Wednesday already? I can't believe how short of a time period I have been here, but yet how long it feels. As much as I would like to say that I am a Londoner expert, I think I could live here my whole entire life and still be unsure of which way to turn. As I have noted over my past few days, as similar as the culture of the UK is to the States there are still differences, as there would be traveling from any one country to another.
Just to make note of some English ways of life, sure not all Brits have the best dental care, BUT they sure are clean. The city (at least the parts I have seen) streets are spotless, but yet I rarely ever see a litter, or rubbish bin (as they call it). Everyone always ends on saying 'cheers'. I think that is a sweet, joyous word that just has a very warm, and welcoming connotation to it. Londoners are quite friendly for the most part. I have found them walking up to me, asking me if I need help when staring at a map, rather than me walking up to them. They are quite hospitable if I do say so myself.
As for currency, I am still getting the hang of the different values of each coin, and find myself to look like a moron at times staring at my sterling while the cashier working the till waits for me patiently to get my money bearings. It is confusing having grown up knowing the value of a quarter and its size, then being told here is a coin just as large but it is only worth one pence.
Language wise, I have heard what feels like every tongue and accent possible to hear in this city. It is always exciting when I hear someone with a North American accent, so I usually try to strike up conversation with them to find where they are from. I have met many people from the States already, and we always share that same American pride when discussing home. There is something about a British accent though, that is oh-so enchanting, and enticing to listen to. Once your ears get attuned to know what to listen for, you always find yourself craving the speaker to talk more (at least that is how I find myself feeling). Before I even begin to talk, apparently (I have been told) that I look rather American, so as soon as my mouth opens, that seals the deal and bingo, whoever I was talking to is probably applauding them self silently because they were able to guess where I come from in this small world.
As for style here, Europeans dress so chic. I wake up feeling as though I am leaving for the day's itinerary looking nice, and boom as soon as I step outside of the hotel and see the people hustling about on the streets, I feel quite under dressed. I rarely see ladies wearing blue jeans, but rather dark jeans, or pants of some other dark color, as well as leggings. If not that, then women are in dresses and skirts, always with black panty hose and of course, gorgeous shoes! If not that, then leggings with sweaters and blazers it is. And the men, they are super fashionable, which to my delight is refreshing. They usually are wearing patent leather shoes, dress pants or dress jeans, and the perfect ensemble is completed with a scarf. Fashion here in Europe is honestly its own world all together. And the shopping there is to do. I have seen a store for anything imaginable to the human mind, and all running one right after another.
I know that my two weeks here are going by oh so quickly, and it is impossible for me to see everything I will want, but I am trying my best to fit it all in. I have become quite the little navigator, working the tube (the underground train system), as well as managing out my time wisely. It's sort of soon to be thinking about this, but I cannot wait until I have the chance to come back!
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