Welcome to my blog!
My name is Belton, and I am writing about my experiences as I live in London for the next two years (possibly longer). I plan on updating this blog every Sunday (I will try my best) so be sure to check for updates frequently.
There are so many things I want to talk about, but I don’t know where to start. First, if you are reading this, then thank you. It has really meant a lot to me to receive all the emails and Facebook posts that I have from you guys. It makes me feel less, well, homesick. Yes, I felt it for my first time yesterday. I have spent a semester in Australia with no problems, and now I come here, and am missing everything from back home. I think it is because my birthday is this weekend and I will be celebrating it with all new people. I am extremely happy my office is full of extremely fun people though. I have been in the office for only three weeks, and I have already been to three happy hours, and there are two more planned. Further, a great deal of people from the office comes to them and actually stays the entire time. It’s pretty good.
So, I think for my first topic I will describe to you the ‘tube’ experience. F or those of you in Chicago, it can also be referred to as the ‘El’ experience. When I first arrived, I was extremely intimidated by the underground transit system here. If you look at a map, you can easily see why. I tried to avoid it as long as possible, but my first job was in Canary Wharf, an area you have to take the tube to, or the boat if you are lucky like me and live close to the river. OK, so back to the story. The train stations here are completely unlike those in the US.
The five things to know about London ‘Tube’ Stations:
1. Be Ruthless: One of the first things I learned from the London transit system is you have to be ruthless when it comes to getting to work. I have always tended to be the type of person to give up my seat for the less able and elderly, which I will continue to do, but some things need to change. It all started while travelling to my first client in Canary Wharf. I was at the Jubilee station and was amazed that there were actually lines at each of the train doors. I chose one and patiently waited for the next train (which comes every 3-7 minutes in the morning). There was a nice older lady slightly behind me and to the side. When the train came, I stepped away to let her in. As soon as people saw me do that, they started pushing past me to get on the already crowded train. I missed that train. That is the day I learned, you need to push your way on the train if you ever want to get to work in the mornings…
2. One word… Sardines: Once on the train, you have to find a comfortable spot and not move. I thought getting on the tube was hard enough, now you have to travel with people literally pressed on all sides of you. I thought the Chicago trains got crowded during rush hour. Just image the Chicago morning crowds, with an additional 25 people in each car. Not only that, but air-conditioning is not the best over here, as it typically does not get extremely hot. Well, it sure does get hot in these tube stations with people packed like ‘sardines’ each train car. That is why, in typical Belton fashion, I have bought myself a mini travel fan, which looks ridiculous when using it on the train. But, hey, at least I am cool right…
3. No Talking: One aspect of the tube people have mentioned to me is that London is known for having the ‘meanest’ tube lines in the world. Many Londoners say that talking is ‘taboo’ and you should stick to your own methods of recreation. Well, in my experiences thus far, I have to disagree. I have made many friends on the train, especially during my first two weeks when I was trying to figure out how to get around. I will say though, you will never see so many non-smiling people in one place.
4. Start Reading: I first started to try and read the free paper that they hand out in the mornings on my tube ride. I just found it extremely difficult to try and hold the paper, hold the handrail, and try to maneuverer amidst a mass of people. I looked around and saw many people reading books, easily held in one hand, so I thought I would try it. I went and picked up “The Girl with the Dragon Tatoo” from the store, and within a week it was done (very good book). My next selection was “The Shock Doctrine” by Naomi Klien (I like to switch from fiction to non-fiction every other book). I am only 100 pages in and I am hooked. It is an enlightening book that I read with my jaw open because the content is so unbelievable. If you enjoy economics, and have read Freakenomis, this book is for you. Warning, it is not light reading, so beware. (Sara Schmitt, I really think you would like this book).
5. Great Workout: Lastly, while I live next to the tube station, about a four minute walk, once inside the stations you enter a never-ending maze of a building, with many doors, hallways, escalators, stairs, and elevators. It was quite confusing at first, but now that I know the hang of it I am starting to make it through much faster. I only think you can understand if you have been here, but they have escalators that are about three times the length than the ones I am used to. Not only that, but every once in awhile they break (3 times since I have been here 3 weeks). Because of that, you start to do a lot of stair climbing. I actually have been trying to take the stairs as much as possible until I am able to join a gym.
Well, that’s it for my second post. My birthday is tomorrow, so I will be sure to tell you all how it was next week. Also, be sure to complete my poll question below!
Belton
