I have officially arrived in London
…but not before being detained in customs for five hours.
Regardless of the less than friendly welcome into the UK by immigration, I have been settling in quite well to my temporary home. So far, I have been able to take the following from my first week in London:
- It is cold. And not the chilly, crisp cold we experience in California. It is bone chilling cold. I was exploring the neighborhood this afternoon and found myself questioning my ability to walk as my legs suddenly had no feeling in them.
- That being said, my second realization is that awful weather 24/7 is a myth. Since my arrival, I have experienced two very sunny, lovely days. Yes, rain is inevitable. Yes, you must be prepared for a change of forecast in a moments notice. But constant, dreary, awful weather? I am not convinced.
- The one stereotype that does seem to fit is the love of tea in this country. Not being an avid coffee drinker myself, this is fine by me.
- I still walk on the wrong side of the road and catch myself participating in the “awkward dance left-right-left, oh sorry!” with whoever is approaching me on the sidewalk. When I previously blogged in New Zealand and Australia a couple of years ago, I specifically remember documenting my failure to adapt to the correct side of the road when walking, driving, etc. Things haven’t changed. I retained nothing from my time spent living in NZ and AUS.
- The tube is such an easy form of public transportation. I mean truly. Everything is color coded and explained in such a simple way. Get it together America!
It has been a transition this first week as expected, but I cannot wait to begin exploring this magical city.
I have very high hopes for my time here in the UK and Europe. 2016 will be a year of adventure in its purest form. It’s not every day you quit your job, pack a couple bags, and buy a one way ticket to a foreign country. Well actually… it seems to be a pattern in my life. Sometimes occurring within a weeks notice. But each time I do, I gain a world of experience and I wouldn’t trade that for anything.
…but seriously
It is cold.