As I look back at my time in London, I realize that learning about and meeting many British people in London is harder than I expected. Yes, there are many people who speak English, even with a British accent, but more often than not, they are from another ethnicity and have lived in the UK their whole life.
London is the world most global city for sure. I find that I am more likely to speak to someone from Spain, Poland, India, France, and even Americans than a true Brit whenever I am about in the city.
In my classes, I have made friends from Zimbabwe, Italy, Mexico, and Spain but I have only made one British friend.
Furthermore, there seemed to be more genuine "ethnic" or international restaurants to go to than British ones. The only British food I tried was fish and chips and a microwave bangers and mash dish.
London is catered more to the world and it for sure is not the hub of British culture and expression (in terms of people, rather than history). While I came to grips with this and didn't mind it at first, I then begin to worry that I didn't really know the British culture so much as I know how the world gets along in one city. I really wanted to get out of town and experience the UK so I traveled to Scotland and Wales--places that had a more pronounced culture. However, I wanted more; I wanted to know more of the British culture down to family life and I didn't know how to find that out (as I had no British friends to ask).
(HOSTUK enters, stage right ;)...)
The HOST UK program did just that, put me in the home of a real British family where I was able to spend a weekend and live with this family, outside of London of course.
I was placed with a lovely older couple in Buckinghamshire, northwest of London, in the countryside. We walked through British villages that were centuries old and it was such a different and great experience and I got to try so many different and new British foods as well. We discussed many things about the US, UK, and Malaysia (another student from Malaysia was on her host visit as well) and we were learned so much about the UK in context of history, culture, geography, attitudes, climatology etc.
I learned to cook British dishes and I am so excited to come back home and cook a bread and butter pudding with custard for my mom!
Being in London has been a great experience, but doing the HOST program has been what I can hold on to when I think of real British people. I highly recommend this program to anyone.
www.hostuk.org
01 April, 2013
Requests Open
I feel like I've been skimping out on posting photos and blog posts. If there is anything in particular you want to know about, please comment below, email me, text me, tweet me, or FB message me and I'll add it.
The reason I don't post much of the obvious/touristy things is because millions of people have done a great job of that already and it is so easy to find with a quick google seach. So I am trying to keep this blog a bit more personal.
Anyway requests are allowed.
joanne xoxo
....
lol, after reading this I find it funny that I am probably only talking to an audience of like 2 people although in my mind hundreds of people are reading my blog religiously. lol.
so let me modify: Mom and dad, if you want me to post something let me know HAHAHAHAHA :)
The reason I don't post much of the obvious/touristy things is because millions of people have done a great job of that already and it is so easy to find with a quick google seach. So I am trying to keep this blog a bit more personal.
Anyway requests are allowed.
joanne xoxo
....
lol, after reading this I find it funny that I am probably only talking to an audience of like 2 people although in my mind hundreds of people are reading my blog religiously. lol.
so let me modify: Mom and dad, if you want me to post something let me know HAHAHAHAHA :)
Photos!
I know I've been skimping on photos, so I've posted some below.
Feel free to check out my flickr for more photos! http://www.flickr.com/photos/29757435@N08/
From the British Museum:
In Maida Vale, such a lovely residential area in central:
Covent Garden:
Buckingham Palace:
Nationalism:
Outside Parliament:
Westminster Bridge:
Hyde Park/Kensington Gardens:
Lovely Homes:
Kings Cross St. Pancreas Station:
Feel free to check out my flickr for more photos! http://www.flickr.com/photos/29757435@N08/
From the British Museum:
In Maida Vale, such a lovely residential area in central:
Covent Garden:
Buckingham Palace:
Nationalism:
Outside Parliament:
Westminster Bridge:
Hyde Park/Kensington Gardens:
Lovely Homes:
Kings Cross St. Pancreas Station:
30 March, 2013
Spring Break in lovely.... LONDON!
Unlike most everyone else on this trip, I am spending my spring break in good ole London! No I didn't go to Paris, Rome, Barcelona, Amsterdam, Switzerland, Spain, Italy, France, Monaco, or any of the other fabulous places around Europe but I decided to stay in my study abroad country. It may sound silly of me to not go to those places as I live so close by, but I believe I made the best choice in staying right in London!
To be honest, I haven't traveled out of London at all during this study abroad program. I figure, I am in London so I need to explore London properly. In doing this I have been to more places around the city, explored outside of the main city, and have been to places beyond the square mile interior of the city that most students of this trip have never set foot in, except for when traveling to international airports.
I believe I am truly getting to know this city properly. These is so much more to this city than Oxford Street, Tower Bridge, Abbey Road, the London Eye, and all the very central, very obvious places to go. I've been out of zone 1, to places like Hackney, Shoreditch, Brixton, Chalk Farm, Camden, Shepherds Bush etc. and I have explore so much more and I can truly say I have really enjoyed ALL London has to offer.
This spring break I also joined a couple meetup groups and clubs in London, went out for drinks with locals as opposed to other students in my program and I had a great time. I also went to an Easter service at a local church and met wonderful people there as well. I joined a running club/boot camp an met locals and new friends who like being active and fit as well. Its a great break because I wake up and walk out my flat, and I literally hop on random buses/trains to see where they go and find neat places outside of the main city.
I feel like I am really living in London and not having a short visit to London/Europe. I'm exploring "real" London, meeting "real" Londoners, and living the "real" London life. The way I look at it, I have almost a month after classes end to explore/tour Europe and I'd rather get to know London now properly while I have the chance.
21 March, 2013
Wait... are we not in a city or do you close early because it's fun to annoy me?
First off, please excuse the supercilious title, that's what happens when I am frustrated!
Question: What are the hours of operation in New York City?
Correct answer: Basically, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Logically, NYC operates all day because people are out and about all day. I don't believe anyone contests to this sort of arrangement we have going on.
Another question: What are the hours of operation in London?
Answer: Not open when you need it most.
This is a pet peeve I have with London. Everything closes unnecessarily early! I don't really have much to say on this matter and I cannot understand why it happens but I guess this is just a luxury we have in the US. Do you have any guess as to why this happens?
Question: What are the hours of operation in New York City?
Correct answer: Basically, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Logically, NYC operates all day because people are out and about all day. I don't believe anyone contests to this sort of arrangement we have going on.
Another question: What are the hours of operation in London?
Answer: Not open when you need it most.
This is a pet peeve I have with London. Everything closes unnecessarily early! I don't really have much to say on this matter and I cannot understand why it happens but I guess this is just a luxury we have in the US. Do you have any guess as to why this happens?
02 March, 2013
Finding joy in the demise of the UK economy?!?!?
Yes, on Thursday my British Politics class and I discussed the joys we felt from the UK losing its AAA rating from the Moody agency. For those of you who have no clue what this means lucky for you, you have an expert here who can tell you all about it. (Note: do not rely on my explanation, Google it and yes, Wikipedia is a valid source!)
Basically, countries have credit scores as well. AAA, being the highest rating, is what all countries are shooting to receive from agencies Moody, S&P, and Fitch. This score tells other countries (or BIG TIME investors I guess) that investing in a certain country is prosperous as the economy of that country shows long term stability. Alternatively, the ratings show whether countries' economies are improving and worsening.
BLAH BLAH BLAH this is boring and we are not an Econ majors for a reason. BUT the take away that you should consider is that now, for me to buy fries from the pound sterling menu (at McDonald's, obviously) I only have to give up $1.50 rather than $1.66 that I had to pay back in January. ISN'T THAT GREAT!
Now if that doesn't seem impressive, how about this: My rent has reduced from being $3248 to $3070 because of this event. Now, you should really understand why this is so important to me!!!
My only hope is that the UK economy keeps failing. THIS SOUNDS SO BAD but lets be honest. British prosperity means my demise. But alas, the UK isn't necessarily crumbling to bits because of this loss in ratings. For those of you non-Econ majors, this may not make sense but again, expert here. (And again please note: do not rely on my explanation; you know the drill). With the drop in credit ratings, and currency conversion rates, foreigners, like myself, get really excited and spend more because they can afford more. Exports increase and international spenders start dropping G's (grand$, for the urban language challenged folks out there. May I also add that there will be no grands dropped on my end, let's be honest).
So, that is why we are finding joy in the demise of UK economy. All us study abroad folks are looking at conversion rates daily, taking out money now, and spending money because as we all know, these things are volatile and changing by the hour even. My hope is that the US doesn't do anything silly that makes the economy fail more or causes the country to lose a credit rating from any of the credit agencies.
cheers,
jo xoxo
**Suggestion to future study abroad folks, check the conversion rates daily and make more use of your dollars!
Basically, countries have credit scores as well. AAA, being the highest rating, is what all countries are shooting to receive from agencies Moody, S&P, and Fitch. This score tells other countries (or BIG TIME investors I guess) that investing in a certain country is prosperous as the economy of that country shows long term stability. Alternatively, the ratings show whether countries' economies are improving and worsening.
BLAH BLAH BLAH this is boring and we are not an Econ majors for a reason. BUT the take away that you should consider is that now, for me to buy fries from the pound sterling menu (at McDonald's, obviously) I only have to give up $1.50 rather than $1.66 that I had to pay back in January. ISN'T THAT GREAT!
Now if that doesn't seem impressive, how about this: My rent has reduced from being $3248 to $3070 because of this event. Now, you should really understand why this is so important to me!!!
My only hope is that the UK economy keeps failing. THIS SOUNDS SO BAD but lets be honest. British prosperity means my demise. But alas, the UK isn't necessarily crumbling to bits because of this loss in ratings. For those of you non-Econ majors, this may not make sense but again, expert here. (And again please note: do not rely on my explanation; you know the drill). With the drop in credit ratings, and currency conversion rates, foreigners, like myself, get really excited and spend more because they can afford more. Exports increase and international spenders start dropping G's (grand$, for the urban language challenged folks out there. May I also add that there will be no grands dropped on my end, let's be honest).
So, that is why we are finding joy in the demise of UK economy. All us study abroad folks are looking at conversion rates daily, taking out money now, and spending money because as we all know, these things are volatile and changing by the hour even. My hope is that the US doesn't do anything silly that makes the economy fail more or causes the country to lose a credit rating from any of the credit agencies.
cheers,
jo xoxo
**Suggestion to future study abroad folks, check the conversion rates daily and make more use of your dollars!
09 February, 2013
Why I love London: #1 Truly Global City
Above is my class list for my seminar (my discussion class). Now, look at the names. How many countries do we represent? (Don't look at the countries listed, those are our presentation topics... obviously, I am not from Kosovo.) With names like Angbazo, Seremwe, Thapa, Ahlblad, Ovcinnikovs, Lyubenov etc that is already 6 countries we represent (not even counting dual citizenship's people may have). It makes me laugh now that UMD boasts of being super diverse... nothing compared how diverse London Met is. The diversity in my class represents London as a city as well. Everyday, I hear people speaking an array of languages-- Eggon, French, Portuguese, Yoruba, Chinese, Urdu, Polish, Igbo, Greek, Cantonese, Farsi, etc etc etc. I absolutely love it.
I have considered myself a very cosmopolitan person. I love diversity. I love seeing people different from me and I am amazed by the differences. I just want to immerse myself in everyone's culture and speak every language in in the world (HAHA). It is really refreshing to see. Another plus is the fact that no one is expected to assimilate to any culture. London culture is being diverse. By being different, all of us in the class are part of London culture.
NYC and DC are also considered global cities but I cannot remember getting this vibe when I visit. Maybe because being here I am more open to seeing fascinating things. But next time I go to NYC or DC, I will try to look out for signs of openness to diversity.
What do you think?
07 February, 2013
London: First Impressions
I've given it a solid 2 weeks before my first real post to give my initial and thought-out first impressions here in my blog (sorry to those of you who have been waiting). I hope you enjoy my first impressions below, of everything from crossing the street, to classes, to meeting people, and to watching the Superbowl in London. ENJOY!
London/UK: It looks like DC architecturally but the vibe is so NYC. The buildings are gorgeous, although old, and everything is filled with so much history. It seems like learning about culture is a big deal here so museums, galleries, showings are very much a requirement for living here. I am obsessed with accents of course and I will try to pick up on terms and phrases. Newsflash! Its cold, it rains, and it's gloomy normally but when it snows even an inch (apparently once every 10 years) people flip out and everything closes. Everything i$ $o expen$ive!!! FIRST IMPRESSION: LOVE LOVE LOVE... What if I accidentally miss my flight back?
VIEW---->>>>> Outside Tate Modern
Fashion: Coming from the land of College Park, I and many of my peers, can attest that sometimes deciding whether to wear sweatpants or yoga pants is troublesome and even more daunting is deciding which sweatshirt to wear with it. So being in London is a refreshing experience that allows me to put effort into looking decent (trendy) on a daily basis. :) FIRST IMPRESSION: Everyone dresses so well!
Food: So far, I've had Nando's, McDonald's sandwiches, meals I cooked, noodles, and basically food I normally eat in the US so unfortunately, I am disappointed in the fact that I am not getting "real British food." I guess I need to search hard to find a proper restaurant that serves traditional British/English food but that is hard to find in London. I live by a Subway, Starbucks, Pizza Hut, KFC, CHIPOTLE EVEN (which by the way is $10 a burrito, so stop complaining about prices people and feel my pain)! I have seen food from every other culture but I haven't seen food that I can consider staple British dishes. Maybe it is because I am living in a city and nothing is like "home-style cooking" restaurants... I hope I do the HostUK program that UMD subsidizes for free so I can meet a real family that cooks real food at home. FIRST IMPRESSION: Can you believe I haven't even had fish and chips yet!
Safety & crossing the street: Apparently, the biggest threat to my safety is crossing the road. London is actually a really safe city, crime wise (for example, all gun violence in the UK is nationally broadcasted because it is that rare) But coming from a country that has a completely opposite driving pattern, I have many times seen my life flash in front of my eyes (or maybe it was just the headlights...) because instinct took over and I didn't look the other way. Thankfully though, there are signs everywhere that literally tell people like me, which way to look before crossing the street. FIRST IMPRESSION: Thank You for teaching me how to cross the street.
Superbowl: We watched the Superbowl Sunday at University College London Union (aka Stamp Student Union HAHA) and it was wild and fun. I'm not a huge "American football" fan but it was fun to do something American-y while abroad, especially because of UMD alum Torrey Smith was playing for the Baltimore Ravens (who won need I remind you?). It was an interesting viewing party because the British students from the American Society (this is a legit club) cheered for the 49ers. It was ironically like the American Revolutionary War--of which we also won against the British. :) FIRST IMPRESSION: I love how some Brits actually watch the Superbowl ... also... would it be weird if I joined the American Society?
VIEW VIDEO------>>>>>> SUPERBOWL! @ UCLU w/ the American Society
People: I am a bit reserved so meeting randoms off the street was never part of my master plan :). So, I am doing an internship, joining clubs, and actually meeting people in my classes which is slowly working but hard though because British people are also generally reserved as well. Also, it is true: BE SILENT on the morning Tube ride. You know that awkward moment when you and a group are talking then you realize the rest of the room is silent? That is basically how awkward it is on the Tube and immediately you will see stares and glares from people annoyed by the "loud Americans" who are basically having a casual conversation. There seems to be these unwritten rules of conduct and interaction. Never make eye contact or smile at strangers is another "unspoken rule" that I find really weird too. My aunt warned me about this and told me not to take it personally because it is just cultural, but I didn't expect it--even for a reserved person it was really odd. FIRST IMPRESSION: Americans are much more outgoing and Brits almost seem cold. I do hope to meet British people who challenge this first impression though. I would really like to make real friendships.
Classes:Maryland is a great school. I have heard nothing positive about London Met so far. Why are we not taking classes (modules) somewhere more reputable? Will classes be a joke then? If someone asks, I will say I am only taking Maryland classes. The school seems to be in the ghetto (lol). Sadly, these are my first impressions. The most annoying thing was that the week classes began, classes were being changed and my schedule (timetable) kept changing! At Maryland, I could very well have a set schedule 4 months in advance and at London Met, changes are being made weeks into the semester (term). I am an optimist though and I figure this semester is going to be a great GPA (which in the UK, the highest grade I can get is 70% apparently...) booster so as long as I don't tell anyone I go to London Met, I will be fine. FIRST IMPRESSION: Why London Met?
---- I am a firm believer in second and third impressions--first impressions are almost always incorrect. So I look forward to feeling better about some of these experiences so far and I hope to learn and experience even better things than what I have already. I hope that through this blog you will experience London candidly, through my senses of course.
Thanks for reading
jo, xo
London/UK: It looks like DC architecturally but the vibe is so NYC. The buildings are gorgeous, although old, and everything is filled with so much history. It seems like learning about culture is a big deal here so museums, galleries, showings are very much a requirement for living here. I am obsessed with accents of course and I will try to pick up on terms and phrases. Newsflash! Its cold, it rains, and it's gloomy normally but when it snows even an inch (apparently once every 10 years) people flip out and everything closes. Everything i$ $o expen$ive!!! FIRST IMPRESSION: LOVE LOVE LOVE... What if I accidentally miss my flight back?
VIEW---->>>>> Outside Tate Modern
Fashion: Coming from the land of College Park, I and many of my peers, can attest that sometimes deciding whether to wear sweatpants or yoga pants is troublesome and even more daunting is deciding which sweatshirt to wear with it. So being in London is a refreshing experience that allows me to put effort into looking decent (trendy) on a daily basis. :) FIRST IMPRESSION: Everyone dresses so well!
Food: So far, I've had Nando's, McDonald's sandwiches, meals I cooked, noodles, and basically food I normally eat in the US so unfortunately, I am disappointed in the fact that I am not getting "real British food." I guess I need to search hard to find a proper restaurant that serves traditional British/English food but that is hard to find in London. I live by a Subway, Starbucks, Pizza Hut, KFC, CHIPOTLE EVEN (which by the way is $10 a burrito, so stop complaining about prices people and feel my pain)! I have seen food from every other culture but I haven't seen food that I can consider staple British dishes. Maybe it is because I am living in a city and nothing is like "home-style cooking" restaurants... I hope I do the HostUK program that UMD subsidizes for free so I can meet a real family that cooks real food at home. FIRST IMPRESSION: Can you believe I haven't even had fish and chips yet!
Safety & crossing the street: Apparently, the biggest threat to my safety is crossing the road. London is actually a really safe city, crime wise (for example, all gun violence in the UK is nationally broadcasted because it is that rare) But coming from a country that has a completely opposite driving pattern, I have many times seen my life flash in front of my eyes (or maybe it was just the headlights...) because instinct took over and I didn't look the other way. Thankfully though, there are signs everywhere that literally tell people like me, which way to look before crossing the street. FIRST IMPRESSION: Thank You for teaching me how to cross the street.
Superbowl: We watched the Superbowl Sunday at University College London Union (aka Stamp Student Union HAHA) and it was wild and fun. I'm not a huge "American football" fan but it was fun to do something American-y while abroad, especially because of UMD alum Torrey Smith was playing for the Baltimore Ravens (who won need I remind you?). It was an interesting viewing party because the British students from the American Society (this is a legit club) cheered for the 49ers. It was ironically like the American Revolutionary War--of which we also won against the British. :) FIRST IMPRESSION: I love how some Brits actually watch the Superbowl ... also... would it be weird if I joined the American Society?
VIEW VIDEO------>>>>>> SUPERBOWL! @ UCLU w/ the American Society
People: I am a bit reserved so meeting randoms off the street was never part of my master plan :). So, I am doing an internship, joining clubs, and actually meeting people in my classes which is slowly working but hard though because British people are also generally reserved as well. Also, it is true: BE SILENT on the morning Tube ride. You know that awkward moment when you and a group are talking then you realize the rest of the room is silent? That is basically how awkward it is on the Tube and immediately you will see stares and glares from people annoyed by the "loud Americans" who are basically having a casual conversation. There seems to be these unwritten rules of conduct and interaction. Never make eye contact or smile at strangers is another "unspoken rule" that I find really weird too. My aunt warned me about this and told me not to take it personally because it is just cultural, but I didn't expect it--even for a reserved person it was really odd. FIRST IMPRESSION: Americans are much more outgoing and Brits almost seem cold. I do hope to meet British people who challenge this first impression though. I would really like to make real friendships.
Classes:Maryland is a great school. I have heard nothing positive about London Met so far. Why are we not taking classes (modules) somewhere more reputable? Will classes be a joke then? If someone asks, I will say I am only taking Maryland classes. The school seems to be in the ghetto (lol). Sadly, these are my first impressions. The most annoying thing was that the week classes began, classes were being changed and my schedule (timetable) kept changing! At Maryland, I could very well have a set schedule 4 months in advance and at London Met, changes are being made weeks into the semester (term). I am an optimist though and I figure this semester is going to be a great GPA (which in the UK, the highest grade I can get is 70% apparently...) booster so as long as I don't tell anyone I go to London Met, I will be fine. FIRST IMPRESSION: Why London Met?
---- I am a firm believer in second and third impressions--first impressions are almost always incorrect. So I look forward to feeling better about some of these experiences so far and I hope to learn and experience even better things than what I have already. I hope that through this blog you will experience London candidly, through my senses of course.
Thanks for reading
jo, xo
23 January, 2013
This is where i live!!
Baker St. above Sherlock Holmes' (fictional) home.
I live 5 minutes from Oxford St. (Google it) literally in Central London.
I have come to terms with that fact that this may be the last time in a while I can afford to live in the center of a major city. Its cool, in the future though, expect my address to be 1 Hyde Park (Google this as well).
I live 5 minutes from Oxford St. (Google it) literally in Central London.
I have come to terms with that fact that this may be the last time in a while I can afford to live in the center of a major city. Its cool, in the future though, expect my address to be 1 Hyde Park (Google this as well).
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