That's so Posh

6/18/2011

Let me first say that I have went around all day today and thought it was Friday.  I lost a day in there somewhere!

I actually navigated myself quite well for the first time I had used the train and tube all on my own!  Not getting turned around or lost yet, but there is still time!

We had our orientation this morning at Canary Warf.  It’s quite posh over there!  :)  We were in the tallest building in board room that has a fantastic view of the river and London.  We were provided lunch complete with tea.  I am LOVING the tea.  

Orientation was good.  We were given some good information, but, like most orientations, they last a bit too long and one gets a little weary from sitting so long.  We met a few Claytons (Londoners who have traveled to volunteer in the States before).  They gave us some great tips on what to do in London.  They were all very nice.

At the end of the session, we were taken to the shopping center downstairs and those of us who needed them got phones.  They were referred to as top-off phones -- in the states we would call them, pay-as-you-go phones.  This will be so helpful when trying to coordinated with my Winant buddies of in case of emergency -- or if I get lost in tranist!  

They then took us to a pub.  That was quite a fun experience!

Pub 101 :

1. When you sit at your table, do not expect someone to come to you to take your order....you go to the bar and order it yourself.  (food or beverage)
2. Items you order will be brought to you, so remember your table number.
3. Pay for your items when you order them.
4. Do not fear drunk Englishmen...they are quite funny.

I left the pub a bit earlier than the rest of the group with one of the other girls to go to the market and pick up a few odds and ends.  Nearly everything was closed.  I mean it was 8 o’clock on a Saturday night!  Not even Dalton, GA does that!  --We will just have to finish tomorrow!

I some how made my way back to my home-stay with no problem!  The girls were happy to see me and I them.  I took a shower and the family fed me pizza and chips (fries).

Tonight Aliyah was fascinated with my hair.  Since I had taken a shower, my hair was still wet.  (You have to imagine her voice in a sweet little Birttish accent.)

“Your hair is black now.”

“It’s just wet.  Lighter hair looks darker when it is wet sometimes.”

“Will it change back?”

“Yes, when it dries.”

“Will you go dry it, please?”

Later she was showing me the barbies in a catalogue.

“I like Barbies.”

“Barbies are nice.”

“I like your hair.”

“I like your hair, too.”

“Your hair is like Barbie hair!”

LOL, she played with my hair for 30 minutes tonight.  :)

Another great day in the UK -- I’m sure tomorrow will be even better!