One year ago I arrived in this interesting country called the United Kingdom and living in this city known for its rain, London.. how time flies! And its nice and sunny!
A blogworthy post up and coming....
Thursday, August 31, 2006
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Blogworthy
The seventh thing of "10 things" would be:
4) Having a blog.
If I never moved I don't think I'd start a blog. And if I did, and never moved, what the hell would I talk about? I honestly still have trouble answering that question. =) But since I was thinking of moving, I figured I can use the blog to keep family and friends updated with what I'm up to. I try to keep it interesting, but try not to reveal everything and save the juicy stories later. (Don't keep your hopes up, there's not many.)
But looking forward to the future, it will be nice to have an account of what I was going through and I'm sure it will be a fun read later in life.
I'll admit though, writing in this blog can be therapeutic, but at the same time, its hard work. I try and make sure I post at least one entry a week. As the first year passes on, new experiences are going to be harder and harder to find. I begin to adapt and things that I find different from what I'm use to, all of a sudden become "normal" and blogging will be harder and harder to do.
I look back to last year's entries around this time and the frequency was much higher as I took in a new experience almost everyday. So I ask my faithful readers, (if there are any left) what do you want to read about?
I even contemplated mixing fact and a bit of fiction to make things exciting. I thought about converting it into a photo blog. After a full year approaches, I even contemplated of even ending the blog. Not sure what I'm going to do yet, but I'm open to suggestions!
In any case, I'm glad I started it and I hope its worth reading. Thanks to the faithful readers. I'll try and keep in interesting.
4) Having a blog.
If I never moved I don't think I'd start a blog. And if I did, and never moved, what the hell would I talk about? I honestly still have trouble answering that question. =) But since I was thinking of moving, I figured I can use the blog to keep family and friends updated with what I'm up to. I try to keep it interesting, but try not to reveal everything and save the juicy stories later. (Don't keep your hopes up, there's not many.)
But looking forward to the future, it will be nice to have an account of what I was going through and I'm sure it will be a fun read later in life.
I'll admit though, writing in this blog can be therapeutic, but at the same time, its hard work. I try and make sure I post at least one entry a week. As the first year passes on, new experiences are going to be harder and harder to find. I begin to adapt and things that I find different from what I'm use to, all of a sudden become "normal" and blogging will be harder and harder to do.
I look back to last year's entries around this time and the frequency was much higher as I took in a new experience almost everyday. So I ask my faithful readers, (if there are any left) what do you want to read about?
I even contemplated mixing fact and a bit of fiction to make things exciting. I thought about converting it into a photo blog. After a full year approaches, I even contemplated of even ending the blog. Not sure what I'm going to do yet, but I'm open to suggestions!
In any case, I'm glad I started it and I hope its worth reading. Thanks to the faithful readers. I'll try and keep in interesting.
Monday, August 28, 2006
Family and Friends
I've been fortunate to be surrounded by amazing friends and family all my life. Its not until I moved here that I've truly appreciated that.
5) Appreciation of family and friends
I remember moving away the first time and getting use to being away from family and friends. It was a new beginning, but due to the social aspect of University, it was easy to make new friends and establish new relationships.
Fast forward 10 years later and I've taken the concept of being away from friends and family to a new level. The relationships I've forged through childhood, high school, and university would be left behind, only to start over again in a completely new country.
Its really hard to start over and make new friends in a new country. But I think its an experience worth going through. You learn about yourself and you tend to push yourself out of your shell just to make new friends.
But at the end of it all, its always nice to go back home and meet up with friends and family. I miss the bonding moments and the goofy times I share with everyone. Even after a year, its still hard to find that same chemistry here that I have back home. Kind of expected I guess since a year can't compare to the long lasting relationships I've established back home.
Bank Holiday
3 day weekend!! Reading Music Festival, Canterbury, and Notting Hill Carnival! So much to blog about, so little time. =)
5) Appreciation of family and friends
I remember moving away the first time and getting use to being away from family and friends. It was a new beginning, but due to the social aspect of University, it was easy to make new friends and establish new relationships.
Fast forward 10 years later and I've taken the concept of being away from friends and family to a new level. The relationships I've forged through childhood, high school, and university would be left behind, only to start over again in a completely new country.
Its really hard to start over and make new friends in a new country. But I think its an experience worth going through. You learn about yourself and you tend to push yourself out of your shell just to make new friends.
But at the end of it all, its always nice to go back home and meet up with friends and family. I miss the bonding moments and the goofy times I share with everyone. Even after a year, its still hard to find that same chemistry here that I have back home. Kind of expected I guess since a year can't compare to the long lasting relationships I've established back home.
Bank Holiday
3 day weekend!! Reading Music Festival, Canterbury, and Notting Hill Carnival! So much to blog about, so little time. =)
Sunday, August 27, 2006
Language barriers
There are differences between the English and American languages. Just little things like saying "pants" instead of "trousers" can mean two different things! So number 6 of my 10 things would be:
6) Speaking "English"
Proper English that is. The real English. I find myself saying:
"So what do you reckon?" when speaking to my fellow English "mates."
But I'll get on the phone with an old friend and completely change back to the American language and say:
"So what do you think?"
When going out for lunch..I've adjusted to saying:
"What do you fancy for lunch?" (What do you feel like eating?)
Or ordering food:
"For take away please." (To go please..)
When at work...
"Can you book something in my diary?" (calendar)
"Where is the toilet?" (bathroom)
And of course my favourite...
"Cheers mate." (Thank you)
Some other words I've adjusted to:
jumper = sweater
trousers = dress pants
trainers = sneakers/gym shoes
pants = underwear
snog = making out
mate = friend/buddy
bin = trash/garbage can
way out = exit
some slang:
scouser = people from Liverpool
geordie = people from the north/northeast
chat up a girl = flirt with a girl
my favourite:
chav = in my words, kinda "ghetto" but it usually means someone of in the lower class that wear a lot of "bling" and sports attire.
I guess its because its the language I hear all around me. Adaptation. A way to fit in. An understanding.
I can use the language and pick up the new vocabulary, its the accent I want to pick up. =)
6) Speaking "English"
Proper English that is. The real English. I find myself saying:
"So what do you reckon?" when speaking to my fellow English "mates."
But I'll get on the phone with an old friend and completely change back to the American language and say:
"So what do you think?"
When going out for lunch..I've adjusted to saying:
"What do you fancy for lunch?" (What do you feel like eating?)
Or ordering food:
"For take away please." (To go please..)
When at work...
"Can you book something in my diary?" (calendar)
"Where is the toilet?" (bathroom)
And of course my favourite...
"Cheers mate." (Thank you)
Some other words I've adjusted to:
jumper = sweater
trousers = dress pants
trainers = sneakers/gym shoes
pants = underwear
snog = making out
mate = friend/buddy
bin = trash/garbage can
way out = exit
some slang:
scouser = people from Liverpool
geordie = people from the north/northeast
chat up a girl = flirt with a girl
my favourite:
chav = in my words, kinda "ghetto" but it usually means someone of in the lower class that wear a lot of "bling" and sports attire.
I guess its because its the language I hear all around me. Adaptation. A way to fit in. An understanding.
I can use the language and pick up the new vocabulary, its the accent I want to pick up. =)
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
Chicago Summers..
One of the ironic things I miss about back home is the weather. The weather is something that I didn't think I would miss as much when I moved here. I knew that it rained and all, but I was looking forward to not having the extreme temperatures of Chicago. The really cold winters and the really hot summers were going to be a thing of the past. I was going to experience more of a "moderate" climate.
But you know what? Moderate is boring. Its bland. Its quite frankly sucks.
So..
7) Appreciation for Chicago Weather.
Summer lasted about 2 weeks here. Seriously. I mean, there was probably about 2, maybe 3 weeks of really good hot, warm, "oh my god its summer" weather. I complained about it being hot, but now its gone. I bought these fans for my flat and I used them for maybe a week.
Right now its a bit chilly but I refuse to wear a jacket because I can't admit to the fact that summer is almost gone! The surprising thing is that my English mates say that it was a really good summer. I find this shocking because I still feel like there's more to come.
Don't get me wrong, we've had some nice days here. More nice days than I expected. But just like the mild winter, it was a mild summer. It wasn't hot. It wasn't humid. It just wasn't a Chicago summer.
Or maybe it wasn't a Chicago summer not because of the weather, but because of all the things that usually happen during my past summers.. like bbqs with friends, Taste of Chicago, fireworks, al fresco dining, riding along Lake Shore Drive, movies in Grant Park, Coldstone, outdoor concerts, Wrigley Field, etc..
*sigh*
But I digress.. 2 more weeks..
But you know what? Moderate is boring. Its bland. Its quite frankly sucks.
So..
7) Appreciation for Chicago Weather.
Summer lasted about 2 weeks here. Seriously. I mean, there was probably about 2, maybe 3 weeks of really good hot, warm, "oh my god its summer" weather. I complained about it being hot, but now its gone. I bought these fans for my flat and I used them for maybe a week.
Right now its a bit chilly but I refuse to wear a jacket because I can't admit to the fact that summer is almost gone! The surprising thing is that my English mates say that it was a really good summer. I find this shocking because I still feel like there's more to come.
Don't get me wrong, we've had some nice days here. More nice days than I expected. But just like the mild winter, it was a mild summer. It wasn't hot. It wasn't humid. It just wasn't a Chicago summer.
Or maybe it wasn't a Chicago summer not because of the weather, but because of all the things that usually happen during my past summers.. like bbqs with friends, Taste of Chicago, fireworks, al fresco dining, riding along Lake Shore Drive, movies in Grant Park, Coldstone, outdoor concerts, Wrigley Field, etc..
*sigh*
But I digress.. 2 more weeks..
Monday, August 21, 2006
Soccer.. or is it Football?
Soccer or Football
8) - Following the world cup and cheering on the England team.
Perhaps its the lack of American sports that's televised here. Maybe its because Football can be one of the main topics of conversation. But if I never moved, I probably wouldn't have even followed the World Cup at all. I wouldn't care really. I wouldn't understand how passionate people are about their teams because if I lived in America I wouldn't care about the world's most popular sport.
I wouldn't know that John Terry replaced Beckham as the team captain. I wouldn't know that McClaren replaced Sven, nor any players names: Zidane, Henry, Owen, Rooney, Lampard, Terry, or Ronaldo. I wouldn't know what a hooligan was or the difference between the Premiership and the FA Cup would be. I certainly wouldn't have watched England's first friendly match win against Greece (4-0) under the new McClaren era.
Back in the day I'd only watch Football on Telemundo to hear the Spanish commentator say GOOOOOAAAAAAALLLLLLL.. because I thought it was funny...now I watch Football because I think I actually like it. Now if only I knew someone that was running a fantasy football league... =)
8) - Following the world cup and cheering on the England team.
Perhaps its the lack of American sports that's televised here. Maybe its because Football can be one of the main topics of conversation. But if I never moved, I probably wouldn't have even followed the World Cup at all. I wouldn't care really. I wouldn't understand how passionate people are about their teams because if I lived in America I wouldn't care about the world's most popular sport.
I wouldn't know that John Terry replaced Beckham as the team captain. I wouldn't know that McClaren replaced Sven, nor any players names: Zidane, Henry, Owen, Rooney, Lampard, Terry, or Ronaldo. I wouldn't know what a hooligan was or the difference between the Premiership and the FA Cup would be. I certainly wouldn't have watched England's first friendly match win against Greece (4-0) under the new McClaren era.
Back in the day I'd only watch Football on Telemundo to hear the Spanish commentator say GOOOOOAAAAAAALLLLLLL.. because I thought it was funny...now I watch Football because I think I actually like it. Now if only I knew someone that was running a fantasy football league... =)
Monday, August 14, 2006
My transparent plastic bag and Spain
I was one of the lucky ones this weekend to experience the effects of the "critical" threat level by the British government this weekend. Out of all the weekends to travel, my trip to Costa Blanca, specifically El Campello and Benidorm Spain was a very painful experience. But once I was there, it was all sun, beaches, drinking, and partying.
First off, the critical threat level resulted in the restriction of any hand luggage on any flights out of any UK airport. This resulted in checking in everything you had except for a wallet and your passport in a transparent bag! This sucked because I usually don't check anything in on these weekend getaways. You couldn't even bring a book!
It took over an hour to check in and the security check involved a guy looking through your transparent plastic bag! Anyone that didn't follow the restrictions were turned away and return complying to the restrictions. (I'm not sure what they did with the things they couldn't bring!) We did see some people try to sneak some stuff in, only to be caught with the security frisk later on.
We eventually make it to the Madrid airport, which in my past experience in Spain, has been very bad. (Last time I was there I had to run to the gate with a very heavy bag!) It was deja vu all over again. Since the flight from London departed late, we were late for our connection. It was a 23 min walk to the gate and flashbacks to my last visit haunted me! This time though, all I was carrying a transparent bag!
Of course once we find a screen displaying the flight status information, it ended up being delayed for 5 hours! Oh what fun it is to stay at an airport only carrying a plastic bag with my passport and wallet!
We eventually make it the Alicante Airport and waited patiently for our luggage. We waited and waited... and guess what.. it never came! I can't even begin to describe how much that sucked waiting and waiting.. only to finally admit that my backpack wouldn't be taking a ride around the conveyer belt.
After traveling for almost 12 hours with only a plastic transparent bag, the journey ends with having our luggage lost! Bad luck I tell ya! But an interesting experience nonetheless. We end up getting our luggage a couple of hours before we had to leave to go home. =(
First off, the critical threat level resulted in the restriction of any hand luggage on any flights out of any UK airport. This resulted in checking in everything you had except for a wallet and your passport in a transparent bag! This sucked because I usually don't check anything in on these weekend getaways. You couldn't even bring a book!
It took over an hour to check in and the security check involved a guy looking through your transparent plastic bag! Anyone that didn't follow the restrictions were turned away and return complying to the restrictions. (I'm not sure what they did with the things they couldn't bring!) We did see some people try to sneak some stuff in, only to be caught with the security frisk later on.
We eventually make it to the Madrid airport, which in my past experience in Spain, has been very bad. (Last time I was there I had to run to the gate with a very heavy bag!) It was deja vu all over again. Since the flight from London departed late, we were late for our connection. It was a 23 min walk to the gate and flashbacks to my last visit haunted me! This time though, all I was carrying a transparent bag!
Of course once we find a screen displaying the flight status information, it ended up being delayed for 5 hours! Oh what fun it is to stay at an airport only carrying a plastic bag with my passport and wallet!
We eventually make it the Alicante Airport and waited patiently for our luggage. We waited and waited... and guess what.. it never came! I can't even begin to describe how much that sucked waiting and waiting.. only to finally admit that my backpack wouldn't be taking a ride around the conveyer belt.
After traveling for almost 12 hours with only a plastic transparent bag, the journey ends with having our luggage lost! Bad luck I tell ya! But an interesting experience nonetheless. We end up getting our luggage a couple of hours before we had to leave to go home. =(
Thursday, August 10, 2006
Coming in at number 9....
Is age but a number?
I think I’ve proven to myself in the past couple of months that I can still party like I use to. I know for a fact that if I didn’t make this move, I wouldn’t be partying as much or consuming as much alcohol as I do now. I certainly wouldn’t be staying up till 3-4am trying to catch a bus home after a night of partying and chasing women. Perhaps its just a phase for now, but I just didn’t think I’d get into this “phase” ever again. I compare myself to my peers back home sometimes and what they are up to, and its so strange how I’m at the opposite end of things when it comes to my social activities!
So I guess for #9 on “10 things” would be:
9) Partying more that I ever thought possible in this phase of my life.
I don’t know what it is. Maybe it’s the people I hang out with who have this kind of energy that I feed off of. Perhaps it’s because I’m surrounded by a “younger” crowd who has this kind of mentality? Conceivably it could be the wide range of bars/clubs that I have yet to check out in London.
A close friend wrote me the other week about how she does “couple” things all the time now. Since she’s in a relationship, everything they do involves couples. It was quite funny. But I guess that’s what really happens. You end up doing the same similar things depending on your relationship situation and the interests you share amongst each other.
For me it seems as if I’ve surrounded myself with single guys that love chasing women by going to bars and clubs!
I guess I’m just making the best out of the situation while I’m here. Don’t get me wrong, I love a quiet night at the flat over the weekend, reading a book or watching TV but it just gets too depressing!
At the end of it all, I guess when it gets to that point of “settling down” I know for a fact that I did take the time and enjoy what it truly means to be single, independent, and enjoying a carefree lifestyle. I guess I’m just afraid that I like it too much that I wouldn’t have it any other way!
I think I’ve proven to myself in the past couple of months that I can still party like I use to. I know for a fact that if I didn’t make this move, I wouldn’t be partying as much or consuming as much alcohol as I do now. I certainly wouldn’t be staying up till 3-4am trying to catch a bus home after a night of partying and chasing women. Perhaps its just a phase for now, but I just didn’t think I’d get into this “phase” ever again. I compare myself to my peers back home sometimes and what they are up to, and its so strange how I’m at the opposite end of things when it comes to my social activities!
So I guess for #9 on “10 things” would be:
9) Partying more that I ever thought possible in this phase of my life.
I don’t know what it is. Maybe it’s the people I hang out with who have this kind of energy that I feed off of. Perhaps it’s because I’m surrounded by a “younger” crowd who has this kind of mentality? Conceivably it could be the wide range of bars/clubs that I have yet to check out in London.
A close friend wrote me the other week about how she does “couple” things all the time now. Since she’s in a relationship, everything they do involves couples. It was quite funny. But I guess that’s what really happens. You end up doing the same similar things depending on your relationship situation and the interests you share amongst each other.
For me it seems as if I’ve surrounded myself with single guys that love chasing women by going to bars and clubs!
I guess I’m just making the best out of the situation while I’m here. Don’t get me wrong, I love a quiet night at the flat over the weekend, reading a book or watching TV but it just gets too depressing!
At the end of it all, I guess when it gets to that point of “settling down” I know for a fact that I did take the time and enjoy what it truly means to be single, independent, and enjoying a carefree lifestyle. I guess I’m just afraid that I like it too much that I wouldn’t have it any other way!
Sunday, August 06, 2006
10 things...
As the one year anniversary of my London move slowly approaches, it was time for a bit of introspection and think about how the past year has changed my life. What better way to organize my thoughts than using a list!
So I couldn't come up with the proper title to this list.. I started with:
"Top 10 things that I do now that I didn't do before moving.." Then I didn't like that and renamed it: "Top 10 things that I wouldn't have experienced if I didn't move to London." But then, some of the things I came up with really didn't fall under that either. So now I've just called it "10 things..." which is perfect because now its a catch-all list.
Basically, the 10 on this list are things that I:
You get the idea.. =)
So coming in at number 10..
10) Relying on Public Transportation
The only time I really took public transportation in Chicago was usually the "L" on the red line to Wrigleyville to catch a Cubs game. Or perhaps the brown line a couple stops from work to grad school. I never took the bus and really didn't have a big dependency on public transportation. I had a car at my disposal or I could easily grab a cab.
Now? I rely heavily on public transportation. Without a car, riding a bus or jumping on the tube is part of my daily routine. I deal with all the crowds, all the hassle, and all the general pain when it comes to taking public transportation. Its the primary way I get around. I sometimes give up my personal space and I suffer the disadvantage of not having a 'boot' to put my groceries in or throw my golf clubs in and drive to a golf course.
At the same time, I don't have to worry about paying for gas, having a car payment, worrying about car maintenance, driving on the wrong side of the road, or paying the infamous congestion charge!
What I've realised?
I can live without a car... in a city like London that has
a comprehensive public transport system... =)
Oh S4, don't worry, you are truly and deeply missed. =)
So I couldn't come up with the proper title to this list.. I started with:
"Top 10 things that I do now that I didn't do before moving.." Then I didn't like that and renamed it: "Top 10 things that I wouldn't have experienced if I didn't move to London." But then, some of the things I came up with really didn't fall under that either. So now I've just called it "10 things..." which is perfect because now its a catch-all list.
Basically, the 10 on this list are things that I:
- Do now, that I didn't do before I moved.
- What I've experienced that I wouldn't have if I didn't move.
- Things I've realised because I moved.
- Things that have changed because of my move here.
You get the idea.. =)
So coming in at number 10..
10) Relying on Public Transportation
The only time I really took public transportation in Chicago was usually the "L" on the red line to Wrigleyville to catch a Cubs game. Or perhaps the brown line a couple stops from work to grad school. I never took the bus and really didn't have a big dependency on public transportation. I had a car at my disposal or I could easily grab a cab.
Now? I rely heavily on public transportation. Without a car, riding a bus or jumping on the tube is part of my daily routine. I deal with all the crowds, all the hassle, and all the general pain when it comes to taking public transportation. Its the primary way I get around. I sometimes give up my personal space and I suffer the disadvantage of not having a 'boot' to put my groceries in or throw my golf clubs in and drive to a golf course.
At the same time, I don't have to worry about paying for gas, having a car payment, worrying about car maintenance, driving on the wrong side of the road, or paying the infamous congestion charge!
What I've realised?
I can live without a car... in a city like London that has
a comprehensive public transport system... =)
Oh S4, don't worry, you are truly and deeply missed. =)
Thursday, August 03, 2006
Taste of Oxford
Oxford University that is. I had an impromptu visit to Oxford this past weekend. I was hoping to see more on my first visit here, including areas where the Harry Potter movies were filmed. I wanted to see the Great Hall at Christ Church College but it closed before noon, so I didn't get to see it. Maybe next time.
There were commencement ceremonies around campus as well so some of the buildings I wanted to visit were closed, specifically the Bodleian Library.
Some fun facts:
- Oxford also has a Bridge of Sighs as pictured above. The other being in Venice!
- Students get three 8 week terms for an academic year.
- Ashmolean Museum as pictured on the right, was the first museum in the world to be opened to the public!
- The stairs leading up to the Great Hall in Christ Church College were the stairs used in the Harry Potter films. (Maybe next time I'll grab a photo.)
- Hitler didn't bomb Oxford during the war because he wanted it to become the Capital of England!
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