11 months. I guess I don't count the days as much as I use to. But I do know the milestone of "1 year" since moving here is only 1 month away. Its quite amazing because I feel like its happened so fast and my end goal of staying at least 2 years doesn't seem so far away.
I've been thinking of a way to commemorate such a momentous event, maybe posting something new everyday about what I've learned about myself or some kind of Top 10 list that would lead up to the one year... but that would result in some extra effort and pre-planning! So I'm really unsure about the whole thing right now.. but I am open to some suggestions!
Here's a few I've come up with:
1. 10 memorable moments since moving here.
2. Top 10 things I wouldn't have done if I stayed in Chicago.
3. Top 10 things that I do now that I didn't do before moving.
4. Top 10 things that haven't changed.
5. Top 10 blog posts (not sure about this one, but I'd blog about them again?)
Anyway, not sure yet, but I'd like to do something, just don't know yet! Or maybe I'll do them all as one post each! That's ambitious!
Weekend
A taste of Oxford, and Clubbing yet again. I did meet some Brazilian women who taught me some Portuguese, but unfortunately I wasn't successful enough to see if they were "true" Brazilian.
Monday, July 31, 2006
Friday, July 28, 2006
Use your hands!!
And there it was.. in all its glory.
The "OZ" Lamb Burger they called it. Sitting in front of me.
I opted for the Steak instead of the Lamb, but it was going to be good.
Fried free range egg, grilled pineapple, yellow beetroot relish, red beetroot slice, tomato & lettuce, and of course the slab of meat, all in between a sesame seeded bun.
I've had it before and was truly enjoyable.
My other colleagues ordered it too. I think all of us ordered burgers except for one person.
I took my knife and cut it in half so I can handle it properly.
As I salivated, I placed a napkin on my lap and rubbed my hands together to enjoy such a glorious meal.
As I looked around to make sure everyone had their food, I was just about to grab my burger.. when..
What's this? What is everyone doing? Why are they doing that!! No!!
As I briefly paused, I watched everyone continue to use their knives and forks!
What the hell is going on! Why is everyone using utensils to eat a burger!!
I understand using them to cut the burger in half, but to eat the whole thing?
Immediately as I grabbed the one half of the burger and took a big bite, I slowly put it down and grabbed my knife and fork. Don't ask me why, but I just felt like a pig compared to everyone else! I felt it wasn't "proper" to eat the thing with my hands!
So instead I give into peer pressure and eat it in a more proper way. Eating a big burger with a knife and fork... I tell ya, its not the same. You don't get the same effect because once you use a knife and fork, you don't get to shove the whole damn thing in your mouth encompassing all the layers of the burger! Instead you cut it up in little pieces. Maybe a little part of the bun with some of the meat, maybe a piece of meat with the egg, etc. It truly gives a new meaning to the saying "the whole (burger) does not equal the sum of its parts!"
The "OZ" Lamb Burger they called it. Sitting in front of me.
I opted for the Steak instead of the Lamb, but it was going to be good.
Fried free range egg, grilled pineapple, yellow beetroot relish, red beetroot slice, tomato & lettuce, and of course the slab of meat, all in between a sesame seeded bun.
I've had it before and was truly enjoyable.
My other colleagues ordered it too. I think all of us ordered burgers except for one person.
I took my knife and cut it in half so I can handle it properly.
As I salivated, I placed a napkin on my lap and rubbed my hands together to enjoy such a glorious meal.
As I looked around to make sure everyone had their food, I was just about to grab my burger.. when..
What's this? What is everyone doing? Why are they doing that!! No!!
As I briefly paused, I watched everyone continue to use their knives and forks!
What the hell is going on! Why is everyone using utensils to eat a burger!!
I understand using them to cut the burger in half, but to eat the whole thing?
Immediately as I grabbed the one half of the burger and took a big bite, I slowly put it down and grabbed my knife and fork. Don't ask me why, but I just felt like a pig compared to everyone else! I felt it wasn't "proper" to eat the thing with my hands!
So instead I give into peer pressure and eat it in a more proper way. Eating a big burger with a knife and fork... I tell ya, its not the same. You don't get the same effect because once you use a knife and fork, you don't get to shove the whole damn thing in your mouth encompassing all the layers of the burger! Instead you cut it up in little pieces. Maybe a little part of the bun with some of the meat, maybe a piece of meat with the egg, etc. It truly gives a new meaning to the saying "the whole (burger) does not equal the sum of its parts!"
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
Street Wars!!
I use to partake in "Stalker" back in University for an Asian Organization. Basically you get details of a member in the organization and you "stalk them" with a water gun. You either play on two teams or you are given a name to stalk and once you kill them with "water" using a water gun, or whatever means necessary, you get the name of their victim they're supposedly "stalking" and go after them.
The game was fun because you never know who's "stalking you" on the whole campus.
But imagine if it took part in a whole city! Well it has! Here in London!
It started today! Wish I knew of this earlier! What's funny is that the news is making a big deal of it because if played in a public area, people might feel threatened, esp with some of the water guns looking like the real thing! I'm hoping to spot a few players in the next few weeks. Should be interesting!
The game was fun because you never know who's "stalking you" on the whole campus.
But imagine if it took part in a whole city! Well it has! Here in London!
It started today! Wish I knew of this earlier! What's funny is that the news is making a big deal of it because if played in a public area, people might feel threatened, esp with some of the water guns looking like the real thing! I'm hoping to spot a few players in the next few weeks. Should be interesting!
Monday, July 24, 2006
Killer Instinct
"You just have to go in for the kill."
A nice comment from an English mate after watching me dance with some random chick on the dance floor at what I would call London's version of Chicago's "White Star." Restaurant by evening, then nightclub by late night.
The theme is consistent like the past two weekends. Expensive Drinks. Expensive cover. Beautiful women in scantily clad clothing. Awesome music and a fun time with some random chick, who whispers in my ear a few times not knowing what she said, but after a long night of partying and an empty wallet, I go home alone. =)
There was one point I was watching the crowd and it amazes me how two random people start snogging in the middle of the dance floor. This happens more than it did in the States. Eventually one of the girl's friends pull her away from the lucky guy, which is strange because I always got the feeling that the English women were more reserved than American women! Perhaps they just fancy a snog rather than the shag. Who knows! Can't say I have experience on this, but maybe one day I will. =)
A nice comment from an English mate after watching me dance with some random chick on the dance floor at what I would call London's version of Chicago's "White Star." Restaurant by evening, then nightclub by late night.
The theme is consistent like the past two weekends. Expensive Drinks. Expensive cover. Beautiful women in scantily clad clothing. Awesome music and a fun time with some random chick, who whispers in my ear a few times not knowing what she said, but after a long night of partying and an empty wallet, I go home alone. =)
There was one point I was watching the crowd and it amazes me how two random people start snogging in the middle of the dance floor. This happens more than it did in the States. Eventually one of the girl's friends pull her away from the lucky guy, which is strange because I always got the feeling that the English women were more reserved than American women! Perhaps they just fancy a snog rather than the shag. Who knows! Can't say I have experience on this, but maybe one day I will. =)
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
They're everywhere!!
"Did you find the love of your life?"
"No I didn't Dad."
Why would a father ask such a question? Mainly because I was telling him about the annual event in London called the Barrio Fiesta.
Barrio Fiesta is this 2 day event west of London where all Filipinos gather for a huge party. A picnic, a carnival, some performances, and Filipino food stalls everywhere!
I was always told that there are so many Filipinos in UK but it didn't hit me until this past weekend. The further west we went on the tube, more and more Filipinos were getting on. It was like the Philippines!
Once we got off at the tube stop, long queues of Filipinos walked to the picnic area. It was really an unbelievable site. I guess a reported 60,000 visitors went to this Barrio Fiesta (Village Festival) last year and I wouldn't doubt if that came close over this past weekend.
I went with my fellow Britofinos and their families. As we walked in I felt like it was the Philippines. Its felt a bit commercial with all these booths trying to advertise a certain product: phone cards, condos, medical services, etc. The area was pretty huge and even include a carnival and a stage for musical performances.
Overall it was good fun. Ate some good food, kicked the football around, and even got to go up to random people and hand out free music CDs to promote a Filipino organization.
I did meet a handful of new people. And yes, some were pretty Britafinas. But nothing worth writing about unfortunately.
A few of comments about this experience:
It was a good experience overall, and I hope I can go again next year!
"No I didn't Dad."
Why would a father ask such a question? Mainly because I was telling him about the annual event in London called the Barrio Fiesta.
Barrio Fiesta is this 2 day event west of London where all Filipinos gather for a huge party. A picnic, a carnival, some performances, and Filipino food stalls everywhere!
I was always told that there are so many Filipinos in UK but it didn't hit me until this past weekend. The further west we went on the tube, more and more Filipinos were getting on. It was like the Philippines!
Once we got off at the tube stop, long queues of Filipinos walked to the picnic area. It was really an unbelievable site. I guess a reported 60,000 visitors went to this Barrio Fiesta (Village Festival) last year and I wouldn't doubt if that came close over this past weekend.
I went with my fellow Britofinos and their families. As we walked in I felt like it was the Philippines. Its felt a bit commercial with all these booths trying to advertise a certain product: phone cards, condos, medical services, etc. The area was pretty huge and even include a carnival and a stage for musical performances.
Overall it was good fun. Ate some good food, kicked the football around, and even got to go up to random people and hand out free music CDs to promote a Filipino organization.
I did meet a handful of new people. And yes, some were pretty Britafinas. But nothing worth writing about unfortunately.
A few of comments about this experience:
- I didn't eat as much as I liked. I didn't even have rice!
- I did drink a lot of San Miguel in the hot weather which lead to a quick buzz.
- Sporting a tattoo is pretty common amongst Britofinos.
- Ironically out of all the Filipinos there, I bonded with a South African.
- While kicking the football around, I almost fell on my face. (My excuse: I was wearing flipflops instead of trainers like everyone else!)
- Apparently wife-beaters are called "vests" in British terms.
- Beautiful Filipina + British Accent = entirely possible
It was a good experience overall, and I hope I can go again next year!
Saturday, July 15, 2006
Club Kid 2.0
Clubbing you say?
Why not!
I can't remember the last time I went clubbing for two weekends in a row. I remember after graduating university that I use to hit up the clubs all the time. New job, new found money, it was time to party it up every weekend and hit all the latest clubs in the city. It was a clubbing phase I went though, maybe it was the years being 21-25ish.. But then slowly, I grew out of the stage. Gone were the days of Dragon Room, Crowbar, Ginseng Parties, and coming home right before the sun came up after a long drive from the city to the burbs. Those days were long gone.
Then it was the lounge lover phase where clubbing till 3am was just for the 'younger crowd.' Going out on Thursdays was much more hip then Friday or Saturday. It was about checking out the latest bar venues in the city. It was all about "chill" and sipping on cocktails talking about sophisticated things and catching up on the latest issues like buying a house or talking about so and so's engagement or wedding. Going clubbing made you "feel old" since you were surrounded by so many younger people. Or at least it looked that way!
Clubbing was a rare occurrence, perhaps for birthdays or hitting up Buddha lounge for that craving of hip hop. But going out mainly consisted of a couple drinks at a lounge and the concept of getting "wasted" and vomiting on the way home was less frequent. (Although it did happen on special occasions.)
Fast forward to now. The pub scene is still strong, but to add spice to the mix, the early twenties itch to go clubbing is back.
In a second weekend in a row, I'm teased again by young women who give me seconds of their attention, only leaving me craving for more. I'm guilty of dancing my ass off and sweating profusely as the music is so loud that I feel like my body is being defibrillated. The concept of conversation consists of yelling in another person's ear and having them nod with a smile, when you know they had no idea what you said, but you continue to dance anyway.
There was a point in the night where I was dancing like crazy and I thought: Wow. This is the life I've chosen.. miles and miles away from family and friends, and I'm doing things I would have never thought of... Partying and clubbing till 3am like the good ol' days without the "I feel so old" syndrome! If I was only snogging and shagging more often. =)
Why not!
I can't remember the last time I went clubbing for two weekends in a row. I remember after graduating university that I use to hit up the clubs all the time. New job, new found money, it was time to party it up every weekend and hit all the latest clubs in the city. It was a clubbing phase I went though, maybe it was the years being 21-25ish.. But then slowly, I grew out of the stage. Gone were the days of Dragon Room, Crowbar, Ginseng Parties, and coming home right before the sun came up after a long drive from the city to the burbs. Those days were long gone.
Then it was the lounge lover phase where clubbing till 3am was just for the 'younger crowd.' Going out on Thursdays was much more hip then Friday or Saturday. It was about checking out the latest bar venues in the city. It was all about "chill" and sipping on cocktails talking about sophisticated things and catching up on the latest issues like buying a house or talking about so and so's engagement or wedding. Going clubbing made you "feel old" since you were surrounded by so many younger people. Or at least it looked that way!
Clubbing was a rare occurrence, perhaps for birthdays or hitting up Buddha lounge for that craving of hip hop. But going out mainly consisted of a couple drinks at a lounge and the concept of getting "wasted" and vomiting on the way home was less frequent. (Although it did happen on special occasions.)
Fast forward to now. The pub scene is still strong, but to add spice to the mix, the early twenties itch to go clubbing is back.
In a second weekend in a row, I'm teased again by young women who give me seconds of their attention, only leaving me craving for more. I'm guilty of dancing my ass off and sweating profusely as the music is so loud that I feel like my body is being defibrillated. The concept of conversation consists of yelling in another person's ear and having them nod with a smile, when you know they had no idea what you said, but you continue to dance anyway.
There was a point in the night where I was dancing like crazy and I thought: Wow. This is the life I've chosen.. miles and miles away from family and friends, and I'm doing things I would have never thought of... Partying and clubbing till 3am like the good ol' days without the "I feel so old" syndrome! If I was only snogging and shagging more often. =)
Sunday, July 09, 2006
My first hip hop club
Dear Blog,
I write you today to tell you my first experience at a proper hip hop club in London. Boy was it fun. I've been to various pubs and bars in London for the past 11 months but it wasn't until this weekend that I finally partied at a proper hip hop club.
We rolled in with about 15 Americans strong and properly showed up with a strong girl to guy ratio. We showed up early to avoid the 10 quid cover and luckily we walked right in. No queue and of course, with more birds than blokes we weren't given any problems getting in.
The club was small but intimate. I started the night with a cocktail named after the club and happily paid the ridiculous price. After a few of my mates making fun of me for having such a "fruity" drink, (it had a strawberry in it, big deal!) I switched to JD and cokes.
As the hip hop music bumped on throughout the night the club slowly filled with more and more people. Beautiful women everywhere.
Time to test my game.
It's been a while since I've been to a club like this so to say my game was a bit rusty is an understatement. But I try.
I spotted my interest, usually there's only one, and throughout the night my fellow wingman egged me on. But I'm shy and lack confidence at times. He made it blatently obvious that I had a keen interest in her. Quite embarrassing to say the least.
When I believed all hope was lost, since I couldn't make a move, I switched my interest and try my luck with one of the women in our party (a friend of a friend) and buy her a drink and try my luck with her.
We head to the bar and exchange mouth to ear conversation. As I order my new interest a drink, I sit at the bar, and as luck would have it, my original interest shows up and literally sits on my lap while she takes shots with her friends.
Oh decisions. What to do. Do I leave the new interest and pursue the original? Of course! We exchange salutations and I mention that I had wanted to dance with her all night. She acknowledges this and knew of my keen interest the whole time. Perhaps it was my wingman's obvious attempts to get us together? Luckily my wingman gives his attention to the new interest and fulfills his role.
The original and I eventually head to the dance floor and what was only minutes seemed like eternity.
In any case I find that she's a student studying fashion and has an internship for the summer. She's from Cali and definitely a wild one. I spit out my game as we sit in the bar and I even say something foolish along the lines of:
"Can I be your sugardaddy?"
And she goes:
"No."
LOL. At least she's honest! I had no idea why I asked that. Maybe I was drunk. Maybe I was trying to be funny. But what I love about it was that she denied my services and I laughed at myself for such a ridiculous question.
We eventually make it to the dance floor and hoping that I'd be dancing with her the rest of the night, she runs off back to her friends. What a tease.
The other girl? Yeah she ended up making out with my other mates. Da well. Maybe that could have been me! Who knows!
Despite my pathetic "game" it was a good time nonetheless. Great music, great fun, beautiful women, and very memorable for my first hip hop club in London.
I write you today to tell you my first experience at a proper hip hop club in London. Boy was it fun. I've been to various pubs and bars in London for the past 11 months but it wasn't until this weekend that I finally partied at a proper hip hop club.
We rolled in with about 15 Americans strong and properly showed up with a strong girl to guy ratio. We showed up early to avoid the 10 quid cover and luckily we walked right in. No queue and of course, with more birds than blokes we weren't given any problems getting in.
The club was small but intimate. I started the night with a cocktail named after the club and happily paid the ridiculous price. After a few of my mates making fun of me for having such a "fruity" drink, (it had a strawberry in it, big deal!) I switched to JD and cokes.
As the hip hop music bumped on throughout the night the club slowly filled with more and more people. Beautiful women everywhere.
Time to test my game.
It's been a while since I've been to a club like this so to say my game was a bit rusty is an understatement. But I try.
I spotted my interest, usually there's only one, and throughout the night my fellow wingman egged me on. But I'm shy and lack confidence at times. He made it blatently obvious that I had a keen interest in her. Quite embarrassing to say the least.
When I believed all hope was lost, since I couldn't make a move, I switched my interest and try my luck with one of the women in our party (a friend of a friend) and buy her a drink and try my luck with her.
We head to the bar and exchange mouth to ear conversation. As I order my new interest a drink, I sit at the bar, and as luck would have it, my original interest shows up and literally sits on my lap while she takes shots with her friends.
Oh decisions. What to do. Do I leave the new interest and pursue the original? Of course! We exchange salutations and I mention that I had wanted to dance with her all night. She acknowledges this and knew of my keen interest the whole time. Perhaps it was my wingman's obvious attempts to get us together? Luckily my wingman gives his attention to the new interest and fulfills his role.
The original and I eventually head to the dance floor and what was only minutes seemed like eternity.
In any case I find that she's a student studying fashion and has an internship for the summer. She's from Cali and definitely a wild one. I spit out my game as we sit in the bar and I even say something foolish along the lines of:
"Can I be your sugardaddy?"
And she goes:
"No."
LOL. At least she's honest! I had no idea why I asked that. Maybe I was drunk. Maybe I was trying to be funny. But what I love about it was that she denied my services and I laughed at myself for such a ridiculous question.
We eventually make it to the dance floor and hoping that I'd be dancing with her the rest of the night, she runs off back to her friends. What a tease.
The other girl? Yeah she ended up making out with my other mates. Da well. Maybe that could have been me! Who knows!
Despite my pathetic "game" it was a good time nonetheless. Great music, great fun, beautiful women, and very memorable for my first hip hop club in London.
Monday, July 03, 2006
If I lived in America..
If I lived in America right now I know at least three things I would have never experienced to this day.
1. The final four teams in the world cup and watching each team's quarter-final game and being emotionally tied to the England team. (If you are wondering, off the top of my head: Germany v. Italy tomorrow and Portugal v. France on Wed.)
2. Hang out with Britafinos and other English Asians at a club.
3. Sit in my flat without airconditioning with my greenhouse-like windows that take in all the sun but let little air in.
1. I admit, living in London I can't help but invest some emotion into the England football team. I followed every match and even passed up going to Wimbledon with ChicaChan so I wouldn't miss the game. But alas, history repeated itself for the FIFTH time with England going out on a major tournament by way of penalty kicks. I watched in anguish as Rooney was booked with a red card. I nervously waited as England took turns taking penalty kicks and hoped for the best. But unfortunately, just like how I invest emotion with my favourite Chicago teams, I was left down once again.
2. When you meet one Britafino, you meet more. I meet up with some on Friday. Quite interesting to hang out with a group of English Asian guys at a club.
"Oh mate, check out that bird... She's lovely."
Also, what I call "Asians" they call "Orientals." Thought that was interesting.
And just like in the pubs, everyone buys rounds at the club. At least that's what I noticed. This could get expensive since mixed drinks are more expensive then your typical pint of beer!
3. It's hot in my flat with summer finally here. I need an electric fan. I will pick one up soon. My flat doesn't come with air conditioning. So I sweat in my sleep just like I do when I'm in the Philippines; except there aren't any flies or mosquitoes flying around to annoy me.
4. Oh and I'll add a fourth, for July 4th. Yeah, I would have a day off tomorrow if I lived in America, so Happy July 4th to my fellow American readers!
Lovely.
1. The final four teams in the world cup and watching each team's quarter-final game and being emotionally tied to the England team. (If you are wondering, off the top of my head: Germany v. Italy tomorrow and Portugal v. France on Wed.)
2. Hang out with Britafinos and other English Asians at a club.
3. Sit in my flat without airconditioning with my greenhouse-like windows that take in all the sun but let little air in.
1. I admit, living in London I can't help but invest some emotion into the England football team. I followed every match and even passed up going to Wimbledon with ChicaChan so I wouldn't miss the game. But alas, history repeated itself for the FIFTH time with England going out on a major tournament by way of penalty kicks. I watched in anguish as Rooney was booked with a red card. I nervously waited as England took turns taking penalty kicks and hoped for the best. But unfortunately, just like how I invest emotion with my favourite Chicago teams, I was left down once again.
2. When you meet one Britafino, you meet more. I meet up with some on Friday. Quite interesting to hang out with a group of English Asian guys at a club.
"Oh mate, check out that bird... She's lovely."
Also, what I call "Asians" they call "Orientals." Thought that was interesting.
And just like in the pubs, everyone buys rounds at the club. At least that's what I noticed. This could get expensive since mixed drinks are more expensive then your typical pint of beer!
3. It's hot in my flat with summer finally here. I need an electric fan. I will pick one up soon. My flat doesn't come with air conditioning. So I sweat in my sleep just like I do when I'm in the Philippines; except there aren't any flies or mosquitoes flying around to annoy me.
4. Oh and I'll add a fourth, for July 4th. Yeah, I would have a day off tomorrow if I lived in America, so Happy July 4th to my fellow American readers!
Lovely.
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