When I arrive I was extremely disappointed to find out that no one really gets all that excited about Halloween. Sure they celebrate it to some capacity, but not to the extent that Americans do. However, this Friday I found out the reason and it is called 'Fancy Dress'. Londoners will dress up like its Halloween any weekend out of the year. They call these events 'Fancy Dress' parties and they are amazing. I was invited to my first on Friday, but it took me a second to understand exactly what it was. "So wait, you don't wear fancy dresses? You dress in costume...like as a cat or something, right?" Right. My next Fancy Dress is in two weeks and the theme is Monopoly. YESSSSS! (Americans 2, Brits 2 - They get a point for FD).
If I put it all down on paper it wouldn't seem like I've done a whole lot here in my first two weeks. I haven't seen the palace up close, haven't gone on the London Eye, haven't taken a tour or even tried to make the guards smile. However its during all those small, 'normal-life' activities that you learn most.
Take the Tube for instance. Everyone is ferociously reading the various papers and tabloids every morning. No one even looks at each other or talks. I don't even think they notice other people are on board. They just read. Now, in Chicago people do read on the El, but not to the extent that every single person's nose is in a paper. However, there are some people that don't read, but if someone is not reading, chances are they are making-out with another Tube rider. Londoners make-out in public like its their freakin job and I've found that their favorite spot is the Tube. Get a room!
On another occasion I spent 15 whole minutes at the grocery store trying to find eggs. I must have walked down every aisle 9 times before I found a lady that looked willing to help me out. She pointed me to the back of the store but there was no refrigerated aisle so I figured she misunderstood my question and turned in the opposite direction to walk away. She saw me turn away from the direction she pointed me towards and began to lead me there herself. The eggs were on a shelf...right next to boxed cereal. Ew.
Also, none of the bars (that I have found so far) have barstools next to the actual bar to sit on. Everyone sits at tables. Its weird. I went out one night searching for a bar that would have barstools. I even asked one of the doormen where I could find them. He didn't know what I was talking about. I said, "You know, like in the TV show, 'Cheers'. Norm and the gang sat at the bar every day after work...on a barstool". He laughed and told me most bars don't have them here. How the heck are people who just moved here supposed to make friends at a bar if they can't just sit next to someone on a barstool and talk like we do in America?! Oh well, I suppose I shouldn't be making friends at bars anyway. Side note, I was in Piccadilly Circus today and saw a bar called Cheers, named after the show. I looked inside...all tables.
The above are just some of the things I've noticed and learned so far in my first fortnight. There are more and I'll take more time to write them down throughout my post moving forward. I'll also be writing about the differences at work this week so stay tuned. My photos will be up soon as well but It takes about a half hour to load with this site so I may need to post them on another. Drag. In any case I'll keep you updated!
3 comments:
I know the non refridgerated eggs is really weird and that is wide spread. Sorry about the bar stools, some bars it people were standing at the bar maybe you could do that instead.
Why do you need barstools to make friends with people at a bar??? If I were you, I'd be more concerned with DANCE FLOORS!
I want to see pics of this birthday cake costume. I love the idea of FD-- especially Monopoly themed!
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