Monday, May 21, 2012

Differences: Not right or wrong, just different...

So, today is a day I will blog about differences.  To some, it might mean nothing, other might think it is nothing, or even stupid (especially if they have never experienced it/ or have experienced it), or they might find it offensive.  If offended, I do extremely apologize.  I am only going off observation, lack of sleep, lack of sun, and some very tired feet.

Here we go (please excuse randomness):

*Speaking of sun, there is a lack-there-of.  Seriously, I saw my shadow the first time today...In four days. 
*Health-wise, I thought it quite peculiar that in the U.S., individuals from many areas have perfect weather this time of year, and could be outside enjoying this weather.  Instead, Americans are mostly inside, whereas people in the UK walk.  WALK...A LOT.
*It is about summer here, and my ears were so cold they hurt today.  I cannot believe how cold it is, and I am so glad I packed cold-weather clothing for...."summertime."
*Which brings me to my next point. I have seen maybe three people overweight/obese.  Yes, three.  In four days.  While I take my Jeep to the grocery store to get food (only 1/2 mile away), we walk here a full mile to get the food we need and return to our hotel.  This isn't uncommon.  Most people do this.
*Why?  Gas for a small car is like $125 dollars.  For realsies.  We saw a car getting fueled today and it was 80 pounds.  So times that by about 1.58 and you get a little over $125.
*So this brings me back to my next thought, which I know for absolute sure now...Americans are not only not receiving the most healthy diet (fresh, organic food is a big thing here in London--like the M&S),  but they truly don't understand or care about the nutrtional content placed in ther bodies.  It is exercise and a healthy diet.  Not one or the other.
*Moreover, everyone is walking.  We probably have walked 10-15 miles each day--just sightseeing, and enjoying ourselves.
*Again, all of this is matter of perspective--just mine. 
*I keep telling Brian that Americans do not know how well they have it.  It is the little things.  Like, ordering food for dinner.  You go to the bar to order, as you don't have a server to come take care of you.
*You also don't have the same toilets.  Which, by the way, is a BIG thing for me.  I suffer from tummy problems from time to time, and I think having to PAY to use the restroom is a form of discrimination.  But hey, that is just my perspective.
*Next best story from a day or two ago....Brian asks an informational lady outside of Victoria Station London where the "restroom" is at, which the lady replies with, "toilet?"  Now, in the U.S., I would have cringed at the word, "toilet," but I just observed and listened because this is all an educational experience.  We arrived to the "toilets," and shelled out 30 pence, the whole while I am talking about discrimination as I walk to the toilet.
*I talk about discrimination as those who might have digestive issues would use the restroom more than those that don't.  I cannot help my issues, but I have to pay more?  I get that the money goes to others, but I am not so sure "paying" to go to the restroom in the U.S would be kosher.  It isn't to me.  Again, my blog, my perspective.  BTW, toilets are different in the U.K.  They are like deep pots.
*Moving on... The smells here are interesting.  It is like a melting pot of smells.  However, sometime you get to a very common space, and the smell is overwhelmingly bad.  Take some time, and your senses will compensate and you will not smell it anymore. ****It took me about 10 minutes***
*London has a great place called "Tesco," like "Walmart."  The one near our hotel is huge, and comes with foxes out in the parking lot.  No, for real.  Lurking about.
*If you come to London for the Olympics, stay downtown, if you can.  If not, then talk to me, and let me forewarn you what to expect on the trains (overground and underground tubes, etc.). I am not talking about it on this blog.  That is a one-on-one convo.  I have had some great conversations from people living in London who think the transportation situation in London will be horrible. After I visited trains from Euston to Kings Cross, and St. Pancras Station  to Bushey, not to mention the multitude of bus lines (like RV1), I am just saying it can get really crowded....Have your trip planned out if you come to London for the Olympics.  I say this because if the trains or buses are cramped now (where I am chest-to-chest) with others, then you might be having a problem coming in to London.
*Watch what you say.  I kept displaying "American ignorance"  by saying, "Oh,  Brian honey, they don't know what I am saying."  When individuals living in London say something, and I can't understand them, I kept thinking, why would they understand us?  Well, I was informed by "Jawed" (pronounced "Joey")  last night at our hotel (when I asked btw), that Americans actually are really understandable, as we pronounce every syllable exactly, whereas individuals from the U.K. seem to cut off certain syllables (per Jawed).
*So, I adore me some Coca-Cola.  I LOVE it on ice.  When I tried it here in the U.K. I kept calling it (I am so sorry to those who this may be offensive), "glorified tablet water."  Meaning they tried to make it taste a certain way with a tablet like the patent.  I know, shame on me.  I later learned that each country takes the patent ingredients of a product like Coke and "change" it to make it more acceptable to the "palate" of a certain country.  So, my take on regular Coke from London is the America diet coke, with a little more water, to take the edge off any sugar.  I have bought Pepsi, and 7-Up...all the same.
*I will have even more tomorrow as we went to the actual place Harry Potter today (tired you all) and it was filmed here in London.  On a special note,  thank you to Melissa for ever letting me borrow the Harry Potter DVDS back in 2005 to enable me to understand the amazing world the books and movies offer.
*There are commercials making fun of Britney Spears and how "fat" she still is...Just saying what I hear you all...

Cheers!

Kara

2 comments:

  1. It is honestly fascinating reading this blog. My husband and I experienced MANY of the same things you guys are :) I wasn't nearly as annoyed by most of it, but it sounds like you're just getting some bad luck. I only had to pay for the restroom once in London, because I was sure to schedule my bathroom time at places that didn't require money...museums, stores and the like.

    Also, europe coke is AMAZING. It's made with REAL sugar rather than High-Fructose Corn Syrup. I understand that its different and takes some getting used to, but if you're going to have soda, its better with real sugar.

    Also also, I'm so glad you got to experience London as a Harry Potter fan! I hope you went to Platform 9 and 3/4 in St. Pancras. It was one of my favorite things :)

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    Replies
    1. Hey Melissa!

      It is interesting to hear your perspective and experiences! I wouldn't say I am "annoyed," at all, as we have had an amazing trip so far:) I do have stomach troubles, so I unfortunately can't plan like most people to schedule when and where I am going to the bathroom.

      On another note, the Coke in Ireland has been grand! It is interesting how each country changes the patented recipe for Coke to fit the palates of the individuals within the country.

      We did get to visit Platform 9 and 3/4 at King's Cross Station. It was interesting to learn that J.K. Rowling actually thought it was at Euston Station when writing her books. She had the two platforms mixed up.

      So much fun so far! Thanks for reading the blog!

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