Welcome to Spencer's Blog
How? Seriously, how is it December already?
There’s a lot of really positive things coming up, but being my anxiety ridden, lacking in confidence self, I’m finding it difficult to be happy about these things. I want to be thrilled, but there’s this voice in my head screaming a million reasons why I shouldn’t or can’t do things. It’s getting rather frustrating, to be honest.
I’m not even entirley sure if it’s Wednesday or Thursday, let alone what day I’m on. And as I’m sleepy and not at my own computer, I can’t be bothered to count. Heh.
I do know that on Saturday I’ll have been in London one month. As such I’ve started reflecting a bit on my time so far.
I should mention that life took an extreme detour since my last post, so some of what I mentioned in there is no longer relevant. But I don’t care to discuss that in detail, other than to say I was about ready to fly home on Monday afternoon. But after some excellent advice from some amazing people, I’ve decided to plow through it.
Anyway!
I spent 8 months in the UK in 2005-2006, but in an experience far different from the one I’m having now. At that time I was here through a Canadian univerisity, surrounded by fellow Canadian students and instructors (for the most part), living a very sheltered life. Not to say there weren’t opportunities to become less sheltered, but as a shy, awkward 18 year old, I didn’t take any of them up.
Now I find myself emersed in the British culture and way of life. It’s exciting and challenging. Challiting, if you will.
I find being here like being in a strange alternate reality. It’s like Pete’s World in Doctor Who. Everything is so similar, while being ever so slightly different. I speak the language, yet can not understand what people are saying. It’s a strange position to be in.
There are the big things that most people know about: Driving on the opposite side, the accent, the outlets, the currency. But then there’s a million little things that I’ve just been learning through trial and error. The computer keyboard, the tumble dryer, looking the right way when crossing the street, the television times, calling landlines versus calling mobiles, and the terminology.
It’s not a store, it’s a shop. It’s not a backyard, it’s a garden. It’s not a buck, it’s a quid. It’s not a resume, it’s a CV. It’s not a cell, it’s a mobile. It’s not a closet, it’s a wardrobe. It’s not gas, it’s petrol. It’s not a pharmacy, it’s a chemist. And a million other little things.
I think I’m slowly catching on though.
It has been a busy couple of days here in London! I’m pretty exhausted and I probably won’t be too detailed in this post. But, I have pictures!
Saturday, August 14th
We started the day out by walk to Trafalger Square, visiting an info centre there, and grabbing some breakfast:
We then took the tube up to Nothing Hill to visit the Portobello Market:
We then took the tube to Earl’s Court to visit one of the city’s few remaining Police Public Call Box’s (Because we’re enormous Doctor Who nerds. Don’t judge!):
After that we got on the tube again and went to Picadilly Circle and wandered around. We then strolled over to Buckingham Palace:
After that we wandered around some shops, got some dinner, and walked along the Thames at night:
Sunday, August 15th
This morning we walked to the Globe Theatre and took a tour:
After that we walked to the London Bridge to go through the London Bridge Experience and Tombs. It was terrifying! I didn’t get any pictures since they weren’t allowed.
We then walked down to Tower Bridge:
Followed by Tower of London:
And finally a 2.5 hour cruise down the River Thames. I took too many pictures and can not decide what to post! I did get a picture of the 500 year old pub where we had dinner:
We have another busy day tomorrow, so I really need to get to sleep. I’m so tired! But feeling great.
Hope everyone is doing well!
~Spencer
Sloane Square | Being Alive 