I once read that you need three unrelated events to be a trend. This week, aside from the fact that half of London comes from a different country, I’ve encountered enough international situations to qualify.
First, at work on Tuesday I lunched with two of my coworkers. One is from France and the other is Finnish. We were talking about packing lunches (the French don’t understand the concept), and I mentioned that one of my favorite sandwiches to pack is bologna. Neither of them had any idea what this bologna stuff was. Try explaining what it is and how it’s made. It doesn’t paint the prettiest picture. I told them to Wikipedia it, then realized I’d need to spell it for them. Here’s what a Wikipedia search would yield: “Bologna sausage is generally made from low-value scraps (trimmings from steaks, roasts or other meat cuts).” Yum!
Second, on my way home from work on Tuesday, I came across an Iran election protest. There were hundreds of people lined up near Hyde Park singing and shouting and holding up pictures. My initial reaction was “London already has free elections, why are they protesting here?” Then I saw the Iran embassy across the street and felt stupid.
Third, I leave for Spain today! I’m most excited for this trip for many reasons. The Beach. I haven’t been to the ocean since I went to Los Angeles a couple years ago, and it was cold there. I can’t wait to just lay out on the beach and do nothing all day. Which reminds me, I need to pick up a good beach read ASAP! The Sun. I’ve heard it’s been an unusually warm London summer. But that doesn’t mean the sun is always out. And it most certainly doesn’t mean I’m getting a tan. Plus, 70 degrees does not qualify as a heatwave unless you’re measuring in Celsius. The Language. I finally get to put my 10+ years (yes, I’m counting Language Camps) of Spanish experience to practical use! Hopefully I’ll be able to help the group out a little bit more than I was able to in Paris.
It’s strange to think that when we arrive back in London, our stay here will be halfway through. Time is flying!
All for now! Canterbury and Spain posts when I return.
Thanks for Reading!
-Rachel
Rachel Metzler - A Summer in London 