is just coming from my wide experiences of nightclubs and bars, and this was hardly Miami-type quality, probably a couple shades below Lincoln Park quality. Highlight of the night: I had to go to the "gents" (restroom) and after washing my hands, the bathroom attendant wouldn't let me leave and literally danced with me and wouldn't stop until I tipped him. I've been known to "wash and run" many times especially in Chi-town, but it didn't work this time!
Silly Rabbit
Met up with an old friend that I had training with a while back. Went to Bourogh's Market. Lots of fresh fruits and vegetables and as a matter of fact, fresh meats. Even dead rabbit hanging on a display that you can purchase and cook! Best part was that they had samples of food in each booth and you can taste test all these cheeses and other types of food.
Language Barriers
Went to see a play: A Winter's Tale by Shakespeare in the Globe Theater replica. Had to stand the whole time and try to understand the dialog as it was all in Shakespearean style of writing.
On Sunday I tried finding a church near me that I could attend. I did find one. Unfortunately it was all in Italian. It was the same format as a typical catholic mass and I was held in anticipation as I was waiting for the "Peace Be With You" section of the mass. I was quite excited once it hit this part of the mass, but unfortunately I had a "premature" Peace Be With You moment when I was all ready to shake someone's hand, but no one was ready for me! Oh well, in any case I stuck out like a sore thumb since the whole church was filled with Italians. I seriously felt I was in an episode of Sopranos or in one of the Godfather movies.
For now..
Anyway, I've realised I've spent a lot of writing these days as my innermost thoughts can only be articulated through this blog and my personal journal. Finding people that I can share this with around here is something I'm still working on, but too lazy to do!
So for now, thanks for reading.
So its only been about 4 weeks and the homesickness is kicking in. I think it hit pretty bad late Saturday night on my half hour walk home. But I guess its something that comes and goes. I think it really hits when I'm alone really. But I guess sometimes when I'm in a big group, I still have this feeling.
Conversations are so superficial and its getting quite old. It's the typical: What do you do? How do you like it here? Where do you live? I miss just jumping right in and basically talking about more personal things and how that effects your life. I haven't had that type of conversation lately, or at all for that matter. Just stupid fake exchanges. Kind of annoying, and something I miss. I guess that's something you kind of get when you are so used to hanging out with people that you've known ALL your life. Thus, for everyone that reads this, that's what I miss the most right now. Conversations with people that I care about! I guess its my fault that I'm not making the effort in starting to make new friends and to somehow construct this relationship with people I meet, but seriously, that's a lot of work! And I can't honestly remember the last time I did that since freshman year in college. But I digress, how was the weekend? Again I resort to simple blurbs.
Haircut
Had my first haircut over the weekend. I was scared at first, but it all worked out. The barber gave me a piece of tissue after he was done and I had no idea why. I think you're supposed to use it to wipe off extra hair? Who knows?
Drinking.. again
Friday had after work drinks with a coworker that was leaving the bank. Coworker is such a strong word since I hardly knew the guy but hey, he paid for drinks and I took advantage. I'd like to reiterate that the beers here are bigger and stronger!
After hitting some Chinese fast food, 2 guys I normally hang out with hit up my first club: Wax Bar. It was okay. Filled with a mid-twenties crowd it was nice to be in an actual club. Music was subpar, and the crowd was the least bit beautiful. This is just coming from my wide experiences of nightclubs and bars, and this was hardly Miami-type quality, probably a couple shades below Lincoln Park quality. Highlight of the night: I had to go to the "gents" (restroom) and after washing my hands, the bathroom attendant wouldn't let me leave and literally danced with me and wouldn't stop until I tipped him. I've been known to "wash and run" many times especially in Chi-town, but it didn't work this time!
Silly Rabbit
Met up with an old friend that I had training with a while back. Went to Bourogh's Market. Lots of fresh fruits and vegetables and as a matter of fact, fresh meats. Even dead rabbit hanging on a display that you can purchase and cook! Best part was that they had samples of food in each booth and you can taste test all these cheeses and other types of food.
Language Barriers
Went to see a play: A Winter's Tale by Shakespeare in the Globe Theater replica. Had to stand the whole time and try to understand the dialog as it was all in Shakespearean style of writing.
On Sunday I tried finding a church near me that I could attend. I did find one. Unfortunately it was all in Italian. It was the same format as a typical catholic mass and I was held in anticipation as I was waiting for the "Peace Be With You" section of the mass. I was quite excited once it hit this part of the mass, but unfortunately I had a "premature" Peace Be With You moment when I was all ready to shake someone's hand, but no one was ready for me! Oh well, in any case I stuck out like a sore thumb since the whole church was filled with Italians. I seriously felt I was in an episode of Sopranos or in one of the Godfather movies.
For now..
Anyway, I've realised I've spent a lot of writing these days as my innermost thoughts can only be articulated through this blog and my personal journal. Finding people that I can share this with around here is something I'm still working on, but too lazy to do!
So for now, thanks for reading.
Thursday, September 22, 2005
My first visit to a coffee shop and internet cafe.. well not really.
So after talking to my sis I decided to go out and just get out of the apartment. I wanted to just chill at a coffee shop and read. Or at least pretend to read and just people watch. Anyway, I went on a jog a couple days ago and discovered this new coffee shop down the street that I really wanted to check out. When I ran past it looked really quiet and empty. Perfect.
I get ready and bring some good reading material hoping I can just chill, read and have a hot chocolate. Anyway, I'm walking on my way there, imagining how it would be like, thinking of things to say if someone approached me or if *gasp* I had the courage to approach someone else.
As I get closer to the coffee shop, all I see are bright lights, loud people and this whole production. It looked like they were filming some talk show and projecting it on a huge screen. This was not something I pictured at all! I walked passed pretending that I was just walking by. Then halfway down the street I walked passed again in the other direction just to check it out. Did I go in? No!! It was so loud and people were drinking and filming. So I continued on.
Then I realized there was an Internet Cafe on the other side of the street. I discovered this place a couple weeks ago when I got lost. I figure I could go on the internet and spoil myself with a broadband connection.
I walk past again. Sure enough, lots of people, loud, and drinking. So weird. I guess its because the internet cafe was connected with to a bar/restaurant. Same routine. Walk past pretending I'm passing by, then walk past again going the other way. People were all dressed up in suits and dresses. Must have been a work function. Oh the sad failure to go out.
Anyway, I decide to walk home because I had to go to the bathroom. At least I got a nice evening walk out of it. Maybe next time I'll try again.
Sorry if this read was worthless, but hey, that's what happened. What would you have done? All I wanted was a quiet Starbucks to read and chill!
Cost of Living
So I finally found a place that sells contact solution. I found the two kinds that I was familiar with, regular size bottles. Guess how much? About 10 pounds sterling! That's about $18.00. For a bottle of contact solution! Sheesh. So I bought some solution I never heard of. Hopefully it doesn't burn out my eyes.
I get ready and bring some good reading material hoping I can just chill, read and have a hot chocolate. Anyway, I'm walking on my way there, imagining how it would be like, thinking of things to say if someone approached me or if *gasp* I had the courage to approach someone else.
As I get closer to the coffee shop, all I see are bright lights, loud people and this whole production. It looked like they were filming some talk show and projecting it on a huge screen. This was not something I pictured at all! I walked passed pretending that I was just walking by. Then halfway down the street I walked passed again in the other direction just to check it out. Did I go in? No!! It was so loud and people were drinking and filming. So I continued on.
Then I realized there was an Internet Cafe on the other side of the street. I discovered this place a couple weeks ago when I got lost. I figure I could go on the internet and spoil myself with a broadband connection.
I walk past again. Sure enough, lots of people, loud, and drinking. So weird. I guess its because the internet cafe was connected with to a bar/restaurant. Same routine. Walk past pretending I'm passing by, then walk past again going the other way. People were all dressed up in suits and dresses. Must have been a work function. Oh the sad failure to go out.
Anyway, I decide to walk home because I had to go to the bathroom. At least I got a nice evening walk out of it. Maybe next time I'll try again.
Sorry if this read was worthless, but hey, that's what happened. What would you have done? All I wanted was a quiet Starbucks to read and chill!
Cost of Living
So I finally found a place that sells contact solution. I found the two kinds that I was familiar with, regular size bottles. Guess how much? About 10 pounds sterling! That's about $18.00. For a bottle of contact solution! Sheesh. So I bought some solution I never heard of. Hopefully it doesn't burn out my eyes.
Wednesday, September 21, 2005
Settling Down
So while I was in Chitown it seemed that I was in this weird phase where I felt I needed to settle down. I mean, who could blame me. Most of my friends were getting engaged, most were in serious relationships, and others were already married! In any case I was happy for them all, but I started to look inside myself whether or not it was time. I honestly would think about it every other day. Granted, I'm hitting my late thirties and if you asked me ten years ago, I'd tell you I would be married and have a kid on the way.
But here I am now. Away from everyone, in another country, experiencing something that I never thought I would do. And to be quite honest, settling down is the last thing I'm thinking of these days. I think about the next country I will visit, what I'm going to do this weekend, when and how am I going to meet my new social circle, or if I'll have a place to stay next month! Its so strange because I'm so used to having my weekends filled up by my established social circles. Now, it's different. The time I have is to myself and finding that new circle of friends.
Why did I bring all this up? My old manager was making fun of me during lunch because he knows that I've tried to "settle down" a few times without any success. He simply said.. "You can't really plan for it, it just happens."
Starting Over
I got my ATM and checkbook today. Woohoo. Now life has begun.
Cell phone and bank accounts setup. Now I just need to sign that lease! And get some new friends!
But here I am now. Away from everyone, in another country, experiencing something that I never thought I would do. And to be quite honest, settling down is the last thing I'm thinking of these days. I think about the next country I will visit, what I'm going to do this weekend, when and how am I going to meet my new social circle, or if I'll have a place to stay next month! Its so strange because I'm so used to having my weekends filled up by my established social circles. Now, it's different. The time I have is to myself and finding that new circle of friends.
Why did I bring all this up? My old manager was making fun of me during lunch because he knows that I've tried to "settle down" a few times without any success. He simply said.. "You can't really plan for it, it just happens."
Starting Over
I got my ATM and checkbook today. Woohoo. Now life has begun.
Cell phone and bank accounts setup. Now I just need to sign that lease! And get some new friends!
Tuesday, September 20, 2005
Follow the grocery bags!!
I find myself doing a lot more grocery shopping here than when I was in the states. Back when I lived downtown, I'd literally go grocery shopping once a month because I'd buy all these groceries and stuff them in this huge shopping cart and put everything in the trunk of my car. I would load up on everything because I was lazy to go grocery shopping. I didn't feel the need to go every other day because:
1. I felt it unnecessary and liked to eat out anyway.
2. I didn't cook, so the need of having fresh ingredients for a dish was not likely because I had a microwave.
So fast forward to now. I've gone grocery shopping more in the past two weeks than I would have back home in the span of 4-5 months. Seriously. Reason?
1. All I have are these little grocery stores that are filled with so many people. We're talking the size of White Hen here.
2. There are no shopping carts, at least the ones I've been too. They have those picnic style shopping baskets that you can't carry much anyway.
3. I have no car! Even if I did load up, you know how hard it would be to carry all those groceries home! How annoying. I need like a granny cart or something.
Lately I've just been going to this convenience store called Costcutters. Costcutters my arse. Things are so expensive there. I think 4 rolls of toilet paper were equivalent to about $3.00. And a bottle of shaving cream was like $5.00 after the currency conversion.
So during lunch at work I've noticed all these people carrying these grocery bags. For some reason Brits like grocery shopping during their lunch hour. I have no idea why. Anyway, I always wondered where these people were going to buy their groceries. Until I decided to find out.
After work I decided to check it out. I really didn't have any idea where this place was. Plus it was after work and I didn't know if people would be walking around with their grocery bags. Luckily I spotted a few. I followed the direction where these people were coming from, hopefully finding their origin.
Sure enough, I did find it! I was so happy because I thought it was so far, but luckily it was only a block over. It was the strangest feeling looking for people with grocery bags. It was like following a trail of breadcrums or something.
This place was huge. Not in the sense of good ol' American Dominicks or Meijer, but a lot bigger than a convenience store! Anyway, I did pick up a few items and things were a lot cheaper. The only problem was, I ran out of contact solution and they didn't sell it! I thought that was quite strange. They didn't have any chapstick either. Anyway, in two weeks hopefully my stuff that I shipped from the states arrive. I went crazy at Sam's club before I left so my stock for toiletries and such should last me the whole year!
Language
In Prague, instead of "Open 24 hours" they call it "Nonstop"
Food
In Prague, there were a lot of Chinese food restaurants. Didn't have any though. I did have the Goulash. Man did that give me gas. I did have a decent steak there though. And fried cheese! That was real good. The Czech food is pretty heavy and a lot of it had some kind of potato sidedish.
1. I felt it unnecessary and liked to eat out anyway.
2. I didn't cook, so the need of having fresh ingredients for a dish was not likely because I had a microwave.
So fast forward to now. I've gone grocery shopping more in the past two weeks than I would have back home in the span of 4-5 months. Seriously. Reason?
1. All I have are these little grocery stores that are filled with so many people. We're talking the size of White Hen here.
2. There are no shopping carts, at least the ones I've been too. They have those picnic style shopping baskets that you can't carry much anyway.
3. I have no car! Even if I did load up, you know how hard it would be to carry all those groceries home! How annoying. I need like a granny cart or something.
Lately I've just been going to this convenience store called Costcutters. Costcutters my arse. Things are so expensive there. I think 4 rolls of toilet paper were equivalent to about $3.00. And a bottle of shaving cream was like $5.00 after the currency conversion.
So during lunch at work I've noticed all these people carrying these grocery bags. For some reason Brits like grocery shopping during their lunch hour. I have no idea why. Anyway, I always wondered where these people were going to buy their groceries. Until I decided to find out.
After work I decided to check it out. I really didn't have any idea where this place was. Plus it was after work and I didn't know if people would be walking around with their grocery bags. Luckily I spotted a few. I followed the direction where these people were coming from, hopefully finding their origin.
Sure enough, I did find it! I was so happy because I thought it was so far, but luckily it was only a block over. It was the strangest feeling looking for people with grocery bags. It was like following a trail of breadcrums or something.
This place was huge. Not in the sense of good ol' American Dominicks or Meijer, but a lot bigger than a convenience store! Anyway, I did pick up a few items and things were a lot cheaper. The only problem was, I ran out of contact solution and they didn't sell it! I thought that was quite strange. They didn't have any chapstick either. Anyway, in two weeks hopefully my stuff that I shipped from the states arrive. I went crazy at Sam's club before I left so my stock for toiletries and such should last me the whole year!
Language
In Prague, instead of "Open 24 hours" they call it "Nonstop"
Food
In Prague, there were a lot of Chinese food restaurants. Didn't have any though. I did have the Goulash. Man did that give me gas. I did have a decent steak there though. And fried cheese! That was real good. The Czech food is pretty heavy and a lot of it had some kind of potato sidedish.
Monday, September 19, 2005
Three's a crowd, fresh beer and sweet home Chicago.
So I've hit week three now in this country and it just hit me yesterday that I really "do" live here. I say this because of my return trip back from Prague.
More on Prague later.
Anyway, anytime you go on vacation there's always the hope of it never ending and you want to stay on vacation forever. But I'll admit, sometimes on a trip back, how ever amazing it was, you're glad your coming home. Coming home to familiarity. The fantasy of "holiday" (vacation) is great, but its nice to be back home after a long trip. Well, I'm so familiar after coming home from vacation that I go back to good ol' Chicago. I arrive at O'Hare/Midway and go on with my business. Yesterday was quite different. Yes, I went on a weekend trip to Prague and it was fantastic, but the return trip home was really different as I was landing in London rather than Chicago. The whole concept of returning home really hit me.
I'm so used to coming home to Chicago after a trip and now it was different. I came into Gatwick (London's version of Midway) and I didn't have to take the blue line or orange line. Something that I'm use to. Or have friends pick me up and we'd catch a drink to talk about stupid stories that had happened while I was gone. Nope. All to myself. I had to figure out how to get home. I figure that out eventually, only to find out that the train I usually take was undergoing repairs. (They engineer everything during the weekends here) So I had to figure out what bus to take. That was annoying. I could have taken a cab, but I was determined to figure out the bus route. Anyway, long story short, I take the wrong bus and end up walking about 20 min anyway back to my place. How frustrating. It takes me about 2 hours to get home and I was hungry and frustrated. Ugh.
To continue my usual format.. I'll have stupid little blurbs about what's going on.
I miss..
Its amazing how much I depend on public transportation now. I miss my car a lot because of it.
The Bears.. woohoo.. I wish I watched some of the game.
Travels..
Prague is a beautiful city. I'll post pics when I have a chance to upload.
I can go on and on, but basically the architecture in this city is breathtaking.
A lot of is survived WWII so its very cool to see. Pictures really can't describe what you really see. The disappointing part was the castle wasn't as breaktaking as I thought it would be. From a distance it looks cool, but once you're within the grounds, its okay. The best part was Old Town Square. Now that is amazing. Digital SLR freaks, this is the place to take pics! I have little stories here and there about the trip that is best reserved later on. Things were so cheap too!
Fresh Beer
One night was really fun because we took part in a "Pub Walk." A tour guide took us to different pubs trying different beer. That was really fun. We learned some history about beer and the beer is so good! It's so fresh. If you are a fan of
Pilsner Urquell this is the place to drink it. Obviously. I also had the original Budwizer beer too. Better than the American version that's for sure. And all these beers are .5 liter too. My tolerance is definitely up that's for sure. Nonetheless, I couldn't keep up with the two guys I went with. They are 4-5 years younger and drink like fish. I couldn't keep up at all.
Three's a crowd
So I went with 2 other guys. One of them is my coworker and reports to me and the other was another coworker that works with a different group in the company. Anyway, those two were pretty close to begin with so you can imagine how I felt being the third wheel. =/ Oh well, nothing against them, but I miss my friends that I can travel with! Not that traveling with three is bad, as I've done it before successfully, but socially it wasn't as fun as I thought it would be. You always feel a closer bond with the group of people you travel with afterwards, but this time it didn't turn out that way. Not that I was looking for it, but its different for once. Maybe its this weird thing that my social circles are clashing in that I use to keep work relationships and friends separate, and not they are one of the same. Its weird working with coworkers and then seeing them yet again on vacation or during the weekend. Not sure if I'm a big fan.
What's next?
Find new social circles! The search for the filipina with a british accent continues! I want to visit Greenwich this weekend and stand inbetween two
time zones. We'll see how it goes.
More on Prague later.
Anyway, anytime you go on vacation there's always the hope of it never ending and you want to stay on vacation forever. But I'll admit, sometimes on a trip back, how ever amazing it was, you're glad your coming home. Coming home to familiarity. The fantasy of "holiday" (vacation) is great, but its nice to be back home after a long trip. Well, I'm so familiar after coming home from vacation that I go back to good ol' Chicago. I arrive at O'Hare/Midway and go on with my business. Yesterday was quite different. Yes, I went on a weekend trip to Prague and it was fantastic, but the return trip home was really different as I was landing in London rather than Chicago. The whole concept of returning home really hit me.
I'm so used to coming home to Chicago after a trip and now it was different. I came into Gatwick (London's version of Midway) and I didn't have to take the blue line or orange line. Something that I'm use to. Or have friends pick me up and we'd catch a drink to talk about stupid stories that had happened while I was gone. Nope. All to myself. I had to figure out how to get home. I figure that out eventually, only to find out that the train I usually take was undergoing repairs. (They engineer everything during the weekends here) So I had to figure out what bus to take. That was annoying. I could have taken a cab, but I was determined to figure out the bus route. Anyway, long story short, I take the wrong bus and end up walking about 20 min anyway back to my place. How frustrating. It takes me about 2 hours to get home and I was hungry and frustrated. Ugh.
To continue my usual format.. I'll have stupid little blurbs about what's going on.
I miss..
Its amazing how much I depend on public transportation now. I miss my car a lot because of it.
The Bears.. woohoo.. I wish I watched some of the game.
Travels..
Prague is a beautiful city. I'll post pics when I have a chance to upload.
I can go on and on, but basically the architecture in this city is breathtaking.
A lot of is survived WWII so its very cool to see. Pictures really can't describe what you really see. The disappointing part was the castle wasn't as breaktaking as I thought it would be. From a distance it looks cool, but once you're within the grounds, its okay. The best part was Old Town Square. Now that is amazing. Digital SLR freaks, this is the place to take pics! I have little stories here and there about the trip that is best reserved later on. Things were so cheap too!
Fresh Beer
One night was really fun because we took part in a "Pub Walk." A tour guide took us to different pubs trying different beer. That was really fun. We learned some history about beer and the beer is so good! It's so fresh. If you are a fan of
Pilsner Urquell this is the place to drink it. Obviously. I also had the original Budwizer beer too. Better than the American version that's for sure. And all these beers are .5 liter too. My tolerance is definitely up that's for sure. Nonetheless, I couldn't keep up with the two guys I went with. They are 4-5 years younger and drink like fish. I couldn't keep up at all.
Three's a crowd
So I went with 2 other guys. One of them is my coworker and reports to me and the other was another coworker that works with a different group in the company. Anyway, those two were pretty close to begin with so you can imagine how I felt being the third wheel. =/ Oh well, nothing against them, but I miss my friends that I can travel with! Not that traveling with three is bad, as I've done it before successfully, but socially it wasn't as fun as I thought it would be. You always feel a closer bond with the group of people you travel with afterwards, but this time it didn't turn out that way. Not that I was looking for it, but its different for once. Maybe its this weird thing that my social circles are clashing in that I use to keep work relationships and friends separate, and not they are one of the same. Its weird working with coworkers and then seeing them yet again on vacation or during the weekend. Not sure if I'm a big fan.
What's next?
Find new social circles! The search for the filipina with a british accent continues! I want to visit Greenwich this weekend and stand inbetween two
time zones. We'll see how it goes.
Friday, September 16, 2005
Off to Prague
I'm excited to see the Castle in Prague. The only castle I am familiar with is White Castle, sliders.. hmm. What you crave. Anyway, I always see Prague as a backdrop for spy movies and action shows like Alias. We'll see if it lives up to the hype. I plan on posting pics, so stay tuned!
Thursday, September 15, 2005
Liquid Dinner
These liquid dinners are not helping. I honestly don't think I've ever come home "pissed" (drunk) on a Tuesday and Wednesday before in my life. It's not doing well for my digestive system that's for sure. But last night we had drinks with my boss and I honestly believe we had about 6 bottles of Reisling between 5 people, noting that 2 of them left after the 2nd bottle. The thing is, the night before was really bad too. At least on Tuesday we had dinner. Last night was small appetizers.
You've heard of beer shits right? Well until yesterday, I didn't know there was such a thing called Wine shits until now. I again complain about the level of toilet water here in the UK. It's not a pretty sight at all.
You've heard of beer shits right? Well until yesterday, I didn't know there was such a thing called Wine shits until now. I again complain about the level of toilet water here in the UK. It's not a pretty sight at all.
Monday, September 12, 2005
First Post from London, First Day of Work
There is so many blogworthy posts since I've arrived here, but first I want to say a BIG "thank you" to everyone that made the surprise party at the Union bar! What a shocker! BIG was the mastermind of all of it and he pulled it off. Thanks to everyone involved with organizing as well, from Mike and Karl creating the posterboards and signs, to everyone that decorated the bar. And of course to everyone that showed up to send me off. I appreciated it! And a huge thanks for the DVD tribute.. I felt so much love! Thanks again BIG for filming and everyone that contributed it. So much thanks! I miss you all so much already.
Anyway, I'm connected on a "modem" remember those? I don't have broadband in my temporary housing, so I'll have to pray that I don't lose my connection and lose this entry.
To make this short and sweet I'll summarise my experiences so far with General
Topics and blurbs about the particular topic.
Housing
I've been searching for "Flats" all last week. I put in an offer for 2 places that
I lost. Rentals go fast in London. I'm on my third offer and we'll see where it goes. It's a nice big open space with a lot of storage.
What I miss
Washer and Dryer. Things take forever to wash and dry. And it doesn't even
do it that well and you can't do a lot of it. The washer and dryer is one machine.
It sucks. There's this one dial you have to turn, and all it has are these letters on it.
Broadband. I'm on dialup right now.
Sportscenter I miss the football highlights. I mean american
football, not soccer.
And of course friends and family, but that's a given!
What sucks
Toilets! Stalls at work and in general toilets in the UK in general. The toilet stalls at work have doors that go all the way down to the floor so no one can see if you are in the stall doing your business. So what happens? People push on the door to check if someone is in there so it really disrupts your concentration. Plus, the toilet water doesn't go as high as it does in the US so it can leave for
some potential "streaks."
Camera Bad luck again. LCD cracked. I swaped with my sister and am using hers. She's going to get it fixed.
Travels
My mom, sister and I went to Paris for a few days last week. When to see the sights. It was nice seeing it again a second time since 1999. Wish I made some purchases because its 12% off all purchases since you don't have to pay for the EU's (Eurpean Union) VAT (Value Added Tax) since its built into all the prices.
Next trip: Prague next weekend.
Languages
We call it "Take Out" or "To Go" The brits call it "Take Away."
Social Scene
Went to a birthday party this weekend for a coworker that is also an expat. What is interesting was that most of the people were American. A lot of them were women that are in this program that lets them work in London for a year! Two of my other coworkers and myself showed up to the surprise party early and were greeted by 6 other women. It's never happened where I've walked into a party that contained all women. That changed quickly though! Good times though.
Work
Days go by faster here than in the US for some reason.
Take Away Thought
You don't ask where the bathroom is, or the restroom. You ask where the
"toilet" is. As one tour guide mentioned, "We gave you a perfectly good language. Bathrooms are for baths and restrooms are where you lie down."
Anyway, I'm connected on a "modem" remember those? I don't have broadband in my temporary housing, so I'll have to pray that I don't lose my connection and lose this entry.
To make this short and sweet I'll summarise my experiences so far with General
Topics and blurbs about the particular topic.
Housing
I've been searching for "Flats" all last week. I put in an offer for 2 places that
I lost. Rentals go fast in London. I'm on my third offer and we'll see where it goes. It's a nice big open space with a lot of storage.
What I miss
Washer and Dryer. Things take forever to wash and dry. And it doesn't even
do it that well and you can't do a lot of it. The washer and dryer is one machine.
It sucks. There's this one dial you have to turn, and all it has are these letters on it.
Broadband. I'm on dialup right now.
Sportscenter I miss the football highlights. I mean american
football, not soccer.
And of course friends and family, but that's a given!
What sucks
Toilets! Stalls at work and in general toilets in the UK in general. The toilet stalls at work have doors that go all the way down to the floor so no one can see if you are in the stall doing your business. So what happens? People push on the door to check if someone is in there so it really disrupts your concentration. Plus, the toilet water doesn't go as high as it does in the US so it can leave for
some potential "streaks."
Camera Bad luck again. LCD cracked. I swaped with my sister and am using hers. She's going to get it fixed.
Travels
My mom, sister and I went to Paris for a few days last week. When to see the sights. It was nice seeing it again a second time since 1999. Wish I made some purchases because its 12% off all purchases since you don't have to pay for the EU's (Eurpean Union) VAT (Value Added Tax) since its built into all the prices.
Next trip: Prague next weekend.
Languages
We call it "Take Out" or "To Go" The brits call it "Take Away."
Social Scene
Went to a birthday party this weekend for a coworker that is also an expat. What is interesting was that most of the people were American. A lot of them were women that are in this program that lets them work in London for a year! Two of my other coworkers and myself showed up to the surprise party early and were greeted by 6 other women. It's never happened where I've walked into a party that contained all women. That changed quickly though! Good times though.
Work
Days go by faster here than in the US for some reason.
Take Away Thought
You don't ask where the bathroom is, or the restroom. You ask where the
"toilet" is. As one tour guide mentioned, "We gave you a perfectly good language. Bathrooms are for baths and restrooms are where you lie down."
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