This past Thursday, Kushan, Paven, and Praveen came into town to being their post graduation Eurotrip. I feel so lucky just to have gotten to be a part of it....I think. When they got in, I had just gotten off class. Kushan called and we decided to meet up later in the day. So Jen and I went over to check out the British Museum ( I really wanted to see the Egypt exhibit) and then grab dinner before we met up with the guys. Little did we know actually finding their hostel would be quite the adventure in and of itself. This tiny little building with the blue door is quite elusive. Nonetheless, we found them, and our adventure begins. We get there and are immediately whisked of on a "loosey goosey" pub crawl led by our fearless french leader who we dubbed "Pierre" but I later found out to be Jeremie...I tend to give out my number a lot I have learned...I need to stop that. So the theme of the night would be "pegging the loosey goosey." stop whatever you are thinking now you, with your mind in the gutter. Thank you. It simply meant that if someone was able to attach a peg to you, the entire group would count down very loudly from 5, which is the amount of time you had to find and remove the pin and yell loosey goosey. Otherwise, you chugged your drink. Well, needless to say, Kushan was drunk in about .3 seconds. Paven hahah....well paven is on meds so he cant drink at all. Jen and I really only stuck around for 2 pubs then headed home, because we both had interviews the next day. But Pierre promised to text with details on loosey goosey's next crawl.....
So the next day I woke up and went to my interview....told you guys all about that already. Came home to the Crofton, and then went for a run in Hyde Park and had a nice little relaxing nap. After that, the boys gave me a call and told me we were going to icebar. hahaha. Well at least I don't have to make my own plans when they are around. I'm told what to do. So, I went and met up with them right outside Icebar and we went in for our 40 minute reservation. I felt like a cross between an eskimo penguin in that jacket poncho thing that they gave me. PS, I'm not actually sure how anyone survives the Ice hotel. It is like the bar but you have to SLEEP in it. Really? How is that comfortable at all?! As a person who prefers to not wear pants whilst sleeping, I would have to say ouch. ouch ouch ouch ouch ouch. Icebar fun. Icehotel....no thank you. So we got a free drink on entry and then the boys had found some vouchers online for a second free drink so we got that too. Our glasses were made of ice. Nearly froze my hand off....but at least everything was on the rocks. hehehehehe. So we goofed off inside and took pictures of the "aquatic" theme. I had an "Absolute Submarine" which tasted like straight vodka, and an "Absolute North" which tasted like yummy yummy juice and was delightful. We finally decided that since Praveen was wearing shorts (really parv?) and I could no longer feel my toes, that it was about time we left, even though we still had 10 minutes in our reservation left. i mean honestly. The bartenders are even only allowed to work 1.5 hour shifts its so cold in there.
So then we went to go walk around Picadilly Circuis and get some food at a pub. Praveen and Kushan were enjoying trying all the different beers. So cute. you little connoisseurs you. Then we went back to their place to get them changed and ready to go out--Kushan wanted to go to this place he had heard of called "The Egg," which we later affectionately dubbed "el huevo." So they all got dressed for a night on the town and then came back to the Crofton with me so I could get dressed. There we grabbed Jennifer, Bella, and a hot outfit for me (hehehehe) and headed off to King's Cross-yes, like in Harry Potter-to get to el huevo. But we did have a little bit of snuggles and email checking before we left cause the boys had yet to check their mail since they got here.
El huevo. What a place. oh dear. So we get there and we are greeted by an insane amount of very loud house music that will nearly blast you into oblivion if you aren't careful where you stand. There are TONS of people inside and the place only got more packed as the night went on. So we wandered around for a bit, found that we liked the upstairs dance floor the best, and decided to hang out there for a while. Then I get a text from taleb telling me that he is there and asking where I am. Taleb is this guy I met at Sports Cafe with a bunch of my friends. I tell him where I am and he finds me. I introduce him to the boys and Bella and Jen and then he went and introduced me to his two friends that are with him. We are all having a grand ole time so I decide I'm going to go hang out with the guys a bit more cause they are only here for a few days. Taleb and crew don't seem too thrilled about this, but hey. They are my friends. The guys and Jen and Bella and I are dancing, and then they all decide to go downstairs so I go join Taleb and his friends just to chat and say hello and we get to talking about what I'm doing here in London. I try to ask what they are doing, but it gets so loud in there that it is a moot point--I can't hear a thing they are saying. Everyone who claims that they have met someone at a club before, it is practically impossible there is no way you had an actual meaningful exchange. YOU CAN"T HEAR ANYTHING THE OTHER PERSON IS SAYING. I'm pretty sure there were some massive miscommunications but its ok. Everyone was still smiling when I decided it was time for me to head downstairs and find my friends again....didn't really want to be alone too long. So I go find everyone, the boys head back to their hostel, and then Bella, Jen and I take a cab back shortly after. El huevo. You are a good time. But my ears are still ringing.
The next day really has very little to do with the boys...they went off to Wembly. The rest of this weekend will come in the next
post :)
Radhi
Monday, May 31, 2010
Interview....work and play
I had my interview a few days ago for my internship. It was my final interview for the placing EUSA had given me back in Boston so as long as I didn't screw up too badly, I was golden. I had the interview at 11 am. It is out in this place I had never heard of nor been to before, so I decide to give myself 2 hours to get there, just in case I have a delay on the tube or it takes way longer than anticipated to get there (which I was praying it wouldn't because there is no way I would make it to work every day if I had to travel two hours to get there and two hours to get back. no way. So I left my place at 9 am, after I had dressed and redressed 3 times. Hahaha....in retrospect, when I was told that the dress for my job would be casual, I should have taken it at face value. There was no need at all for my SMG skirt and top complete with black flats and blazer. Really. no need at all. Good thing I didn't decide to top it off with my AKPsi pin....
So I get to the tube and am thrown amidst the normal work crowd. Your suits and whatnot, all impeccably tailored and ready for another day of accounting, financing, cutting budgets, misallocating expenses (can a senator really get away with writing off his porn as a work expense? REALLY?!) and whatnot. Well then. I guess this is what it will be like every morning. It just seems so grown up. I feel like I'm 2 years old playing dressup, but oddly enough, the clothes fit. Does that mean I'm ready? that I am growing up? To the first, I hope so. To the second, I hope that never happens. Anywho. It turns out I can make it to Finsbury park in a short 40 minutes after leaving my doorstep, and then it is 10 more minutes to my workplace. So I get off the tube and begin the walk towards my workplace, hoping that I will find some cute little cafe or something to occupy my time when I get there. It is seriously the most oddly charming and scary at the same time place I have ever been to. They have a BBQ joint that looks like it was taken straight out of Tennessee right next to a little italian restaurant that seems like a little piece of the boot imported to the UK. I keep walking and seeing the strangest mix of people ever.
I make it to my interview place, find a cafe and sit. I am a little over an hour early. I have time to kill....and no way of killing it. At first I wish I had brought a book. But, of course, I didn't. I spend a little time going over interview questions (which in retrospect was also pointless because the interview was so informal). I end up people watching. There are so many people in this cafe at 10 am that are just reading and relaxing, alone or with their children, that I wonder what they are doing here on a Friday morning. Why aren't they at work? or at school? or busy running errands? What are their life stories? I pass about 45 minutes sipping cream tea (without the cream) and making up lives for these people.
I finally decide its time to walk across the street to my interview and realize that I can't actually find the number on the street that it is located. Perfect. Like a dumbass, I lazed around for 40 minutes and now I can't even find the building. Great. So I try one that looks like it should be it and end up walking into some random guy's apartment/office? I'm not really even sure. Anyways. I ask and he is definitely not the person I am looking for. He has never even heard of the people I am looking for, but apparently "there are some music people right up over there," which ends up being a office over his roof, so he takes me to them and goes "Is this yours?" hahahahahaaaaa. Julia, the woman interviewing me laughed and pulled me inside. From then on I felt strangely at home with both Julia and Claire (the other woman who works in the office). The interview went well. They answered any questions I had before I even asked them and were very forthcoming about the work I would be doing with them. They deal with a bunch of very eclectic artists and they gave me some CDs I have been listening to. None of it is at all mainstream, but all of it is very interesting. Its great for me because I love music so much that it is very rare I find something I don't like. Basically, Julia told me what I would be doing is helping set up contacts and venues and such for tours, I may get to go listen in on studio time, I would be researching possible marketing solutions, and stuff like that. I personally think that, as an intern, I could not have asked for a better job. Both women made it quite clear that if I had an idea about something, I should bring it up because they are open to it. I can do as much in this internship as I want and I intend to take complete advantage.
I am so excited about this internship.....sounds like some good work and play. I guess you'll hear more about it once it starts though :)
Radhi
So I get to the tube and am thrown amidst the normal work crowd. Your suits and whatnot, all impeccably tailored and ready for another day of accounting, financing, cutting budgets, misallocating expenses (can a senator really get away with writing off his porn as a work expense? REALLY?!) and whatnot. Well then. I guess this is what it will be like every morning. It just seems so grown up. I feel like I'm 2 years old playing dressup, but oddly enough, the clothes fit. Does that mean I'm ready? that I am growing up? To the first, I hope so. To the second, I hope that never happens. Anywho. It turns out I can make it to Finsbury park in a short 40 minutes after leaving my doorstep, and then it is 10 more minutes to my workplace. So I get off the tube and begin the walk towards my workplace, hoping that I will find some cute little cafe or something to occupy my time when I get there. It is seriously the most oddly charming and scary at the same time place I have ever been to. They have a BBQ joint that looks like it was taken straight out of Tennessee right next to a little italian restaurant that seems like a little piece of the boot imported to the UK. I keep walking and seeing the strangest mix of people ever.
I make it to my interview place, find a cafe and sit. I am a little over an hour early. I have time to kill....and no way of killing it. At first I wish I had brought a book. But, of course, I didn't. I spend a little time going over interview questions (which in retrospect was also pointless because the interview was so informal). I end up people watching. There are so many people in this cafe at 10 am that are just reading and relaxing, alone or with their children, that I wonder what they are doing here on a Friday morning. Why aren't they at work? or at school? or busy running errands? What are their life stories? I pass about 45 minutes sipping cream tea (without the cream) and making up lives for these people.
I finally decide its time to walk across the street to my interview and realize that I can't actually find the number on the street that it is located. Perfect. Like a dumbass, I lazed around for 40 minutes and now I can't even find the building. Great. So I try one that looks like it should be it and end up walking into some random guy's apartment/office? I'm not really even sure. Anyways. I ask and he is definitely not the person I am looking for. He has never even heard of the people I am looking for, but apparently "there are some music people right up over there," which ends up being a office over his roof, so he takes me to them and goes "Is this yours?" hahahahahaaaaa. Julia, the woman interviewing me laughed and pulled me inside. From then on I felt strangely at home with both Julia and Claire (the other woman who works in the office). The interview went well. They answered any questions I had before I even asked them and were very forthcoming about the work I would be doing with them. They deal with a bunch of very eclectic artists and they gave me some CDs I have been listening to. None of it is at all mainstream, but all of it is very interesting. Its great for me because I love music so much that it is very rare I find something I don't like. Basically, Julia told me what I would be doing is helping set up contacts and venues and such for tours, I may get to go listen in on studio time, I would be researching possible marketing solutions, and stuff like that. I personally think that, as an intern, I could not have asked for a better job. Both women made it quite clear that if I had an idea about something, I should bring it up because they are open to it. I can do as much in this internship as I want and I intend to take complete advantage.
I am so excited about this internship.....sounds like some good work and play. I guess you'll hear more about it once it starts though :)
Radhi
Thursday, May 27, 2010
note to self: don't die
Sometimes I do dumb things.
Like crossing the road without looking and almost getting flattened by a double decker bus. Or looking the wrong way before I cross and almost getting flattened by a double decker bus. Or verbally expressing my frustration at a car that almost runs me over in a pedestrian zone while their windows are open.
Sometimes I do really dumb things though. And to remedy the dumb and the really dumb I'm glad that I have friends who care enough to worry about me getting flattened by a double decker bus or lost in the middle of London. Its nice to have a few friends who will throw an arm out in front of you to make sure you aren't about to become roadkill or will call repeatedly to make sure you haven't gotten lost and that something hasn't happened to you. And as much fun as it is NOT, its nice to have a few friends who will call you out on your really dumb moments and say: no. not a good plan...lets never do that again. kthanks.
So while in London, my goal is to avoid both the dumb (though it might be hard but i'm trying to get used to it) and the really dumb. I want to be able to enjoy my time here and get home in one piece. I feel like that would be nice. So yah. not dying. good plan. :)
Radhi
Like crossing the road without looking and almost getting flattened by a double decker bus. Or looking the wrong way before I cross and almost getting flattened by a double decker bus. Or verbally expressing my frustration at a car that almost runs me over in a pedestrian zone while their windows are open.
Sometimes I do really dumb things though. And to remedy the dumb and the really dumb I'm glad that I have friends who care enough to worry about me getting flattened by a double decker bus or lost in the middle of London. Its nice to have a few friends who will throw an arm out in front of you to make sure you aren't about to become roadkill or will call repeatedly to make sure you haven't gotten lost and that something hasn't happened to you. And as much fun as it is NOT, its nice to have a few friends who will call you out on your really dumb moments and say: no. not a good plan...lets never do that again. kthanks.
So while in London, my goal is to avoid both the dumb (though it might be hard but i'm trying to get used to it) and the really dumb. I want to be able to enjoy my time here and get home in one piece. I feel like that would be nice. So yah. not dying. good plan. :)
Radhi
Monday, May 24, 2010
The Streets of London....and then some
Can I start this off by saying I have almost become bus paint multiple times here in London? Yes, I understand, they drive on the opposite side of the road. Yes, I understand i must look the OTHER way before crossing the road. And yes, I am getting used to this fact. But no. It is not acceptable to completely disregard pedestrian crossings when THAT IS WHAT THEY ARE THERE FOR. I feel like cars are after me. They are trying to run me over on the streets. Not just me. Any human being who steps out on the streets of london: WATCH OUT. These people literally do not stop for anything. You will become roadkill. I guess this is me coming from Boston and being spoiled by how friendly that city is to pedestrians. When I am crossing a street in Boston, if there is no light, someone will stop and let me pass. Yesterday I really spent 5 minutes waiting to cross the street. And in the states, I feel like jaywalking when no car is on the way perfectly acceptable. Here, if a car is a mile away and sees you start to jaywalk, it will speed up to ensure that it will hit you should you dare to dream of crossing the street simply because it is empty. Today a man actually stopped his car to let Jennifer and I cross the street and it was the first time that has happened since we got here and we were both in shock. WHO IS THIS GENTLEMAN WHO UNDERSTANDS COMMON COURTESY?!
Ok but it goes beyond driving. The people of London also do not seem to understand the function of a common sidewalk. its in the word. you walk on them. Seriously. WALK. do not stop in the MIDDLE of the sidewalk to take all 803 items out of your bag to make sure you have your phone. Do not stop in the middle of the sidewalk to stare and a doorway and wonder if it is the right one. DO NOT stop in the middle of the road for a whole minute to send a friggin text. If you need to stop, move to the side so other people using the sidewalk do not walk straight into you. Its really quite simple.
Well.... I guess on a lighter note...Went to the gym today. Whoever told me (and I honestly can't remember who) that there were only old men at the gym and wasn't a great place to meet brits was wrong. So wrong. I don't know what gym you were going to. But just like any other gym that I've ever been to, there were some fine lookin men. All completely vain and into themselves, but great eye candy nonetheless. Did a great ab workout. :) Today was also my first day of class. I had my international business class, and it is one i think I am going to thoroughly enjoy. That is always nice...when you actually like the thing you are studying...I like to think so. Arti called again...hahaha...Kushan Paven and Praveen are coming into town this week so I am going to have arti bring his crowd and just meet up with us somewhere. I feel that is best....don't want to give him the wrong idea.
The highlight of my day, however, was going to see Enron with Cluade. It was a nice trip to the theater for the two of us--he is such a fun person to talk to about really anything. We got there...chugged our snapple and coke outside of the theater figuring we couldn't take them inside. Lo and behold we walk in and people are drinking beer in the theater and munching on malt balls....only in London I guess. We sat in for the show (our seats got upgraded yay--seems to be happening to me a lot lately) and the show began.....realllly not what I was expecting. at all. But it was a very interesting, experimental show. I can see why it has done very well here and I can also see why it didn't do well in the states at all and is closing in New York this week. Very tailored to the British sense of humor. It also hits close to the heart for many americans, so I feel that the show would not be so well received by an american audience. heck, there were even times when claude and I felt uncomfortable. But it was a well put on show, and the stage design and lighting was FANTASTIC. So I had fun. :) Can't wait for my next foray into British theater. In the meantime, I have lunch tomorrow with a local...should be fun. Kushan and them get here thursday. yay. And them some more locals over the weekend (arti and friends) so MIchael Oliver would be proud. :)
Radhi
Ok but it goes beyond driving. The people of London also do not seem to understand the function of a common sidewalk. its in the word. you walk on them. Seriously. WALK. do not stop in the MIDDLE of the sidewalk to take all 803 items out of your bag to make sure you have your phone. Do not stop in the middle of the sidewalk to stare and a doorway and wonder if it is the right one. DO NOT stop in the middle of the road for a whole minute to send a friggin text. If you need to stop, move to the side so other people using the sidewalk do not walk straight into you. Its really quite simple.
Well.... I guess on a lighter note...Went to the gym today. Whoever told me (and I honestly can't remember who) that there were only old men at the gym and wasn't a great place to meet brits was wrong. So wrong. I don't know what gym you were going to. But just like any other gym that I've ever been to, there were some fine lookin men. All completely vain and into themselves, but great eye candy nonetheless. Did a great ab workout. :) Today was also my first day of class. I had my international business class, and it is one i think I am going to thoroughly enjoy. That is always nice...when you actually like the thing you are studying...I like to think so. Arti called again...hahaha...Kushan Paven and Praveen are coming into town this week so I am going to have arti bring his crowd and just meet up with us somewhere. I feel that is best....don't want to give him the wrong idea.
The highlight of my day, however, was going to see Enron with Cluade. It was a nice trip to the theater for the two of us--he is such a fun person to talk to about really anything. We got there...chugged our snapple and coke outside of the theater figuring we couldn't take them inside. Lo and behold we walk in and people are drinking beer in the theater and munching on malt balls....only in London I guess. We sat in for the show (our seats got upgraded yay--seems to be happening to me a lot lately) and the show began.....realllly not what I was expecting. at all. But it was a very interesting, experimental show. I can see why it has done very well here and I can also see why it didn't do well in the states at all and is closing in New York this week. Very tailored to the British sense of humor. It also hits close to the heart for many americans, so I feel that the show would not be so well received by an american audience. heck, there were even times when claude and I felt uncomfortable. But it was a well put on show, and the stage design and lighting was FANTASTIC. So I had fun. :) Can't wait for my next foray into British theater. In the meantime, I have lunch tomorrow with a local...should be fun. Kushan and them get here thursday. yay. And them some more locals over the weekend (arti and friends) so MIchael Oliver would be proud. :)
Radhi
Sunday, May 23, 2010
bachelorettes and birthdays....only in soho
So I have been exploring this great city that I have the grand opportunity of living in for the next few months. And can I just say, the people of this city are actually friggin INSANE. They are crazy. like.....committed? thats what you do when you're are certifiably INSANE. hahaha....i guess only Bella will get that one but its worth it. So I have been trying to do the touristy things...going to museums, etc., and going to the popular places where people say you MUST go. I made to the Victoria and Albert Museum (which i will definitely have to visit again to finish seeing everything....it is just so BIG) and i've also spent a good bit of time in Hyde Park....mostly running but I also went to Speakers Corner and heard some good old fashioned orators hop up on their soap boxes (literally) and get to talking. We went to Greenwich, saw the Prime Meridian line, and walked around the market there (seriously, these people are bonkers) one old man in the market kept following us around his stall and everytime we touched something, he asked us if we were drunk..... we weren't.
We went into a really fun vintage army shop that was selling old uniforms and hats and such. Things are quite expensive here though....sadly. I want to go see more of the touristy things as well and some of the other museums and I feel like I will get to it. haha I am going to get my first experience of London theater tomorrow evening with a friend of mine, Claude, who is hilarious. We are going to see "Enron" the musical. Yes. Enron. about Enron. and I am so absolutely excited it is not even funny. I love that I have found some musical nerds here to oblige me when I want to go do that kind of stuff.
So the other touristy thing I have done since I have been here is to go to Soho. They say that if you stay in London for an extended period of time, you should go to Soho...just once. Just to experience it. So we did. We went to this funny little (and by little I mean not so little but so packed we felt like sardines) club called strawberry moon. It was quite a place....Its like what you see clubs are like in the movies but never really think they exist. I mean it came complete with stripper poles (no strippers though) rave lights, weird dance floor, lots of gay men, and music that is sure to impair your hearing for quite some time in the near future. We could barely move or breathe upstairs, so our group went downstairs. And, as soon as we got there Journey came on....and true to our natures, we americans made a spectacle of ourselves belting this song at the top of our lungs. When is the last time YOU heard Journey in a LEGIT club?!
There was a bachelorette party downstairs as well...actually two of them. And these women were having a grand ole time. They danced with us, they awarded drew some prizes...."best arse" and "best bedroom eyes" if i'm not mistaken...hahah. And they were really going nuts with the stripper poles.....I mean, I did eventually take my turn as well. Couldn't resist hehehehe.
We then went back upstairs to the top floor....still jam packed but that was where all the fun was. Everyone was dressed in completely outrageous outfits....I seriously would have walked in there and thought I had stepped into Halloween if I didn't know better. We met a bunch of guys celebrating their friend Arti's brithday. Hahaha....ohhhhh Arti. What an interesting guy. He was definitely enjoying himself. It was especially funny because they were so intrigued by the fact that we are american...its really odd to get that much attention for being from the states. usually people are put off by how obnoxious they think we are. But i guess they were being quite obnoxious so we by comparison....were calm? Regardless I was pretty thrilled with my first REAL interaction with british people that I have not met because of the program....they are quite an interesting lot. Arti called today to ask how we enjoyed his birthday and that he was thrilled we could celebrate with him if only for a little while. haha....people here are really nice. My mind is literally reeling I can't wait to meet more people. Ah so much fun. Weird in an absolutely good way. If that makes any sense at all :)
Radhi
We went into a really fun vintage army shop that was selling old uniforms and hats and such. Things are quite expensive here though....sadly. I want to go see more of the touristy things as well and some of the other museums and I feel like I will get to it. haha I am going to get my first experience of London theater tomorrow evening with a friend of mine, Claude, who is hilarious. We are going to see "Enron" the musical. Yes. Enron. about Enron. and I am so absolutely excited it is not even funny. I love that I have found some musical nerds here to oblige me when I want to go do that kind of stuff.
So the other touristy thing I have done since I have been here is to go to Soho. They say that if you stay in London for an extended period of time, you should go to Soho...just once. Just to experience it. So we did. We went to this funny little (and by little I mean not so little but so packed we felt like sardines) club called strawberry moon. It was quite a place....Its like what you see clubs are like in the movies but never really think they exist. I mean it came complete with stripper poles (no strippers though) rave lights, weird dance floor, lots of gay men, and music that is sure to impair your hearing for quite some time in the near future. We could barely move or breathe upstairs, so our group went downstairs. And, as soon as we got there Journey came on....and true to our natures, we americans made a spectacle of ourselves belting this song at the top of our lungs. When is the last time YOU heard Journey in a LEGIT club?!
There was a bachelorette party downstairs as well...actually two of them. And these women were having a grand ole time. They danced with us, they awarded drew some prizes...."best arse" and "best bedroom eyes" if i'm not mistaken...hahah. And they were really going nuts with the stripper poles.....I mean, I did eventually take my turn as well. Couldn't resist hehehehe.
We then went back upstairs to the top floor....still jam packed but that was where all the fun was. Everyone was dressed in completely outrageous outfits....I seriously would have walked in there and thought I had stepped into Halloween if I didn't know better. We met a bunch of guys celebrating their friend Arti's brithday. Hahaha....ohhhhh Arti. What an interesting guy. He was definitely enjoying himself. It was especially funny because they were so intrigued by the fact that we are american...its really odd to get that much attention for being from the states. usually people are put off by how obnoxious they think we are. But i guess they were being quite obnoxious so we by comparison....were calm? Regardless I was pretty thrilled with my first REAL interaction with british people that I have not met because of the program....they are quite an interesting lot. Arti called today to ask how we enjoyed his birthday and that he was thrilled we could celebrate with him if only for a little while. haha....people here are really nice. My mind is literally reeling I can't wait to meet more people. Ah so much fun. Weird in an absolutely good way. If that makes any sense at all :)
Radhi
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Why?
Today I was asked "why london?" why is it that I traveled halfway across the world (ish) to study courses that I could be studying at BU and take on an internship when I could have pretty easily gotten one in Boston and just stayed there over the summer. Well. I thought about it and even though I gave an answer I was happy with then I feel I can give an even better one now. I feel that after spending the day exploring the city and traveling to greenwich and meeting more locals and talking to them, I have discovered the true reason I decided to drag my bum to London and study here.
I want to experience culture in a place different than the one I live in and I want to experience the what the study and work environment is in a foreign country (especially because I am studying international management). But even more than that, I think I want to affirm my faith in the fact that the human condition unites us all globally, going beyond all borders. It is funny that when we first arrived here and sat through student affairs and academic orientation lectures, we were made to feel separate. Michael Oliver and Allison Campbell both made a fact of mentioning that as Americans we were viewed this way and as Americans they KNOW we WILL act this way and as Americans it would be best if we just did this and that. Even the Chairman of our program seemed to have a very limited view on the traits and perspectives of the "american" student and how he or she would fit into the London atmosphere. Yes I get it. I am an American student studying in London. The way I dress and carry myself may stick out like a sore thumb. But seriously? How do you know I act a certain way? how do you know that I will for sure as an American do certain things that make the common Londoner think I am obnoxious? is this not simply a manifestation of your own narrowmindedness that You can't seem to grasp the concept that all americans are NOT the same? aren't you asking me to open my eyes and my own mind and grasp that all Londoners are not the same? I feel that though there are some significant cultural differences, the common 20 year old londoner and I have a lot in common as far as interests, place in life, goals, and hobbies. I feel like as a part of the human condition, though I may be an american and you may be a londoner, we have more in common that we do in difference. You may live halfway across the world but most 20 year olds are thinking about the same things: school, future, job, careers, love, success. Then how can you say that I will find nothing in common with Londoners unless I go out and specifically search for things to talk to them about? Yes I agree it is important to read the paper and to be well versed in what is occurring in the area in which one is staying. But I disagree that I can't strike up a conversation with another 20 something year old londoner without doing so. I feel like through shared interests and places in life simply talking about myself and showing an interest in him or her we would have plenty to talk about.
So why London? To appreciate the differences and celebrate the commonalities and learn how to accept and thrive in another culture. I want to pay these Londonites the same courtesy I hope they will pay me in getting to know me as a person before they judge me as an American. Getting to know me in an intellectual conversation before they decide I can't possibly know what I am talking about all the way out here in London when all that I know is back thousands of miles from here in the states. Give me a chance. thats all I'm asking. If I disappoint you after that, then that's on me. But don't just count me out without a chance. Just my thoughts.
Radhi
I want to experience culture in a place different than the one I live in and I want to experience the what the study and work environment is in a foreign country (especially because I am studying international management). But even more than that, I think I want to affirm my faith in the fact that the human condition unites us all globally, going beyond all borders. It is funny that when we first arrived here and sat through student affairs and academic orientation lectures, we were made to feel separate. Michael Oliver and Allison Campbell both made a fact of mentioning that as Americans we were viewed this way and as Americans they KNOW we WILL act this way and as Americans it would be best if we just did this and that. Even the Chairman of our program seemed to have a very limited view on the traits and perspectives of the "american" student and how he or she would fit into the London atmosphere. Yes I get it. I am an American student studying in London. The way I dress and carry myself may stick out like a sore thumb. But seriously? How do you know I act a certain way? how do you know that I will for sure as an American do certain things that make the common Londoner think I am obnoxious? is this not simply a manifestation of your own narrowmindedness that You can't seem to grasp the concept that all americans are NOT the same? aren't you asking me to open my eyes and my own mind and grasp that all Londoners are not the same? I feel that though there are some significant cultural differences, the common 20 year old londoner and I have a lot in common as far as interests, place in life, goals, and hobbies. I feel like as a part of the human condition, though I may be an american and you may be a londoner, we have more in common that we do in difference. You may live halfway across the world but most 20 year olds are thinking about the same things: school, future, job, careers, love, success. Then how can you say that I will find nothing in common with Londoners unless I go out and specifically search for things to talk to them about? Yes I agree it is important to read the paper and to be well versed in what is occurring in the area in which one is staying. But I disagree that I can't strike up a conversation with another 20 something year old londoner without doing so. I feel like through shared interests and places in life simply talking about myself and showing an interest in him or her we would have plenty to talk about.
So why London? To appreciate the differences and celebrate the commonalities and learn how to accept and thrive in another culture. I want to pay these Londonites the same courtesy I hope they will pay me in getting to know me as a person before they judge me as an American. Getting to know me in an intellectual conversation before they decide I can't possibly know what I am talking about all the way out here in London when all that I know is back thousands of miles from here in the states. Give me a chance. thats all I'm asking. If I disappoint you after that, then that's on me. But don't just count me out without a chance. Just my thoughts.
Radhi
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
With love from London
Hello all! So I'm here. In London. And I'm loving it. It is absolutely lovely. The weather is gorgeous, the area is beautiful, and the people are....well they are friendly to say the very least. When I flew in I stayed at my mom's friend's brother's place. yah I know...take a second to make the connection. I haven't seen them in years but they were so sweet and took such good care of me. Their two sons also tried to make sure I was completely comfortable. They are trying to make plans to take me and my friends out to show us the town...and the Indian scene...in London soon. So after staying with them the night, I moved into my dorm.
The crofton. My home for the next 12 weeks. It is absolutely lovely. It is a 2 second walk from hyde park, where I can go run when I find the time, and I intend to. It is a very near walk to shopping (which I am trying to stay as far away from as possible) and groceries, which is nice. We can walk into central london, and we are a quick bus stop from picadilly circuis, which I'm not sure what it is, but I was told to go there. So thus far, I have hung out with my roomate, the two girls who live directly above us, the girls I share a kitchen with, and my RA, who is this tiny sweet girl who seems to just want to make us all happy. Funny side note: Tom is in london... he lived in my freshman year house at Boston University and I had NO idea he was going to be in london for the program. As i was moving in I saw him and went up to say hi. It was a very nice surprise to have someone I know pretty well be here.
After moving in we did a walking tour of the area after which we met with our kitchen mates to set some groundrules down. Then we went grocery and dorm shopping :) I am so excited to have a kitchen where we can cook our own food and just relax. Should be a very nice experience. After grocery shopping and such, we all went out for dinner at the "building arms pub," which was fun. We ate, relaxed, got to meet other people in the program. I'm pretty happy with the people I have met thus far but definitely excited to meet more and I can't WAIT until pratik and the rest of the group gets here...haven't found trish or antoinette yet...keeping an eye out.
So far thats it...pretty tired now so gnite.
Radhi
The crofton. My home for the next 12 weeks. It is absolutely lovely. It is a 2 second walk from hyde park, where I can go run when I find the time, and I intend to. It is a very near walk to shopping (which I am trying to stay as far away from as possible) and groceries, which is nice. We can walk into central london, and we are a quick bus stop from picadilly circuis, which I'm not sure what it is, but I was told to go there. So thus far, I have hung out with my roomate, the two girls who live directly above us, the girls I share a kitchen with, and my RA, who is this tiny sweet girl who seems to just want to make us all happy. Funny side note: Tom is in london... he lived in my freshman year house at Boston University and I had NO idea he was going to be in london for the program. As i was moving in I saw him and went up to say hi. It was a very nice surprise to have someone I know pretty well be here.
After moving in we did a walking tour of the area after which we met with our kitchen mates to set some groundrules down. Then we went grocery and dorm shopping :) I am so excited to have a kitchen where we can cook our own food and just relax. Should be a very nice experience. After grocery shopping and such, we all went out for dinner at the "building arms pub," which was fun. We ate, relaxed, got to meet other people in the program. I'm pretty happy with the people I have met thus far but definitely excited to meet more and I can't WAIT until pratik and the rest of the group gets here...haven't found trish or antoinette yet...keeping an eye out.
So far thats it...pretty tired now so gnite.
Radhi
Friday, May 14, 2010
London Calling
Sooooo I'm headed off to London in two short days. Funny, I should be packing but instead I find myself doing everything I possibly can to procrastinate. Such is life. Anyways, I guess I'll keep this one short. I'm extremely excited about my upcoming trip but I can't help but feel a little bit sad as well. I just got to finally spend some time with family and friends I haven't seen in months; I got to see my sister graduate college and before I come back she will start med school. I spent time with my dad who rarely takes this much time off of work. I got to see my best friend who I pretty much won't see again until Christmas because by the time I come back she will be gone. I got to see some other good friends who I won't be seeing again until I get back in August. Its funny how just a few days at home can make one even more homesick at the thought of leaving again.
Anyways, like I said, I'm really excited about what this trip may bring. And when I say that, I mean that I am going into it with absolutely no expectations. I want to be open to absolutely everything and have as many experiences as I possibly can. I want to learn everything I can, enjoy my internship (which I am SUPER PUMPED UP about), meet new people, and just enjoy Europe in general. I know a few friends from boston and my sister and my parents will be coming to visit me while I'm there, so that makes me happy. And I know that I will have a few friends that I already know who will be there with me, which is also comforting. But I guess despite my sadness at leaving home so quickly after getting here, I am ready to seize the day. London is calling with 12 weeks worth of opportunities to enrich my mind and my life. This will be work and play all rolled up into one and I plan on making the absolute most of it that I can. I'm going to try to regularly blog about whats going on in londontown. If you want to keep in contact with me while I'm there your best chance is probably via e-mail, facebook, aim, or skype. I'm going to have a cell but I'm not sure of the number yet or the plan and how practical it would be for me to call the states or anyone in the states to call me. But yah...keep in touch, keep me updated on your lives my dear friends, and let me know if you are going to be in london at any point this summer :)
Radhi
Anyways, like I said, I'm really excited about what this trip may bring. And when I say that, I mean that I am going into it with absolutely no expectations. I want to be open to absolutely everything and have as many experiences as I possibly can. I want to learn everything I can, enjoy my internship (which I am SUPER PUMPED UP about), meet new people, and just enjoy Europe in general. I know a few friends from boston and my sister and my parents will be coming to visit me while I'm there, so that makes me happy. And I know that I will have a few friends that I already know who will be there with me, which is also comforting. But I guess despite my sadness at leaving home so quickly after getting here, I am ready to seize the day. London is calling with 12 weeks worth of opportunities to enrich my mind and my life. This will be work and play all rolled up into one and I plan on making the absolute most of it that I can. I'm going to try to regularly blog about whats going on in londontown. If you want to keep in contact with me while I'm there your best chance is probably via e-mail, facebook, aim, or skype. I'm going to have a cell but I'm not sure of the number yet or the plan and how practical it would be for me to call the states or anyone in the states to call me. But yah...keep in touch, keep me updated on your lives my dear friends, and let me know if you are going to be in london at any point this summer :)
Radhi
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