Learning about London

The day after I arrived; I had orientation. This was very helpful. I learned a ton of stuff such as: the different words used in the U.K., how to protect your self from theft in London, and how to use the tube (this is also called the underground, just like an underground train station). Some of the interesting words I learned about for instance: the word pants means underwear here and what we think of as pants are trousers to them; a diaper is called a nappy; garbage is called rubbish (they also use rubbish a lot to explain something they dislike); tennis shoes are called trainers; a line that one would stand in is called a queue; a flashlight is a torch here; ground beef is mince; and they refer to cookies as biscuits. It is actually quite funny to hear them say these words. Londoner's talk very proper and have a great vocabulary. They also dress extremely well. I have not seen one pair of sweatpants on the street yet, unless the people are running/exercising in the park. Everyone wears dark, casual clothing. As one of the other students in my program said,"Wow, these people always look like they are going some where nice; they really got their shit together." Everyone found this hilarious, but very true. Also at orientation, a police officer spoke to us about safety. He explained that theft is the biggest issue in London, however, we shouldn't have a problem with this if we use common sense. For example, never set any belongings down or leave them unattended. Always carry your hand bag on your shoulder and have a frim grip. We are not to flash our cell phones or electronics as that attracts attention. He also taught us some tricks people will use to try to distract you at the ATM machine and steal your card. However, don't worry, these were all just warnings. I have not had any problems so far and feel perfectly safe. It is just big city precautions really! In the afternoon we learned how to use the tube! Our director, Mark, gave us some rules before our experience: he told us that people do not talk to other people they don't know on the tube, people are not to make eye contact or smile at others either, and he told us to be sure to stand out of the way of people, especially if we do not know where we are going! He explained that the people here are very reserved compared to the States, which is why no one interacts on the tube. Everyone just keeps to themselves and goes about their day. Everything he told us about was so true. People really do keep to themselves and do not speak to each other at all, even though they are sitting and standing so close that they are touching. At first I thought that I wasn't going to like the tube at all, however, i really do enjoy it. After using it a few times, I am starting to understand routes and stops. It really is easy to use and convenient. I like it a lot more than the Subway in New York. It seems like everyone here uses the Tube and it can get quite crowded during rush hours. I don't want people to get the wrong impression and think the people here are rude. Actually they are extremely polite. Twice I have been looking at my map in the tube station because it does take a little bit of figuring out, and ladies have asked me if I am lost or need help. I feel like I fit in very well here as I am more reserved and like to keep to myself pretty much. This night was the first time that I had to cook for myself. Food is quite expensive over here, compared to the States, but it was an interesting trip to the grocery store. There are stores all over the place here so I only had to walk a few blocks. I ended up getting a huge pack of shell noodles and a container of butter (because I don't like sauce) for around 2 pounds. This was a very good deal, considering most meals at restraunts are well over 10 pounds (not to mention the dollar is very weak). The pasta tasted good too! I have heard from some of the other studentes here that the pasta sauce and peanut butter is not very good. I have tried the yogurt at breakfast and can tell you that it just isn't the same. However, there are plenty of choices for things to eat here; it is just a lot more inexpensive to cook than go out. Later this night I went for a walk with some girls. The sites were just as impressive to see at night as during the day!