Fish n’ Chips…..that is what started it all. At a little pub called Bumpkin, a huge order of fish n ‘chips and a lager to match is the most British way to start a London adventure. The adventure started with a bang with an unprecedented heat wave, the catching up with old friends and the daunting task of finding a flat. I am in my second week of school and so far so good. It has been an interesting transition into such a professional and high-caliber institute of learning. By the end of the first week we had built a rocket, created a business plan called Pitch n’ Ditch and met the most diverse group of people I have ever been surrounded by. So far I have felt intellectually challenged in unimaginable ways and can only imagine what the future holds.
I am so happy that I arrived in London a good 10 days before classes started because it took me that long to start getting settled. This city works much differently to Calgary and the ways that I am accustomed to. The first task on my list of things to do was “accommodation”. As wonderful and hospitable my friends are here, I knew that I needed to find somewhere to live quickly; and not overstay my welcome on the sofa. To go from owning a condo in Calgary to renting a flat here, at more than double the price, was a hard pill to swallow. After many discouraging flat viewings I finally found something. I actually can’t really remember what it looks like as everything started to merge together in my mind after the first week. All I know is that I am moving in today and I am so excited to get settled and unpacked. Daunting task number 2 was setting up a bank account. Most banks here wont let you set up a bank account without a residence and they wont rent you a flat without a bank account – talk about the chicken and the egg problem! I ended up finding a way through my school and have official opened a British bank account as of last week. Task 3 dealt with communication and technology. Yes, you guessed right - the cellphone and the dongle - (weird word, I know) but it saved my life. But there is a catch. You cant get a phone plan without a bank card which I couldn’t get before I found a flat; now that is something like the chicken-egg-egg syndrome. The solution was a ludicrously expensive pay as you go plan – the price of staying in touch but well worth it. Needless to say it has all been such a great experience. Although there are times of frustration it is a great learning experience and adventure.
You may all be happy to know that I managed two Thanksgiving dinners last weekend in celebration of “Canadian Thanksgiving”. I put that in quotations, as I have had to explain to many of my international friends the very important fact that it is not the same as “American Thanksgiving”. Fernie friends hosted the Saturday night dinner, which was filled with great food, company and conversation. Dinner number two was held at a local pub and was a combination of Turkey dinner and Sunday roast; needless to say, it was yummy. There were about 15 Canadians who came together to celebrate friends and all we are thankful for. I can’t believe how many Canadians are here in London; apparently we are everywhere.
I also need to make mention of the British Olympic Associate Ball I went to last Friday, which my great friend, Chemmy Alcott who skis for Britain, invited me to. It was my first ever ball and hopefully not my last. It was fun to dress up and be glamorous for the night – just like Cinderella. It was a star-studded affair with Royals, Athletes, Comedians and Actors/Actresses and Musicians all making appearances. Tom Jones performed his magic on stage and lives up to all preconceived ideas I had of the legendary singer. They raised an amazing amount of money for the London 2012 Games and the Olympic movement in general.
All this fun and activity is definitely the calm before the storm and I am fully aware of just how much work this next year of my life will entail. I am excited, nervous, anxious and inspired. It feels good to be back in the seat of challenge and hard work. I will try and keep you updated as much as possible but as texts books will take priority over blogging it might be a month or so till the next update. Happy Thanksgiving.
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