The End....

Today was my last full day in London. Bittersweet would be an appropriate description. It has been a joy being a "Londoner" the last few weeks, yet despite my "Londoner" status quo, home is where the heart is.

The cultural differences have been joyful, sad, surprising, rewarding, and at times overwhelming. There are those things I'll miss, such as public transportation, getting a good walk in every day, and of course sunny days without gnats. Yet, in my weeks here I've learned to appreciate the States more-for starters because of the dollar ratio-and to further embrace opportunities for cultural learning experiences, especially when it comes to the palette.

This was a trip that I'll share for years to come with the hope of returning one day.

McDonald's

Well, I made it to McDonald's. Not the one in in France, unfortunately, but I did make it to a McDonald's in London. It wasn't bad. There were a few differences, such as price and the lack of ice, but there were also some different menu options. For example, there is a 99 pence ($2 US) menu that includes a bacon cheeseburger and as for value meals, there is no 10 piece meal. Other than that, everything else looked liked McDonald's in the US. Now, these are the things that stood out, so there may be others that I overlooked.

One thing I have noticed about McDonald's is that they are crowded everywhere-London, the US, even France. I guess everyone wants a piece of the golden arch.

Pictures from Paris

Sacred Heart Cathedral






The City

Weekend in Paris

This past weekend was my opportunity to explore Paris. To say the least, it was a quick trip; however, a nice trip. Going with a tour guide for my first trip was ideal, as I'm unsure as to how I would have got around not knowing the language. I did attempt to learn a few key phrases prior to arrival, but mainly stuck with merci or thank you.

Normally, I would list the various places we visited but other than the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, the Louvre, and the Sacred Heart Cathedral, I really don't know the names. Despite the whirlwind weekend it was nice to see monuments that I've only seen in magazines or on television, until now.

I've heard Paris described as the place for love or romance and I can see that, yet I'm unsure if, for me, that would be an accurate description. Regardless, I've come to realize in all my travels that some things are the same wherever you visit, such as crime, graffiti, lots of tourist, and expense. Yet there are cultural differences that make you appreciate your native land. The one practice that I'd heard about, yet forgot, I'll affectionately call "pay to pee." This takes places around London as well, but not as frequently as in France. Subway, the restaurant, charged 50 euro cents ($1 US) to use their facilities, and I've never seen so many "port-a-potties" on streets either. Although I would think their street toilets are cleaner than most port-a-potties since they are stationary.

Although the weekend went quickly, I'm not sure how long I would survive in Paris on my own or with their "pay to pee" system, not to mention expense.

Daylight

Well, time is winding down and one thing I have yet to grow accustom to is the time the sun rises and sets. Every morning since the first, and I'm not exaggerating here, I get up with the sun only to lay down again. Unfortunately, that means between 4 and 5 a.m. EVERY MORNING. The room doesn't come with black out curtains, although I may make the suggestion.

As for the afternoon, well, you see the picture. No gimmicks, I didn't change the clock time. It is 9 p.m. and plenty of light for the late owl. I've come back late with colleagues from eating out or productions at 10 p.m. and one would think it was 8 o'clock.

London gives a new definition to the cliche "be home before the street lights come on." Especially since around here the lights don't come on till after 10 p.m.

Restaurants: Eat-in or Take Away

Depends. Not on how much time you have, but on how much money you want to spend. We've grown accustom to the fact that regardless of us dining in or getting or food to go the price will be the same. Not so in London. Here, you are encourage to get take away, as the price tends to be cheaper. How much cheaper you ask, again, depends. I've seen as low as a 30 pence ($.60) difference to as much as a little over a pound ($2 US).

Eating in is an enjoyable experience and if you have leftovers you can request a take away. That is free of charge. Yet also keep in mind that if you want free water you must request tap water, as just saying water will get you an almost $3 US bottle of Evian or the like. Yet, this tends to be your typical 20 ounces, although I have seen larger bottles.

If you do decide to take away instead of dining in, don't be surprised if you have to pay for the condiments. I've only seen condiments free in one place during my stay here. Most dining establishments (fast food that is, with the exception of global chains) charge 20 to 40 pence ($.40 to $.80) for one condiment packet.

So, again I ask, dine-in or take-away?

Harrods

As an advent shopper for just about anything, I've had the opportunity to familiarize myself with a few department stores and Harrods, is not a department store. Today I made it to Harrods. Of course I've heard about it like many others but it was definitely an adventure within itself.

Normally, I'm up for shopping despite the crowds or looking around. Sometimes it's just a nice outing and other times it's about the hunt. Well, today was no hunt. I went in with the mindset of surely there is something I can find here to purchase and I did, a Krispy Kreme Doughnut. Yes, you read that correctly, a Krispy Kreme Doughnut. Don't laugh, in US dollars it cost me $2.20 for one original glaze. Think if I would have bought a dozen. I'd be out $26 US.

There was everything imaginable in this store, except for cars. Although there were some rather nice ones outside waiting for their owners-Porsche, Rolls Royce, etc. The cheapest item I saw was some small jam jars on sale for 25 pence. The prices sky rocketed from there. I know I saw a sink worth one months pay check. Other items of interest in this so-called department store-that has five levels not including the ground and lower level floors-included several counter-top eating facilities, restaurants, clothes and accessories galore, home goods, bridal ware, etc., a statue in remembrance of the Diana crash, and even bell hops.

It was one interesting experience.