Finally in the Groove

I'm settled in and have finally written the e-mails i need and got my journal. Which means that this will be used less as a diary and more as a commentary on whats going on here in the UK and whats going on in the U.S. coming from the outside. So to begin my rant......

The subject on every one's lips is Sarah Palin. First I'll give you a bit of the reaction to her here and then my thoughts and fears.

As a preface, the British don't really understand us. We have very similar governments but because of the way their government is constructed, they vote more on issues than personality. They can't understand our fascination with guns, how we still use capital punishment, and why we don't do more about animal rights. they are obsessed with animal rights. Abortion and gay marriage passed immediately here because it wasn't a moral issue, it was a political one. They keep religion and personality out of politics, because it isn't about the person, but what the majority of the country wants. the government works for the people and comes from the people.

So when the picture of McCain's choice for VP, Sarah Palin, came out with her standing with a gun in her hand over a dead moose, people flipped shit. There was actually one that called her a "vicious pit bull" No one could understand how a relatively moderate Republican could choose someone who opposed abortion, gay marriage, shoots animals, supports guns and proudly professes her faith. People over here think and hope that this choice has firmly cemented Obama's victory.

However, at home, I have noticed that McCain's numbers have been up in the polls and even in some places ahead of Obama's. His personal attacks and false ads are drawing attention away from the issues. In Palin's interview with ABC, its obvious she is not well versed with the stances on the issues her running mate has taken. This just further proves she was chosen because she could help with the women vote and bring the vote of many evangelicals.

I just hope that the American people are receiving correct information from the media and doing their own research. I would never push my beliefs on others, but I encourage everyone to know the issues and vote on them rather than the personality of the candidates. This election is much too important to be indifferent.

Settled

I've had a bit of a rough patch these last 48 hours. Two nights ago, another girl in the program arrived and we got a drink at the bar next to my hotel. It was then she told me that the move in date wasn't until the 31st, whereas i thought it was on the 30th. I got no sleep trying to figure out where i was going to stay because my hotel was completely booked.

Thanks to my parents, I have experience in this area. We always leave about 4-5 nights without reservations on vacations. I got up at 7am to start looking and found one for only 45pounds with a complimentary breakfast. It was no Ritz, but it had a bed, tv and shower which is really all i needed.

I met Elena, my new friend, around 11:00am to show her around. It's her first time here so we tried to hit as much as possible. In the end we made about a 7 mile loop around London hitting all the major areas: Westminster, Picadilly Circus, South Bank, Kensington, Brompton Road, Soho, etc. We went back to our respective rooms to nap before meeting up for dinner. It's amazing how many Italian restaurants are in London. There must be one on every corner. So it was Italian again then a night cap at the local pub. It was a bit surreal just going up to the bar and ordering since I can't in the U.S. But I got a pint and took it outside in front of the place. Here, you can stand in theh street with your drink, total difference from the U.S. It was sorta like Skippers but without any benches. People were spilling over into the street, breaking glasses, stumbling all around and it was only 1030pm! I guess they start really early over here

After breakfast this morning I found my new residence, The Crofton, on Queen's Gate just across the street from Hyde Park. I'm on more of a main drag whcih is fantastic and just a few blocks away from a major shopping district on High Street Kensington! It as a TJMaxx. Marks & Spences, American Apparel, TopShop-- basically everything i need! I bought some towels and another pillow because they ones the gave us a flat and not very comfortable.

My roomates are great. Kim goes to Lafayette and Sam goes to BU. They are both exhausted and are currently passed out on their respective beds. However, we have a meeting in 10 minutes and a walking tour of the area so time to get going!

A day all to myself

I had a full day to myself in London. Spent 4 hours in the National Gallery looking at all the paintings I'd read about and studied in Art History. It was really relaxing. The Monet and Manet gallery was my favorite, but I could walk around there for hours and paick something out in every room that was interesting!

Walked from the National Gallery to my hotel, about three miles. Saw Buckingham palace and walked through St. James's and Hyde Parks. They are enormous and you could get lost in them so easily. Other than central park, I can't draw any comparasions with the U.S.

Went to Boots for some supplies and took a nap. the time change was much more difficult than it has been in the past. I felt the jet lag alot this time.

Took the tube to Knightsbridge where I strolled along the shopping district including Harrods. So overpriced but so gorgeous!

Again, I still have to pay for the internet here, so more when I can type for as long as I want!

Welcome to London

so i'm finally here. london! my flight arrived around 9:00am London time (5am eastern u.s.) i looked like a complete fool with all my luggage. decided to try to stay cheap so i took the gatwick express to victoria station then took the tube to south kensington. carrying my two packed suitcases and the two carryons was really fun especially when i had to drag it up 3 flights of steps. thank goodness a nice guy offered help and pulled my luggage the rest of the way!

after i checked into my single, i decided to get lost for a while in Kensington Gardens. Sat down near a tree and a guy came up and asked for directions to a tube station. i handed him a map and he took that as an invitation to sit down and start talking. i told him my name was jen and I was from ohio studying here. apparently i was the first american he had ever met (though i really doubt it) he was telling me all about his home in india and i was telling him about the u.s. i was a little uncomfortable because he kept touching my arm. i figured it was just a cultural difference and tried to to show how it was bothering me. then i realized he was flirting because he was asking about my boyfriend and my relationship history... not things usually talked about within 10 minutes of meeting someone. i finally got out of it by saying i needed to call my dad and he asked for my number, which i refused to give. he then tried to kiss me on the cheek and when i ducked out of it he left.

only have 30 seconds lef ton the computer so more later!

Lonely in the States

It seems that the world is spinning and I'm just standing still. This summer has not turned out like I had wanted, but I have learned the art of sacrifice. My dream of spending the summer in Colombia was shot down by my parents. I can't say I blame them. Their reason was money, since I am spending the fall semester in London. I know that I need to work and i wouldn't mind if I was doing something i mportant. However, I am working at an overpriced retail center and serving food to snobby country club people with coworkers who cannot possibly dream of a life outside "Picksburgh".
To make matters worse, everyday I'm getting some fabulous message or e-mail from friends having eciting adventures in Morrocco, India, Czech Republic, Turkey, Hong Kong and Khaszakstan. All my good friends that I brought into AIESEC are the ones doing what I wanted to do. I'm so jealous they are living my dreams while i spend over 12 hours a day waiting on people and catering to their every whim.
I guess i'm being somewhat pretentious and elitist but i just feel like i'm stuck. and that's the worst feeling in the world.

EUSA Internship

I had my pre-interview with EUSA today, the company in Great Britain which is going to get my my internship. I think that it went really well. I listed party politics as my first choice followed by non-party politics and law. Rebecca, the rep on the phone, said that usually students get one of their top two choices. I know that I will not be working in the House of Commons everyday, but I might have to opportunity to work for a party's HQ! Any job I get there is going to be a fabulous stepping stone for future employment. I can't wait until July when I start hearing what I might be doing!!

Here I Come!!

I was accepted to BU's London Internship Program for fall 2008!!!!!