Tuesday, October 16, 2007

An American in East London

Look at me...a new post within a day. I know. I am impressive. Seriously.

Speaking of seriously, I hope you are all keeping up on Grey's Anatomy. I have been watching it on itunes with my flat mates. Its just so good. Its like sex. Only better. Okay, not better, but still very very good. And hot.

Okay, but the point of this blog was to tell you all about my adventures in an East London grocery store. It was rather embarrassing but oh so funny.

I had to go grocery shopping, again. I have been spending so much money lately that I decided to go to LiDL. Its a German store, I believe, that sells food pretty cheap. Its kind of a "quantity" type of store. Not so much "quality." haha. yeah. So I venture on down to the part of East London where it is. If you are not familiar, East London is not exactly high end type areas. You wouldn't expect rich ladies out shopping or couples strolling down the park with coffee. Its more like, crazy women buying crack from the three-legged man with his cat-dog hybrid and couples prostituting together to make a decent income. But, no bother. I dont mind. I grew up in Aurora so its practically the same. So, I made it alive to the store.

I pick out my items. Some of the stuff was a little sketch, but it was so cheap that I risked it. haha. I even got some noodle mixes that are in german. So, I don't know how to read them but it will be fun.

I proceed to check-out. Big line. Lots of people. My total is like 17 quid. Roughly $35. I put my card in. Error. Okay, no worries. I have two cards! I come prepared. Error. "Um, sorry, we don't accept those kinds of cards...you will have to pay with cash." So, inside I freak out. I tell her I dont have that much, only like 10 quid. I ask if I can go put some stuff back but she says no, I can't go back in. So she motions the security guard to come and assist us. She helps the next customer while the security guard "helps" me count my money. Out loud none the less. "See, you have 5 more pounds. No, you are counting wrong, thats worth 20p." It was bad. Everyone was looking at me and inside I just wanted to curl into a little ball, eat a reeses peanut butter cup, and watch heroes. But, I couldn't.

So...he has me cut back in line and we recheck everything. But it was funny because we were taking stuff from my basket, having her check it out, and then putting it back in the basket. It all got mixed up. Oy...but I think they were so tired of me that they didn't care and they let me go...just short of some sandwich meat and orange juice.

I took a bus home. There were so many people and they wouldn't let me get off at my stop. People suck sometimes. But then again, it makes life funny and gives me something to laugh about when its all said and done. So, I opened up my package of chocolate chip cookies and walked home. Proud to be an American in East London, looking like a fool, giving the locals something to chuckle at. Classic.

Monday, October 15, 2007

I was just looking over my blog...lots of typos and poor grammar. I'm not going to fix it. Just commenting that I am aware
SO....apologies for not staying up to date with this blog. I was planning to be much better at it and then I just started having too much fun. Okay...so, over the homesickness. LOL. I should know that I always freak out with big changes and just relax, but oh well. London is AMAZING. I am having an awesome time...school is school, I mean, its not like Im thrilled to be studying about polyploids and membrane systems, but whatever.

I have living by the philosophy "how often are you in London?" and its been great. Sure I am going to be broke when I return, but oh well.

Okay...so whats been happening you ask? Well. I have been doing a lot around London. Going to the Natural History Museum, the Tate, checking out all the parks. I have been trying to see a lot of shows....I think we are up to 4 now....not too bad. Saw "Rent:Remixed" the other night...haha..it was horrible. But funny to watch.

So...the big excitement...this weekend I went with my study abroad group to Ireland! We went to this small coastal town called Dingle. It was BEAUTIFUL. Like nothing I could have ever imagined. It was fun getting to meet some other study abroad students, though, after three days with all Americans, I was reminded why I chose to study abroad in the first place. Haha...that was bad. But anyways, it was great. The first day was just a lot of travel and having a great dinner. But, on the second day, we went on a 7 mile hike right through the country side. It was fantastic. Literally, we were just walking through pastures with sheep, cows, lots of mud and poop =). We even had to all clear to one side of the road at one point in order for the line of cows to pass while the dogs herded them down the road. Not something I think I have ever seen, except for maybe in the movie "Babe." Yeah, it was kind of like "Babe." Only cooler because I was there...so yeah....it was like the study abroad character in "Babe."

After that we had fish and chips. I had yet to have them...but they are delicious. Then we went out horseback riding. I should be much better, seeing the amount I have ridden, but I think I broke something. Kidding. It was a really beautiful ride up the side of this mountain that gave us a great look at the entire town and valley. That night we went out to the pubs to watch some rugby...had my very first Guinness. I thought it fitting to wait till Ireland for that one.

Finally, on Sunday, we took a boat tour of the harbor and met Dingle's famous dolphin. He just swam right up to the boat...gave us all a good look...and then we proceeded just out of the bay for a little bit. The cliffs and the countryside are really just breathtaking. I don't think I have really seen anything like it. And now I am back at school...working away...making my parents proud. LOL.

But yes, I am having a great time. If there is one thing I have learned it is how BIG the world truly is. Yes, obvious. But sometimes I got lost in my little Colorado world and forgot just how much else is going on. I am amazed by the diversity on this Earth. Its mind boggling at times. I am loving seeing all the new landscapes and meeting all the new people. It is truly a blessing. Missing you all back at home. Pictures tonight...and I will be better at updating. My sincere apologies. ;-)