One Month Mark in England

The 31st! The 31st!

Like my previous stays in Peru and in Hong Kong, I now celebrate the one-month mark in England. The sun finally came out from under the clouds, the snow is receding, and I can finally get some vitamin D! Funny to think, that reaching the one-month mark in Peru was such a struggle, but every one-month-er after that has been a "oh yeah" after I look on my pocket calendar.

Nothing terribly exciting to report on about my first month in England. The past week, I did see Prince Charles, who turned out to be a small man, and who honestly lacks any natural regal presence beyond his camel wool coat. But, he is a very nice man, who chatted with irritated, frostbitten college students who waited outside for an hour to catch a sighting.

Despite my constant complaining about the weather and the quirky slang, I have fallen in love with the fact that Britons have terribly food and therefore rely on jars of already-made curry sauces to add flavor. I have never eaten so much Thai Red Curry or Tikka Masala, but I'm not complaining but do ask me at the two-month mark. I have discovered that I am a wonderful cook but have yet to develop an annoying voice like Julia Child or the enthusiam of Emeril Lagasse.

Last week, I bought a half-dozen bagels for breakfast and was repeatedly mocked as 'the American' on my flat. England doesn't seem to have a language barrier, but definitely a food barrier.

Song Playing: In the Sun by She & Him

Location: Norwich, England, UK

Waking Up to Snow

A poor shot from my window during my first week in Norwich. But anyway, how exciting to a Californian and for a person living in Asia for the last four months!

Song Playing: Cough Syrup by The Jakes

Location, Norwich, England, UK

The Highlight of London

On my third.half day in London, braving the chilly winds and through the frozen toes, we went to Postman's Park near St. Paul's station, where Jude Law and Natalie Portman went to in Closer. Cute little park in the middle of London with a morbid, mournful air about it.

Location: Norwich, England, UK

Song Playing: Albert Hammond Jr.

Rerouted Mail #1: New Year's Eve

Written 31/12/09, but delivered 08/01/10

And it’s lift off… into the new year, that is, and done in nothing less Up in the Air’s George Clooney than on a flight. International flight, as well.

So, sitting alone at San Francisco International, without WIFI and bored… with nearly two hours to spare. Yes, I went all paranoid about security and arrived two hours plus, thinking after the Christmas-day-near-tragedy, the security is probably beefed up to the level of personal violations (aka full body scanners) and bomb-sniffing dogs after my strawberry Pocky sticks. But nope. With so little flights going out tonight (December 31st), the international departure terminal even dimmed its lights and taped off closed check-in counters. Security was also one of the breeziest, if not enjoyable experiences I’ve ever had. Not only did the guard checking my passport wish me a “happy new year”, probably sarcastically, the man before me also passed along gray tubs to place my belongings. In no less than five minutes time, I was determined as not a terrorist, just a cheap flyer, catching a flight to London on New Year’s Eve night.

That brings me to, NOBODY flies on New Year’s Eve. I’ve never seen Christmas night, which probably gives New Year’s Eve a running for the least ideal time to fly, but there’s barely a peep in the airport. I think everyone has embodied a sense of sadness that they’re flying on a night where booze, family, friends, kissing, and silly 2010 glasses are involved. I have too.

Anyway, moving on from my self-pity, LONDON! Fine, I’m not actually that excited that the caps end in an exclamation point. Another semester abroad, and yes, that is a pseudonym for another semester of travelling but this time with a tightening wallet. Actually, a coin purse now. The deadly combination of several “cheap” trips and visas prohibiting employment. Sorry, more self-pity.

Ahh, pull it together. You’re George Clooney.
Location: Gate 96, Terminal 1, San Francisco International Airport