For starters, London is gritty, busy, noisy, and smelly (not always in a bad way). And I love it! It goes without saying that it’s completely different from Saskatoon, particularly in its frenetic pace. I’m often left with the sensation that must be common to Salmon swimming upstream to spawn (well, not the spawning bit). I’ve been trying very hard not to look like a tourist so as to avoid incurring the silent wrath of the populace. Tourists are annoying and I feel somewhat glib when I think of myself as a resident, rather tan a visitor. I guess in the grand scheme of things I really am nothing more than a glorified, long-term tourist but the artificial difference in my mind helps me to feel more at home and more comfortable in my role here.
The one point where I undoubtedly stand out as a foreigner is definitely my apparel. Most people here are very well dressed. Those who aren’t tend to be disciples of a fashion movement I like to call ‘urban grunge’. If I’m to fit in here (and not look like something off an ‘avant garde’ runway) I’m going to have to spruce things up a little.
The city itself is amazing. There is something for everyone, and every twist and turn offers some new jem to explore or admire. The sheer diversity of the place is mind boggling. Within hours of stepping off the plane I’d used both my French and my Spanish and there were countless times in which knowing any one of a couple dozen languages could have come in handy. At church last Sunday all the visitors were asked to introduce themselves. There were two Canadians, two Frenchmen, a Brazilian, a Hungarian, a handful of Americans, and then a few more whose nationalities I forget. Remember, that’s just the newcomers! I had secretly hoped to pick up a bit of a British accent while studying here but I’m just as likely to leave here sounding East Indian or German!
(The London Eye with the Palace of Westminster in the rear.)I guess there are some of you who may be interested in seeing where I live so I’ll include a few pictures of my room. I share a bathroom, kitchen (including a tiny fridge), and shower with three or four other flat-mates. The accommodations are spartan but comfortable enough (except for the fridge). I’m within walking distance of the London School of Economics and of many other sights and attractions which comes in handy because getting around is rather expensive. A one way ticket on the Tube (subway) is £4.00 (roughly $8.00) so rest assured that I’m getting my exercise in!
(It's what a real-estate agent would call 'cozy'.)
(Really 'cozy'.)OK, that should do it for today. As I said last time though, let me know if there’s anything about which you’d like to hear more and I’ll be glad to oblige.
4 comments:
How about pictures of Graham in front of monuments? ;)
Or of all the nice people you've met.
Eh heh.
I'm so demanding.
I like your cozy mansion. the view looks especially promising/dank. I never told you of the fellow I saw in the buff drying his hind quarters not 30 feet away from my window across the courtyard in Prague. I guess curtains in bathrooms aren't a social necessity there as here in Canada. I hope you are spared the privilege. glad too hear things are going well,
Ben
Your room looks like it could fit 3, 4, or even 5 guests! Or maybe the same weight in books. That may be more to your liking.
I hate to say this, but it looks like the weather is better here. At least for now.
I would like to see you taking some pictures of ridiculously stylish people on the streets. Don't feel awkward, just tell them you're with GQ, or Vogue, or Vanity Fair. ;)
Hope you can keep this up once school starts.
Lincoln
Is it safe to say that your living space looks very much like a cadet camp room? You should feel right at home there! Russ and I got your magazines, big thanks! We would like to send cookies so we need a mailing address. If you want to e-mail it to my work address: (lastnamefirstinitial)@spsd.sk.ca
The cookies will be in the mail by Christmas!
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