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.
As for this post, I am simply adding the entries I have created up to this point. Enjoy!
First Arrival – 1 July, 2010
So, I am finally in London. I am happy to say that after many weeks I have arrived safely in London, and wow, this city is not what I expected. It is always busy, always moving. When I moved from Milwaukee to Chicago in November, I was impressed by how big Chicago is. Now that I am in London, I am yet again surprised at the size.
Right off the plane I was extremely jet-lagged, but I still wanted to explore my new home. After a quick walk around Trafalgar Square (where I am currently staying) and Soho, I was up for a quick bite to eat. I wanted something familiar and quick, so I stopped in a Pizza Hut (yes, Pizza Hut). I was greeted with leather seats and a wine list. I quickly asked myself, is this the same pizza hut from back in the US? Yes, just a little more upscale out here in London. After a quick bite, I made my way back to my hotel and fell asleep. It was 8PM!
Overall, I have to say, London is a great city and I truly think I am going to like it here.
Day 2 – 2 – July, 2010
Well, today is my day to start apartment hunting. I have 14 days to find an apartment, and am currently staying in Trafalgar Square, which is one of the coolest area’s of the city. I would really like to stay here, but I can’t afford 1800 pounds (approx. $3000 USD) a month alone, so off to look at other areas.
One interesting thing about London is that they give people free mobile phones (including the iPhone) if they sign up for a cell plan, which averages around 35 pounds a month (so cheap)! I wanted a phone, since I left mine in the US, so I quickly went to a O2 store to get one. Guess what, I also found out that you have to be here at least six months in order to get a free phone (or pay a hefty deposit). As such, I emailed my old roommate and asked her to send mine over (Thanks Sarah).
Luckily, my office asked if I would like to come in and pick up my work phone to use in the interim. Of course, I would be connected to society again. I went to the office, and was able to meet most of my new co-workers. Everyone seems really nice, and I think I am going to really like it in this office. After the quick introductions, I was asked to happy hour with them. Who I am I to say “No” to a couple drinks with some people who I am going to be spending a lot of time with. Further, it was fitting because the place they chose was The Texas Embassy. Well, I am from Texas, so I was excited. As we walked in, I realized that I was in a Mexican restaurant. When I asked why a Texas place serving Mexican food, one English person replied "Well, here in the UK, we consider Texas part of Mexico." I don't know what to think about that, but I do have to say, they had some good Margarita's!
I know I am going to like it here.
Sounds like you're having fun! can't wait to read your next entry.
ReplyDeleteBT, how was the food at the Mexican place? When I studied in London, we spent the whole six months trying to find someplace remotely like the Mexican places in the US; it became sort of a game, or a treasure hint, and we never found a good one, even in Scotland! Hope you keep having fun, and lots of adventures!!
ReplyDeletelol Bt. I totally get the Pizza Hut thing. It is a nice restaurant here is Seoul too! Actually .... it is one of my most expensive meals since I got here. ha Missssss you!
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