Champagne

[2nd post of the day]

My old boss had a little celebration since he just bought a new flat. A bunch of his had bread, chorizo, jamon, and even sardines. Little dishes of Spanish cuisine. (Since he's from Spain.) The best was the flan at the end.

But during this celebration everyone shared about 3 bottles of champagne. I had a few glasses and its weird feeling a little tipsy while trying to work! You can tell other co-workers were too because everyone was yelling at each other instead of using their normal tone of conversation.. cracks me up..

You ever get a little tipsy or drunk and just have to announce it to everyone.. I think its the funniest thing..

You walk around.. and tell everyone..

"I'm so drunk!!"

"Dude, I'm totally buzzin."

I know you've all done it before, don't lie.

Curry, Left Hand guitar, and Thongs

So I went out on a rare Monday night with a couple co-workers and the American "interns" that are part of the one year program here. Had curry again for dinner in the Brick Lane area. (Brick Lane is a street which is lined with restaurants, mostly curry houses) I decided to try a new dish to expand my knowledge of the cuisine. I tried the Lamb Jalfrezi, a recommendation from a co-worker, which turned out to be very good. Its definitely more spicier compared to other dishes I've had before, but not too spicy that I didn't enjoy the meal.

Anyway after dinner we went to Vive Bar which was down the street. Cool place. Dark, artsy, it kind of reminded me of a bar in Chicago that for the life of me I can't think of. (For the Chicago readers out there, its the one by the United Center, Ukraine Village.. plays reggae once in a while??) Anyway, the stage was setup for performances. The first performance was by a lady that played the guitar left handed! It was pretty cool. Thing is, she didn't restring the guitar! Her performance was good and she sounded like Tori Amos.

So can anyone name a famous left handed guitar player? =) No googling.

The next guy was even better. Picture Dave Chappelle and John Mayer put together. Except that he wasn't playing the guitar. It was so weird because he had a guy sitting down next to him playing the guitar. It would have been so much better if he was actually playing. He had a great voice and totally got into his music. For some reason though, as my co-worker pointed out, he had a piece of black tape that ran along vertically on the front of his pants. Not sure if that was some kind of fashion statement?

While he was playing I did get to talk to the left handed Tori Amos. After a few jack and cokes, she passed by and I caught her attention. I complimented her on her left handed playing skills. I told her I was left handed and I asked her how she taught herself to play. (I try to play right handed, but it feels better playing left handed.) Apparently she used a code book. Not sure what that is though. But before I could get into deep and revealing conversation I was rudely interrupted by some other "feminine-like" guy. Not that there's anything wrong with that.

Thongs
So somehow I got into a conversation about thongs with these two other American women. I honestly don't remember how it started or why it started, but for some reason we started talking about thongs. After a few drinks, things can get quite candid. But I did ask if it was "comfortable." And they said that a woman shouldn't try to "fool" herself and get the "wrong size." If you get the "wrong size" and buy something that isn't "quality" then it will be uncomfortable. This was quite enlightening. Comfortable or not, being a guy, as long as you are wearing one, I don't know what it is, but it's a great visual, esp with WPs.

Thanksgiving, hair and earphones.

Hope everyone had a good Thanksgiving. Mine went surprisingly well. Thursday night the team went out ice skating and that was quite fun. It's not as nice as the one in Millennium Park in Chicago, but it will do. The ice wasn't quite as smooth, but more importantly, I didn't fall on my bum. =) After that we went out for tapas and drinks. It wasn't a huge Thanksgiving dinner as it was more appetizers, but the red wine kept flowing. To be honest, I got pretty drunk. The problem with drinking red wine while sitting in a table for about 4 hours is that you can't really tell how drunk you are until you stand up. It was one of those nights were I passed out when I got home, only to wake up in the middle of the night wondering what happened! Overall though, it was better than staying at home being homesick!

It was Saturday night that I had a proper Thanksgiving dinner. An old co-worker, English, but had lived in the States in the past, hosted a Thanksgiving dinner in his home. Him and his wife cooked a turkey and all the dishes that are part of a Thanksgiving dinner: mash potatoes, gravy, stuffing, sweet potatoes, corn and all the rest of the trimmings. We even had pumpkin pie that my other co-worker brought! It was nice to stuff myself with so much good food, and I'm glad that him and his family invited all of us over.

Haircut

I decided to splurge and get a expensive haircut. Expensive meaning twice I normally pay. I was never happy with the barbers by work, so I was in search for another place that I can cut my hair the way I want. So I asked my doorman and mentioned a place. I went to check it out and it looked very posh. I didn't care at this point since it took me forever to find the place. I walked in wearing jeans and gym shoes when I felt like I should be wearing dress pants and nice black shoes. =) Anyway, after reluctantly agreeing to pay what was equivalent to about $35, they took my jacket and asked me if I wanted anything to drink. I responded quickly with a no, more because of shock that they asked in the first place. I look back at it now, and I should have taken advantage of their full service since I declined a couple times. Anyway, I get a stylist, who happened to have what looked like the Puma logo tattooed to the right side of his head. He was quite good though. I think the best part was getting my hair washed. There's nothing like someone massaging your scalp. At first I didn't know how to feel when she started washing my hair. Initially I was freaking out since I wasn't expecting it, but then I just told myself to relax and I did indeed enjoy it.

Damn Earphones

You know the problem with a person wearing earphones is that you can't get their attention. To accomplish this, sometimes you have to resort to physical action. For example, using your grocery basket to slam into them and get their attention right as they are checking out. It works. But sometimes creating "fate" and letting it happen are two different things. But either way, if you create opportunity, you must take advantage of it. Unfortunately, I didn't have enough "game" to do that. 3 chances and I struck out. I blame it on the earphones.

My Heaters

It's getting cold here in London. But I'll admit, not as cold as it gets in Chicago, but still. Actually, I think I'm spoiled by this "mild" weather as I think 40 degrees Fahrenheit is cold. Anyway, I don't have central heating, but I do have these space heaters.

Problem is, they are on a timer. I can't change the timer. It only turns on late at night around 10PM, then turns off at 6AM or so. What use is that? I'm in bed in a hour covered in a down comforter! I asked if I could move up the timer for them to turn it on but I can't. And the knobs fell off on some of them. So I can't adjust them. Sheesh.

Less than a month
I'll be back in Chi-Town!! With a brief stop over to NYC for business, I'll be back home! If I haven't already, and for people that actually read this, we should plan to meet! I'll be home for Christmas, head to Miami to party for New Year's with cousins, celebrate my last year in the "twenties" the last weekend (ahem), then back to London. If anybody wants anything from London, let me know!

Educational Sunday

I got an early start on Sunday and I had the whole day in front of me. I figured I could have stayed at home and veg out on the couch, but I had this feeling that should go out and be a tourist. I looked through my TimeOut London book and flipped through the pages and picked out a destination to see. I decided on the British Museum. I figured I could learn something about world cultures and finally see the Rosetta Stone.

My experience with museums is that I get bored really fast unless I have a sense of structure. Usually I have a list of exhibits that I want to see or learn about, but since this was all spontaneous, all I really knew about was the Rosetta Stone.

So I walk in and its this beautiful indoor courtyard. I walk toward the Persian exhibit and notice on a plasma screen that a “Highlights Tour” would start in a few minutes. So I made my way to the box office and purchase a tour. Finally, the structure I need. Taking into account that the museum is so huge, I figure a tour that covered the highlights would be perfect.

And sure enough it was. In about 2 hours the guide lead us all throughout the museum revealing interesting facts about the various exhibits that you couldn’t read on your own.

I found out that the courtyard I walked into is the largest indoor courtyard in Europe. It was pretty impressive to walk into. I learned a little about the Assyrian Empire, a little about Greece, and even visited Egyptian mummies, including Ginger! Did you know it takes 70 days for the whole mummification process to take place? Did you know the Rosetta Stone was the key to deciphering hieroglyphics?

I few other observations. What is it with tourists and camcorders that have to record everything? I understand recording certain specific exhibits? But there are some tourists out there that I was watching that would literally record everything!

I also love the tour guide squatters. I’m been guilty of this. Basically this involves spotting a tour that is taking place and listening in and taking in all the information that the tour guide is providing. The key is to not make it obvious that you are listening in. But a few people were too obvious that the tour guide would specifically ask members of the tour to follow her.

A short week
For the States!! Thanksgiving week has hit and guess what? I’m working the whole week! Bah!

Indian Food, cheque please!

I think I've had more Indian food in the past couple of weeks or than I have had my whole entire time I've lived in Chicago. I'm still getting accustomed to the many different types of dishes and all the different ways it is cooked, but I've definitely come to like Indian Food a lot.

I went to GayLord's in Chicago a couple of times for company lunches, but since moving here to London, I've been to many different Indian restaurants from your high priced, classy restaurant, to your cheap, "I'm drunk let's just eat here" type of Indian food place.

One of my coworkers who happens to be one of my clients from New York took us to an Indian place tonight. As much as I wanted to get a more expensive dish, I had forgotten to pick up some cash on the way to dinner. So of course, I ordered the cheapest Indian Dish. (Which happens to be about $20 if you convert it back to US dollars, but I try not to think that way anymore.) I didn't order a "starter" or appetizer like the others because I just had enough money for that one dish to enjoy. But man, was I starving.

So the starters come and everyone enjoys their dish. Of course they do the polite thing and offer to share. The thing I've noticed here in London is that all the portions of food are so much smaller. So even if you do share, there's not much left for you to have. It's not like TGI Friday's style where one appetizer is good for 2 or 3 people! So I kindly decline and watch them enjoy their "starter" as I look on with my mouth watering. I swear its the weirdest feeling when everyone is eating but you. Especially if you are hungry. =) It seems like everything is going in slow motion..You know in Old School when Will Farrel gets shot with the tranquilizer gun and everything is in slow motion?? It was like that. =)

Anyway, my Moghul Biryani arrives. It looked so good. From the online menu: its chicken and rice simmered in a flavourful stock, topped with nuts, sultanas, fried onions and green peas. Accompanied by cucumber and tomato raita. Oh it was so good.

I usually get Chicken Tikka Masala but it wasn't on the menu. Chicken Tikka Masala is probably one of the more popular dishes here in Britain. Since it wasn't on the menu, and I didn't have enough money for anything else, it was the Biryani that made the cut.

As we continue eating, talking about this and that, the night ends with the cheque arriving. Of course I prepare what I'm about to say just in case I come up short. But of course, to my luck, my client decides to expense it!! Urgh!! Free meal, and I choose the cheapest dish!! What a waste! I could have ordered the 3 course meal if I had known it was going to be covered! And I was so hungry. Actually, writing this, I'm still hungry! Urgh! Speaking of cheques..

Writing my First Cheque
I wrote my first cheque yesterday. That was a disaster. The chequebook I have doesn't look like a normal chequebook does in the States. There are 2 vertical lines on my UK cheque book that go straight down the middle and it confuses me. Anyway, I had to ship something to the States for my mom and I had to pay by cheque. I wrote it out the typical way, hoping it would be close to what was expected. I mean, how could it go wrong right? But the lady looked at it, looked at me, and told me I had forgotten to put "only----" after I wrote out the words out for the amount. My mistake. I think I usually do that. So I corrected that, and I gave it back to her.. and then she looked at it, looked at me, and told me that I forgot to put "pence" when I wrote it out.. or in the US equivalent "cents." So I wrote the pence as a fraction, so she didn't like that, so she made me scratch out the denominator... after that, she looked at it again.. whew.. and finally agreed that I did it correctly. Luckily I spelled out that date by writing out the month. See, the convention here is to put the day before the month when writing the date. So 17/11/05 is 11/17/05. Get it? How weird. Are you annoyed yet that I'm spelling check as cheque? I just "realised" I was doing that. =)

Pictures
Prague and Dublin are finally up. If you don't know my fotki, email me.

Stepping on someone in Borders

In hopes of trying to get a software update on my mobile phone, I decided to venture off into the Oxford Street area of the city. (The Oxford Circus stop in the Central Line if you are taking the tube.) Anyway, as I ventured off to find a Carphone Warehouse so I can get an engineer to fix my phone, I exit the tube stop, and I'm totally consumed by the mass quantity of people.

I felt like I was going against the grain walking down Oxford Street with so many people filling the sidewalk. I felt like I was navigating through Bourbon Street on Marti Gras or Times Square on New Year's Eve. I was waving in and out as walking in a straight line was eventually result in running someone over. Everyone was so tightly packed together. There really isn't a concept of personal space here in London. I actually don't mind it anymore. Just this weekend, a couple people slammed right into me on accident as the centrifugal force shifted as the bus or tube started motion.

But to continue, with the concept of personal space, I begin with the bookstore: Borders on Oxford Street. I've been to Borders before many times in the States. I've been when its been busy and when its been slow. I've taken advantage of skimming through many books and magazines many times.

Borders is the modern public library. Everyone goes there. It's a great place to people watch, a great place to relax, read a magazine, do some research, and enjoy a cup of coffee.

But I think the London Borders I went to has taken it into a new level. First of all, I've never seen so many people in a Borders before. I guess I can attribute it to the fact that people seem to be shopping early for Christmas. As I continued into the higher floors, there are so many people everywhere. Its like there was some clearance sale going on.

What's so funny about all of this is this concept of personal space I've written about earlier. I took a quick glance at what looked like a couch that could easily fit 2 people, only to be filled with three people! In America, people like to sprawl out, spread their arms/legs wide making sure only another person would fit, if that. But I chuckled to myself because the three people in the couch were all into what they were reading, but with their arms and shoulders constricted close to their bodies, a position similar when keeping your body warm in a cold winter day! And it didn't seem like they didn't mind at all!

As I continued on, people were everywhere reading. People were sitting on the bookshelf stools, leaning against the shelves, and even on the floor. It was so packed, even finding a place to sit on the floor was hard to find!

As I walked around, skimming through the technical geek book I was reading, I unfortunately stepped on someone. =( Well, not literally, but stepped on their jacket on accident because I was too consumed in the book. I didn't see her. You see, the person was sitting on the floor in a path that would be considered heavy traffic!! It was bound to happen! I felt bad, apologised, and walked away embarrassed.

I'm surprised there isn't a fire hazard with all the people sitting on the floor. I swear some of these people show up when Borders opens, pick up a book or stack of magazines, and read it all the way through until it closes for the day. I only say this because some lady was halfway through what looked like a thick novel! She wasn't doing research or skimming through it to see if she wanted to buy it.

But as I think about it, I think I'm going to try and do the same thing next weekend. Pick a book and spend all day on the floor. Hopefully I won't get stepped on!

Soundtrack
Another addition to the soundtrack:

Different Names for the Same Thing - Death Cab for Cutie

Just the title says it all when it comes to the language differences between American and English.

London Soundtrack

So most movies and some TV shows have a musical soundtrack. In a way each song is pertinent to a particular TV episode or movie scene. I'm starting to realize that I need a "London Soundtrack."

It's like back in the day, when you use to make a mix tape for that special someone. You thought really hard about what slow jam would describe how you feel about that person and you would have to come up with the right amount of songs to fit onto the analog tape. Or even in modern times, creating "seasonal" CDs like the "summer 2004" CD which would have the cool songs you would love listening to during that time. Each tape or CD would capture and freeze a moment in time and the music you would've listened to. So I think I'm starting to collect songs for my soundtrack.

I haven't really thought about what songs would be in it until I heard one song yesterday. The song is called "Two More Years" by Bloc Party. Now, the lyrics don't particularly pertain to any specific feeling I have about a past relationship or past experience. The chorus is so catchy and I feel it captures my stay here in London. Not to say that I'm only staying here for two years, but when I first heard it, that's the first thing I thought of.

Then I started to think of other songs that would be part of this soundtrack. Sadly another song I thought of right away was "Push The Button" by Sugababes. Why this song? Because it was the first catchy pop song that caught my ear when I first arrived! Then there's "Fix You" by Coldplay. I think I mentioned this previously in my blog, but they would use this song to advertise the reality show "UK's Biggest Loser." I loved this song before, but it was interesting to hear it as part of a plug for a reality show. I'm sure the list will grow as my stay here progresses, but those are the first three I can think of off the top of my head.

Then my mind would wander a bit more and I started thinking of theme songs and what particular song would play if I entered a room?? This was a tough one. But immediately it came to me. It wouldn't be some slow jam, indie tune or popular pop song.

Do you know the theme song to the old comedy What's Happening? Oh man, that would be my song that would play when I enter a room. Why? Because when I hear the song I think of being goofy and and I think of Rerun, Raj or Dwane..

Shoes
I picked up this habit from my sister of looking at people's shoes. We believe that looking at people's shoes can tell a lot about a person's personality. Well going to lunch today I saw a guy that works for the company, and he had a hole in his shoe! I mean it wasn't like there was a hole by his big toe, but there was a hole big enough for me to notice his socks. I mean c'mon! If there is any other indication when to get new shoes its when you can see your socks!

I almost wanted to say: "Dude, you have a hole in your leather shoe."

Writer's Block and Fireworks

I'm honestly having trouble coming up with something to write! Maybe its because I'm settling in? Who knows.. But for anyone that is reading is.. I'll continue to make it interesting.

So Guy Fawke weekend. America has some serious English competition when it comes to fireworks. All weekend long, nonstop, fireworks everywhere. Almost to a point where it was annoying. It was nice though because some displays were just outside my window.

If you have googled successfully, Guy Fawke failed in his attempt to blow up the Houses of Parliament, King James I, and the entire English government. He was part of a plot with 12 other men, led by Robert Catesby and they felt that violent action was the answer to all the Catholic persecution under James I. Unfortunately it was Guy Fawke that was caught under the House of Lords with 36 barrels of gunpowder.

"Remember, Remember, the 5th of November!"

So I met up with an old friend that I worked with to celebrate this momentous occasion on Friday. I had to take public transportation, and well, yet again, another painful experience.

I was running late because all the trains were packed, and for the first time I had to take the National Rail service. This is equivalent to suburban train service in the states. Anyway, it was my first time taking it, and I thought I could use my regular "pre-pay" travel card.

Apparently not. I couldn't exit out of the station turnstyles because my card wasn't working. So I approached the ticket attendant to tell him about my problem. I told him my travel card wasn't working. He proceeds to ask me if I bought a ticket. I said no. Then he goes on and writes me a fine for not having a ticket!

I beg and plead and tell him that I just moved here from America and I don't know how this system works. I even emphasized my American accent. (Don't ask me what I mean by this) And without any remorse he writes me a fine for £20 !! (about $35). He showed no mercy. I guess on the bright side of things, I can write a letter to appeal this whole thing. I mean, its not like I didn't want to pay! I'm not a criminal!

The fireworks were quite impressive. I was surprised since I had this arrogant feeling that when it comes to competing with July 4th fireworks, nothing can come close. I've seen some pretty impressive firework displays in my life, but I'll admit, last Friday was pretty good.

The funny thing with watching fireworks, at least for me, is that it's nothing new. But somehow, we are still amazed by it. I love all the expressions on people's faces when they watch fireworks. And I'm sure I make some weird expressions as well. But then again, its not like we've never seen it before! Big open eyes.. expressions of awe.. I wish I had a overhead camera that would capture people's faces while watching fireworks. I wonder how that would look like? (I know I'm weird) So I don't know what it is with fireworks and its attraction. Perhaps its this love for explosions and the brilliant colours in the night sky. I really don't know.

After the fireworks display ended, we all caught drinks. I also seem to have missed the detail that I met up with 6 women. Yeah I counted. That gave a little boost to the ego. Too bad I was a half hour late and kept all them waiting. (A couple were cute for those who want to know) One had a goofy personality which I was attracted to right away. She was one of those people that finds everything funny and has that self-deprecating humour that I'm so familiar with. Don't think I'll ever see her again though since she's roommates with my old friend that's leaving London anyway!

What's that smell?
One of the women that went with us had a bad case of BO. (Body odor) I can't stand that. I mean, who does right? At first I didn't know where the smell was coming from. And of course, reasons I attribute to human nature, I had to find out who it was.

So I did that whole thing where you look around, doing those quick sniffs like a dog, turning your head each and every way to find the source. And sure enough, sadly, it was one of the girls we were with. So sad, and what a turn off. I knew it was her for sure because I made the effort to actually sit next to her to confirm this. Call it self torture. But at least my curiosity was satisfied.

I think I'm going to go...

I still can't get over the fact that I have this great opportunity to travel Europe and its cities just over a weekend. Its pretty amazing.

Just today a coworker, who is also an Expat, suggested to the rest of us Expats in London to take a trip to Florence, Italy next month. It sounded like a good idea, but some ideas don't come to fruition. But sure enough, he got the ball rolling, planned an itinerary, and eventually everyone jumped in. Just like that, a group of us are going to Italy over a weekend. Unbelievable.

I guess that was one of the reasons why I moved over here. The opportunity to travel. The ability to just decide in a whim, hey I think I'm going to visit Italy next month.

Which makes me wonder. How come when I'm in Chicago, I don't plan trips like this over the weekend. "Hey, I'm going to go to LA this weekend!" Or hey, "I'm going to Wyoming this weekend!" (I mean, who seriously has been to Wyoming? Nothing against it, I just don't know anyone that has.) I guess I could, but I think the novelty isn't there because I'm local? Not sure. Maybe if it was the other way around and I was an expat from Europe and moved to the States I'd be doing the same thing. Who knows. But I'll tell you this, I don't think a trip to LA over a weekend would cost about a $100. Trips to mainland Europe run around this price which makes weekend getaways much more appealing.

But how long?
I'm always asked by the locals here the question of how long I'm going to stay. My typical answer is "2 years." My goal is definitely at least 2 years. But maybe 2 years isn't enough? I really can't say. All I know is that its probably one of those feelings I'll get in my head when I know its time to go back home. But right now, I know there are a long list of places I want to see here in Europe before I go back: cities in Spain and Italy, Greece, southern France, Hungary, the northern countries like Norway, Sweden, Finland to name a few. And next month, its Florence, Italy. Its too bad I'm going to go with 6 other guys. Not sure a romantic gondola ride is part of the itinerary. =) But it should be some crazy debauchery.

I'll admit though, finding a significant other sometime in the future would be pretty nice with all these European cities at my disposal. Could you imagine taking a significant other to Paris over the weekend? Or Madrid for some tapas and sangria? Oh the trips would be endless. But alas, single for now and enjoying it. (So he says so confidently.. been single for like 10 years now, actually 5 yrs, 3 months.. 22 days.. just kidding) The self belittling is simply for humour.

But anyway, I somehow ended up here in London for a reason. I know part of it is due to my career, but I know there are other reasons too and I guess I learn about a new one each and every day.

Language
So today, someone was telling a story about going to the bathroom.. and they used the phrase...

"So I went for a 'wee' in the loo."

Hahahaha.. you wouldn't ever catch me saying that. It sounds so hilarious for some reason. =)

Being Sick Sucks

T'was an uneventful weekend as I'm still recovering from the Dublin trip. Caught a sore throat the night before I was coming back, and have been recovering since. Not much over the weekend as I figured it was best to stay in and get better.

Although there was this guy at church that was snoring real loud. And he would pretend he wasn't sleeping. He would snore and pretend he was clearing his throat or something. He did that thing where you lose control of where your head is going. I don't even know what you call it. Lazy Neck? Sleepy head bobbing? Anyway, he wasn't fooling nobody. But anyway..

Amazing what a year makes since I remember distinctly dressing up for Halloween. I was a monk and everyone thought I was wearing a Jedi outfit. It was a brown robe with a big hood and if I carried a light saber, I would have pulled it off. But I had a cross around my neck instead. I remember going to Zentra that night. Good times.

Tomorrow I'm going to attempt to attend the Improv workshop again. I missed last week because of this damn cold, but I think I'm better enough this week to attend. We'll see how it goes. Hopefully work won't keep me long.

Oh, and what's this? Plans already this weekend? And only a Monday? We'll see.
It's Guy Fawke weekend, and my old coworker has plans on getting people together. Something to look forward too I guess. If you don't know who Guy Fawke is, you should learn. Google it. That way you can say you learned something today.

Pictures
Pictures are almost done. They are on my Fotki site, in a hidden section. I have to sort through them and add appropriate captions. They're worthless unless they have captions!

Here's a sneak preview:



It's an aerial view of Prague from the St. Vitus's Cathedral

If you look closely, you can see where Kanye West shot the Diamonds music video. =)

And can you guess where this is?

Yes, Dublin, Ireland. The home of Guiness. Not the book, but the beer.