6/24/09

**Internship***

Wednesdays are meeting days. WE had meetings back to back. Arfterwards I was ordering t-shirts and office supplies. In their meetings, they encourages ideas and suggestions. One of the discussions theywere talking about creating new links "Educational and Individual" My manager wasn't too fond of the name so I suggested to use " Inform me, Involve me" and she loved the idea. That made me feel special I felt like I was a part of the group. Afterwork I went home , did some hw and went to sleep.

6/23/09

**Internship**
Today was a funny day, I was contacting courier companies. Some of them were skeptical in providing me their services cause they didn't beleive that I lived in the UK due to my accent. These people here talk madd fast, I felt dumb cause Iwould ask to repeat themselves over and over.

**Movie**
A few co-workers and I went to see the movie "The Age of Stupid" it was very informative. I didnt realize how gas companies especially SHELL corrupt countries. Especially in several countries in Africa and Iraq. The movie pointed ou that Americans consume and wate alot of resources. - I am not surprised. Kind of felt weird since I was the American in the theatre.

There was a girl that was btwn 7-9 years old that made some deep comments. American soilders killed her brother and she has a strong hatred for Americans. " If I meet any Americans, I would kill them cause they killed my brother. " It was sad to see them mimick murdering people. She also hated that Americans throw out their sneakers whenever they would get a scuff on them. " I will wear sneakers until they are torn down." Her and her brothers would repair the bottom of the shoes and sell it in the streets for money.

In Africa, SHELL gas company destroyed a nation. It was disturbing how SHELL would waste gas. Tehy prmised Africa so many things bout lied and became selfish with it. Africans were dying from Typhoid fever and wars. Oil companies would dump oil into the water that would contaminate their fish.
There was a girl there, in order feed her people, she would surf for some fish. Since the oil spill, it was rare to find. That wasn't making any money so she was hustling illegal oil to distribute. In the future she wants to become a doctor to cure diseases. She wants to live the American dream: flashy cars, big comfy home, adequate food resources. Her dream made me think about why my family emigrated to the States.

I didn't realize that global warming is a big issue. It has a huge linkage with hurricane Katrina and the flood in India. A guy in England was trying to get solar panels installed in his city but his community was more focused on sight seeing than their childrens future.

**After the movie**

I went to the bar with my co workers. GOING TO A BAR WITH LONDON CO WOKERS IS A PLUS!!!. Itshows that you are a part of the team, we were talking about the movie. Afterwards I went home and talked to my program partner Sam.


**Moral of the blog**

--WE need to do something about Global Warming, its not a joke. Glad that I learned somethings from LRAM and SEEED in Atlanta.
-- Be thankful of your situation cause other people have it worse
--In a different country, make sure people understand what you are saying! Diff phrase can mess upthings

6/22/09

**Short and sweet**
I interned today, Set up arrangements for my internship-confirm contacts. Time went by madd quick toay. I went home and the internet went madddddddddd slow. OMG I was suffering from NP and FB withdrawls.

6/21/09

***Np sister 9***

I meant with an NP sister's sister, Ye!! She took me to a part of London called Brinxton. Its the south east of London. Its more urban and culturally diverse. She was explaning to me the history of it such as the protest thattook place, the council homes aka the public housing. After that, she showed me where they sell natural hair products! Pricey but worth it. I cant' wait to take out these braids and try them out. Then I went to a natural salon beautician, I never been to one before. Its nice and FOR PEOPLE THAT SAYS YOU CAN'T DO NOTHING WITH NATURAL HAIR, you haven't done your full research!!. After that I went home chilled

6/20/09

**Me and Christine***

I went to several markets today with my program friend Christine. First we went to Portabello Market. It is a nice area but the things are real pricey. I would not recommend people to shop there. These people know that madd tourist visit that area and its only opened on Saturdays so they up their prices. While walking, this guy gave me a high five, he was cute so I wasn't as reluctant in returning the favor. We went to another market and that was pricey as well. Last market we went to was the one close by Angel Tube Station. They were selling fruits for cheap!! We went back to the apt and we made Salmon dinner with veggies, we hooked it up!!. I haven't cooked in a while and I may get back into it again :D

**NP SISTER #8***

I met with another np sister, Mariajay. She got us tickets to see Cedrick the Entertainer. That show was funnnnny, I would recommend anyone in seeing him. Afterwards, I wanted to take a picture with him. After much wait, Ced came out of his car and I took a pic with him. I almost got ran over but it was worth it!! :D Afterwards, me, Maria and her friend went out out a Mexican food (Tex -Mex) FINALLY A RESTRAUNT THAT serves big portions. It was a chill night and I was tired :D

Moral of the blog:
-Don't by on impact, window shop first cause you are destined to find a cheaper deal.
-Make your food at home, its cheaper.
- Go to see a Cedric the entertainer event, it is funny

6/19/09

**Proff day**

As usual, I went to the professional development day. I fell asleep there because as usual, it was boring :(. After that, I went home and I talked to my London friend Abbey for hours!! Its good to have cultural conversations. I got to learn about more about Africa as far as their customs. One of the things he didn't understand is that "Why do American girls get mad when the guy reveals that he had another child before/ during the relationship?" I had to explain that its a form of mistrust and lies and we couldn't trust the SO any more. supposedly where he's from, thats normal for the GUY and Girl to have a child before the relationship and keep it hidden from one another.

**NP sister #7***

After the conversation. I got ready to meet up with NP SISTER number 7, bellacranberry 37. This girl here, OMG if it wasn't for her and Mis~, I would be lost and spending more money than necessary. She is from the states and is doing her studies abroad so she understands how I was feeling and the questions that I 'd asked her ( trust me it was alot). With her guidance, I felt more comfy about London. She took me to a electronic-techno club with her friends. Her friends are too cool. Now i know how grad school folks get down :D. She introduced me to this drink Jamaican Mule------omg that drink was soooo on point!!!! I loved it.

**Moral of the blog**

Their drinks are hella expensive, so sip slowly and ladies, there are no LADIES DRINK FREE TILL .... :(, I was disappointed :O.

6/18/09

**Traveling outside of London**
I WAS ALMOST LATE FOR THE BUS!! You know you're in a busy city when you are jogging-jetting to get to a location!!! I made it in the nick of time :D

My internship sent me to another location called Birmingham, England for a conference called "Generation Digital." The ride was three hours long but it didn't feel like it cause I was sleep. I really do appreciate my internship in sending me to other locations. It helps me learn about different areas and I can bring back ideas. While in the conf, there was a story about a stolen sidekick. A soon to be bridesmaid left it in a taxi cab. The thief did not want to return the phone. With the phone, the girl took new pictures of herself and signed on Myspace and AIM. Through modern technology, they were able to track down the theft and she was arrested.

The conference main focus is to learn different ways to attract business to their websites especially the youth. Non profit organizations can use social networks to find volunteers. They had older and younger discussion boards about young people's issues. The young people focused more on the issues than the older folks. Topics of interest: Pregnancy, Gang turf, Media having negative views on young people, knives, hoodies. Carrying a knife here is a serious offense because there are higher cases of stabbings than guns!!!. (Stereotype) A lot of young girls here get pregnant here to receive benefits such as : reduced housing, cash, chance to move out the house. They receive more benefits from the government than we do here.

I almost missed the bus again!! I tried a new location to get to the bus stop and I GOT LOST!!!, One person directed me the wrong way but there were other people that guided me the right path. Again I got there in the nick of time.

**Bus ride**
In the bus route, there was a cute little boy with his mom. He kept laughing at me, I guess my facial reactions made him laugh. He was about to cry, I calmed him down and as a result, he laughed again lol. He had the laugh similar to " Ha I was only fake crying." Good kid

**From the U.S to the U.K**
I went home, cooked and that's when I found out SOMEONE IN MY APARTMENT COMPLEX has the SWINE FLU!!! great!!! So I started to disinfect all the cooking appliances and the kitchen. Nasty, lack of home training fools

6/17/09

**Sidilla's Flim***



My internship sent me to a company that they are partnered with. Sidilla's films helps them create films, competitions and games to promote on their websites and to contact British celebrities to participate in their organization. I went there early to show good decor :D, however, I got lost. I was within the right neighborhood but the house didn't have the number in the right location. Their neighborhood are different from American blocks. You could be walking up one block and the road changes five times + depending on the Borough. Next door to house 17, I had asked a lady for help. Eventually I was in the right area. While I was at her house, I left my notebook and paperwork. OMG I felt madd lost without it. It had all my info such as blog entries and my internship contact information. My roles: I will be helping them with a viral campaign and I will contact British celebs PR'S so the celebs could be a part of the competition. Afterwards I went home to take a little nap



***Np sister 6****

At around 6:30pm, I met with NP sister #6- Miss. Nic. We went around the London's "EYE" by Westminster Abbey. We went a restaurant there, the food was banging. It was Japanese style. That restaurant must be a popular place cause it was crowded. Afterwards we walked around the strip! WE had good convo talking about U.S/U.K, work ethic. She made a good point, she would never work in the U.S because she doesn't understand why the workforce requires so much work and little vacation time. They wonder why many of us are burnt out!!! We also talked about hip-hop. I didn't know that British artists have a difficult time in shining in the U.K, many of them have to travel to the U.S for stardom : Estelle, Leona Lewis, Floetry and etc. Their hip hop scene is on point. I need to check out their GRIME music!!!Good experience one again.

**** Karaoke****
While I was heading home, I met up with KATE AND SAM again. We went to Millers (another pub). That night it was Karaoke night. I was feeling bold and decided to "sing" FYI I don't have vocal talents at all. I sung ACE OF BASE- ALL THAT SHE WANTS RAY CHARLES- HIT THE ROAD JACK, I had a good time, the crowd loved me especially the energy that I put in. This guy insisted on taking pics with me and my friends. I aint gonna front, I thought he wanted to steal my camera and he called me out on that.

Everyone was having a good time until these two American Girls were upset. Supposedly one of the girls was getting hit on by an older guy meaning the guy was flirting with her. Whatya expect Alcohol+ Pub+ karaoke night= Flirting. It seemed as if they never been around an older crowd of people. She was making US look bad. The sweet person that I am, I consoled her :D. The only way I would understand her sorrow was if the guy tried to rape her. But IMO, it seemed like innocent fun. That girl needs to tighten up cause as a tourist, you don't wanna get taken advantage of and break down in public. The faculty tried to give her the best ways to get home but after a while they had the "fu** it!" attitude and said " you on your own". They have sympathy for women but not like we do in the states.

Moral of the blog: Man up in a different country and have a good time while traveling. also Karaoke is my new hobby :D

6/16/09

**Mouth before thoughts****
This morning I was in the elevator( lift). This girl was talking about the benefits of Natural wool and how it cools you down. As she as talking, she was fanning herself. So I said " Why are you fanning yourself, are you NOT wearing non fiber clothing?" The people in the lift were laughing talking about "Good one." I didn't mean to embarrass her but.. o well.

**Internship**
Today I was mainly focusing on creating a newsletter for our job. I got done with that early and went on the internet.

*** At Nido**

Me and this American Girl, got into a debate about the HealthCare system in the U.K. and U.S. .Excuse the curses :(

* Healthcare system/ insurance and taxes*
she said" British ones suck." I said "how?"She said "When my mom used to go to a UNIV here, she got hit by a car, She got her legs fixed free of charge and her glasses were free." they provide good basic health care but when it comes into an emergency no they don't, you have to seek else where" ***Now I was thinking "Why is she complaining? her mom is alive!" I said "Shit lol that's a lot better than what we have. Why should us AMERICANS should be denied of basic health care it is crucial for us (young ppl) cause they can determine early health risks. With the exception of STDS." She was like "Gov't shouldn't tell me what to do with my money" and I told her," if it wasn't for taxes, my behind wouldn't be in school (fin aid). I also mentioned without Gov't governing our money, then our country would be FUCKED.and she's the one that has insurance through her family.

SHE'S IN NO PLACE TO TALK... O I CAN'T STAND THOSE PEOPLE! I said "It sucks as a college student because not all jobs offer good health insurance. As an independent ( by the state) working+ going to school is no joke. She said "well you could work at starbucks and they have good benefits"I said "Starbucks wont pay my bills." The only thing i agreed with her is when she said football players shouldn't get paid 30mil and we should pay teachers more. although football players are getting paid to do their job

She thought that as an independent, they take less $$ from you I said "HELL NO THEY TAKE MORE. Think about it, I get more money back from income tax then you would cause you're a dependent.

** homeless topic***

She mentions that her mom had an ambulance company ( I didn't even know ambulances had private companys) and how whenever there was an injured homeless person, the company had to pick them up, costing them $600. She goes on talking about we need to clean up homeless ppl from the street and they are bad!I said "not every homeless person is bad, you don't know their situation esp. with the economy situation not every homeless person is a druggie."

Moral of the story,
Don't be selfish with taxes. All of our taxmoney doesn't go to illegal Immigrants nor welfare!!! Until I get an audit on where my money goes, I won't complain cause the system has been like that for years!!!

6/15/09

***Internship***
We have a newbie that joined SPW/D4L. She seems like a cool person. I emailed all of the potential ambassadors for d4l. I did my official video for LONDON-tour of my internship.. CHECK IT OUT!! http://youtube.com/indeecisive. On a personal level I feel like I am progressing. I am improving on my handwriting, organizational skills, addressing confusion that I may have. and ARRIVING TO WORK ON TIME. I realize that I used to come late to work because I didn't like my job. This internship, I like it alot and if I were to stay longer, I would grow with the company. I don't think I could do grad school no more because the I am feeling the realworld! and weekends off :D.

I like working in a non-corporate environment. I don't feel inferior and I can implement my creative ideas to an upcomming project. I think it is good to have a non-profit org background to further develop a person and making mistake won't cost the company.The reason that I want to do non-profit is because of my future pursuits. I want to become a radio personality. Behind the mic, they participate in alot of community service and non prof projects. I want to make myself more eligible for work. And It really interests me! I went home and did the usual, Homework and internet :D

6/14/09

Today I slept in till 3pm GMT. MY goodness, I don't know what it was but there was no breeze through my window. We don't have AC!! I was hot. Thats the only reason why I woke up. I went grocery shopping. Did some assignments. Updated my blog :D It was my downtime

MAGIC PLEASE WIN SO I COULD REPRESENT ORLANDO FOR A CHANGE

**Reminder***
Internship placement=Eusa, they gave me my internship
Internship =Dance for life, ppl that I intern WITH

6/13/09

We went to Oxford, home to Oxford University. It was okay, boring. They city is not as busy as London. Its more on the slow paced/rural side. They have a river and it is reall relaxing. I was taking pictures with them. It is a nice area. I went to sleep cause our tour was done quick. I met an Italian lady, she is studying communications like me and she works parttime with my internship placement! I went to a reggae lounge area. The music was slow paced. It was on point. Had me sleepy. I havent felt sleepy for a while. But it wasn't boring.

WEnt home, got on the internship and went to sleep

6/12/09

I went to my professional weekly development. Afterwards I went home did hw. My online class has alot of reading to do!!! and it dont help when you have an internship from 10-6 and still gotta do homework. My class is 6weeks long and alotttttttttttttttttttttttt of reading and posting. I took an online test I hope i pass (update, I did :D)

6/11/09

I interned as usual. The strike wasn't as bad. I was only 30 mins late to work. I got some reading done for my online class. I went to a Jack the ripper tour. He was a killer during the 1600's ( I think). He used to kill prostitutes. When he kills them, he would cut open their insides ( Yes even the womens private parts). After that I went home and went to sleep.

6/10/09

***Strike came into effect today!!!***

I had set my alarm for 7pm because I was warned that It will take me 2 hours to arrive to work. My roommate was up and said she was going to take a shower. My behind went to sleep and woke up at 9:45am, I had to be at my internship at 10. Sleeping in was the worse mistake. Just like the guy said, I was 2 hours late for work. Traffic was horrible. One bus route ended half way so I had to wait on another bus. In addition, It was raining.


**Internship***
In my internship, it was one of my co-workers last day. I didnt know her well, but she was cool. I was still establishing contacts for upcoming festivals. I was in charge of trying to get D4L included. Traffic going back home was a little better. I was able to take the tube and bus home. I did h.w and cooked.

6/9/09

My internship sent me to another company that they are affiliated with. This company company helps them market D4L. I was with a girl name Jess. She was telling me effective ways in marketing a business on social networks. It was good info. I GOT ON MY NETWORKING GRIND !, I got her business card to maintain contacts with her.

***Np sister #4****
I met with Np sister number 4, Mis~. We met up at a location called Charing Cross, it is close by Westminster abbey ( my internship location). From there, we walked around, talked about U.K/U.S and our experiences abroad. She took me to an Indian restaurant. Their food was on point, it was very classy. I need to find Indian restaurant back home. The server was cute. I swear he kpet hitting on me but on a silent tip. He kept coming to our table . I finally asked him of his nationality cause he looks like he has vietnamese, phillipiness in him. He was from Nepal. If you guys never had some Indian food, GO OUT AND TRYI IT!!!.

Mis~ took me around Westminster Abbey and Trafalgar Square. The Roots are going to be performing by where I intern. I wish I could go D: . London is on point!! Mis~ is another NP sister that I love!! They are taking the time to take me around. I really do appreciate it!!

6/8/09

I Went to work, Worked on my newsletter and send letters to the University's Public Relation department. I had to complete that by today and achieved it :D. I found out there are going to be a strike. I never encountered a public transportation strike. I went grocery shopping. As I was putting away my food. There were two guys in the kitchen. One of the guys asked his guy friend " Do you have a hair straightener?" I remained quiet. This guy hair was short like Brad Pitt. When both of them left, there were two girls in the kitchen with me. One of the girls said "LIKE OMG, was he serious???"" That comment had me dying!!!!! Afterwards I was supposed to be doing h.w but instead I was in the internet.

6/7/09

Again, I stayed home, did some homework. I was supposed to go grocery shopping but it closed. So i went to a fast food restaurant. I had some Fish, Fries and Salad. I got another compliment for my accent. I love London :D. !!!!!!! I may need to find me an international boo while i'm here :D

6/6/09

For the most part, I stayed home. Later on that night, I went to a pub with my Girls Sam and Kate. I warned them that they should of brought the camera. I was having "fun" and it cracked them up. O well they won't have any physical memory of it :D.

6/5/09

I went to another professional development today. The presenter was getting on my nerves. Yeah people kept coming in late ( me included). But he made sure he embarrassed them and further delayed the presentation. Glad he didn't call me out though :D.


AFter that. I met up with Aidrus! Before I met him, I met another Londoner. His name was Yohann. He's from Martinique!! He had some fly sneakers. He mentions that he wants to go America and how it was like. I told him that it is on point!! And I would recommend in him going. He tells me he likes my accent (another person lol). And he loves when An American women speak. I think he was trying to spit game though!! O well lol.

After that Chilled with him for a few minutes and went home. It was raining lightly. I went home and did my homework.

** Reminder***
These presenters don't mind calling people out or hushing them up. They are more ruder than American presenters. @ the d4l, it was the same thing!! A shocker to me

It dont rain alot here. I guess cause its summer time

6/4/09

I went to a college aka A high school today to talk about D4L. While heading there, I got lost :(. I misunderstood the directions and arrived there an hour late.

These kids look madd young!!!! I had a " I miss high school moment". I freaking love their accents!!!!. Vice versa: they loved my accents. I never knew I had an American Accent. Yeah I have a NewyoRidan accent but not an American accent. :P. Those kids acted a damn fool!!. After the presentation, I see some potentional advocates. Some kids felt inspired to do something about HIV/AIDS!! Some of those kids are kind of naive about the disease. That frighten me.

I met a volunteer from D4L, we were talking about the perceptions of AMERICANS AND UNITED KINGDOM. Its good to have those conversations cause you could break stereotypes but at the same time GIVE THEM THE TRUTH. It works both ways.

I was supposed to go to a cultural event that my Internship placement assigned but it was cancelled. I went home and did homework.

6/3/09

*** Internship***
I attended another meeting at my job. I realized they have meetings often. They always offer coffee/tea/water in the morning. I am still looking up dancers for them to become D4L ambassadors. I will participate in the upcoming newsletter. I got a prepaid phone through T-mobile. The deals in America are alot better. My plan is 300 mins (no free nights and weekends) and unlimited texting for $35 a month!!! This is insane man!!.

**Tip of the day**
-When traveling abroad, let your credit card/debit people know. If not, they will lock your account!
-Suspend your cellphone line.
-If you have an old phone, bring it and unlock it. YOu can find unlock codes on the internet!! If you unlock your current phone, you will lose all your phone stored numbers!!!! Not a good feeling.
- Programme Units= Division within the office aka Seating arrangements

6/2/09

**Internship**
This is not an internship that gives their interns sorry behind tasks such as :Staple, File, and make coffee/ tea. My internship gives me heavy responsibilities. They had me update their ambassador packet. I am also looking up London's local dance groups so they could be a part of an upcoming event on July 10th. The staff is pretty Nice. It is an open and quiet environment. Although they have managers- they are not the traditional ones. Meaning they were casual clothes like the rest of us= meaning I don't feel inferior to them.
** Np sister 3***
I met with NP SISTER #3 Ms. Yoruba. She invited me to a gig that her friend hosted and performed. Very nice music to hear, had that neo soul vibe. Most of the people ( guys and girls) had afro. I'M PRO FRO!!!! I miss my afro because it is currently in box braids. If I had my fro, I could of been as one :D. I recorded two of the performances. I got to learn more about Ms.Yoruba. I hope I can attend on of her performances cause she sings. I'm loving my NP sisters!!! Thanks again you guys

***REMINDER***
-Do not eat often. The size portion in compared to the U.S is very small!! and it don't fill you up. Eat before going out. Cheap thinking but trust, it helps!!!
- London is pro-art. Local music, architecture, paintings!! Nice change of scenery. And they are big with tradition!

First of the Month 6/1/09

Today I got my $$ Exchanged today. **REMINDER*** our dollar doesn't mean nothing here.

**First day at the internship**
I started my Dance4life internship today. It is real Nice. They are really pro-education for the youth. I came in the middle of them preparing an event for the youth. Their lunch time is an hour. They invited me to a park and they had like a mini meeting with people from another company. We were right behind the Parliament. It is a nice sight seeing. Their Lunch consists of Baguettes, Bri ( cheese) salomi, Lettuce Mis, Strawberry, Pear, Lemonade aka Sprite without the Lime. Everyone in the meeting has traveled to a certain country in Africa and throughout Europe. I was the only one that haven't traveled outside the U.S.

Inside, I was a part of my first meeting about Blogging. They are kind of new to the game. Their main concern is attracting people to the blog. Europe is like 2-5 years behind the U.S in certain things. This is one of them.

***Np meetup 2***
I got to meet with Denny From NP.She took me around Tottenham court,Piccadilly, Charing Cross and Leicester Square. London is small enough were you could walk around and not feel tired. We got to know one another. She is an older version of me: Independent, good job, enjoys traveling. We went to an island restaurant called Mr. Jerk. Although in the beginning they had slow service. their food was on point!. Walking around Central Lndon is amazing. There is so much sight seeing and with a friend, it makes it worthwhile. I didn't realize we spent four hours with each other. We walked to my place. I didn't notice the time. Too bad i forgot my Camera to take pics of the places that I have been. Denny, you did a good job considering it was VERY LAST MINUTE
**Tip of the day**
-When going out, don't expect a big meal!!!! Its not America
- More people need to travel outside their homestate to gain a better experience!
- Get a passport and travel outside the U.S. You won't regret it

May 31,2009

** Keeping it short and sweet**

Today was my down time. I was catching up on some homework. I went grocery shopping at Tesco. That store is pretty cheap. I also reloaded my bus card. Don't expect to buy bulks of food here. YOu must buy food every week :(

May 30th 2009

**NP get together part 1***

Today was a good day for me!! I got to meet one of my NP Sisters, Ruty and her two friends. We met at Camden Town, London. She showed me around a market place. They have alot of mini stores inside! REMEMBER THEY DO NOT SAMPLE HERE. Me and Ruty was by a Japanese ministore and the lady was asking us to buy food. In the STATES we could ask for samples, so I did. This lady got mad and said " WHY YOU NEED A SAMPLE?" I said " BECAUSE WHERE I AM FROM, "buffets" gives us samples" I eventually brought the food, it was on point. Got mad when I found a hairstrand. It was cool chillin with her!!!! Nice time!


WARNING** THEY DONT USE GLOVES OR HAIRNETS WHEN SERVING FOODS, EWWWWWW***

**2nd pub experience ***
Me and my two friends again went to another Pub in Camden town. It was pretty cool, had a good time. All of us were dancing. Music was different for me (mostly techno) but it was all good though. After the pub, we were talking to some people that we met! I think they were from Scotland or something like that. I also met two Italian dudes! One of them CONSISTENTLY complimented me " You so verdee( very) nice lol and let go to the club across the street." UM NO! LOL I wanted to go home!! As we were talking, this one drunk girl started to talk to me. I told her that her purse was open, and she ended up burning me with her cigarrette. But I wasn't mad, her head wasn't tied too tight :/. All together, it was cool. And I made it home without getting lost and with my 2 friends besides me!!!

May 29, 2009

***Lets get it started ****

That plane ride affected my sleep I didn't have to officially rest up. Every Friday, my internship assigns us to attend these professional development classes. I swear I feel like I'm in my Fall 08/ Spring 09 classes again. The information is sooo repetitive about : Job organizations, effective communication blah blah blah!!!!. The presenter is an English/British (not too sure of background) man. Some of the words he was saying had me like "huh?" For example : Way out=Exit, Mass=Math. Their signs are different colors as well. The Exit sign is green. I have a question about that: what if a person is colorblind and in case of an emergency and he's by himself, how can he figure out the fire exit???.

During the presentation, this ONE BOY disgusted me. He had the audacity to put his dirty, crusty feet on the seat in front of him with no shame!! Me and my friend were disgusted and wanted to tell him something but...those are his feet and not mine lol.

**Pret a Manger****
There is a mini restaurant that I would recommend anyone to go to. Thanks to my NP sisters, they told me about Pret-a-Manger. Their sandwhiches are on point and made fresh without XYZ ingredients, but it can get quite pricey. As advertized, many England drinks do not have high fructose corn syrup, potassium sorbate, aspartaine, phosphoric acid, colorings, artifical flavorings. If you do not know about these ingredients DO YOUR RESEARCH! Lot of food shops here have many natural/ veggie options too choose from

***My interview****
I stay on my grind!!!!!!!! Even though I came late into the program, I wanted this internship and do not give the visa/internship placement program people a reason to complain!!!!!
After the professional class, I went straight to my internship. I went there early and lucky thing I did, I GOT LOST!!! Again a nice Londoner directed me in the right way. I arrived there 45 mins before my scheduled time (2:00pm GMT). Omg, I thought since I am there early, that they will do the interview right there...Nope I had to wait another 30mins. Their main options of drinks are TEA, COFFEE OR WATER so my future tourist, get used to hearing that everyday. The wait was worth it, I did well in my interview and I start on Monday :D

**Star Light moment**
I was on t.v today. When I left my internship, a cameraman asked me questions about the North Korean missle launched. I answered what I knew( very minimal) and he liked it!!!

***My Student apartment**
These people that I share a kitchen with slobs!! Home training is out the window! And the 'Maitenence' did not clean my room, they stil had dirty sheets and left me with new ones to put in. WTH we payin $$$$$ for.

***No eye contact AND Official first lost incident!****
Me and my two friends were walking from a Pub. There was a drummer that sounded hot! so I told them to "wait"! When I turned out, they LEFT ME!!!!. Mind you, this is my First night there. Thank god I remembered what bus we came on and I got home safely. While I was looking for them, me and this dude kept getting eye contact. We eventually talked and exchanged numbers. I like his name (Aidraus pronounced A-dree-us).

***REMINDERS****

-If you guys eat turkey meat, good luck finding them here, it is rare!!!
-They don't sale alot of junk food, makes sense on why they are slim!
-Ladies, Do not wear heels here, there is too much commuting and your feet with have serious calouses (sp)
- London doesn't have shopping malls, just shopping centre ( spelling it according to BRITIANS!_

Grand Entrance- May 28th 2009

Train ride to Central London
After the father helped me from the Airport, I was on my own. I'm used to doing things alone but not in a new country :O. But I gathered my luggage and headed towards the train station. One thing cool about Gatwick Airport is that they have a connecting train station that takes you to Central London. As my friend suggested to me, take First Capitol instead of Gatwick Express!!! She is looking out for a frugal college student :D.

As I was waiting for the train (7:30am ENGLAND TIME), there was a cute guy there lol. I guess I must of said something but he picked up that I wasn't from around there. After introducing myself, I realized he's from the U.S TOO. His name is Calvin. We was heading towards the same location Kings Cross. While we were on the train, I got to know him. He was 25 years old and he got Electrical Engineering degree ($$$$$) and his job transferred him to London. He told he that "London is very different from San Antonio so he had to get used to it". I was glad to meet a person from the States because it assured me that I was not the only American there lol. One of the most funniest moments on the train ride was when he almost fell! That train was hella thick though. Poor thing, he think he messed up his foot the night before cause of basketball. He proceeded to warn me that WATCH OUT FOR THESE DUDES AROUND HERE, THEY ARE GOING TO LOVE YOUR ACCENT!!. I was like "For real??? shoot thats what I want anyways, an London dude. He told he about his few bad interractions he had with people trying him because they wanted to make fun of him. Man that train ride was almost and hour but it was worth it cause I got to speak with someone.Thank goodness we were heading the in the same direction cause I would of been lost without him!!! Unfortunately he had to go to Cambridge :( so I never will see him again. He gave he his face book BUT I CAN'T FIND HIM CAUSE HE HAS NO PICS :(.
London right before my eyes
Wow, I stepped out into the London scene, it was amazing. Tall buildings, busy environment. After I got to my dorm, I have my roommate with me. We had a French Class before so I knew who she was.

*Rant number one* my damn battery charger and my alarmclock short circuited on me. Damn volt change. They do not have a t.v so my only form of entertainment is my laptop and homework. I need for Nido student living to fix their shower heads, why is it leaking?? and why I spend so much money on a broken showerhead. Also there is no A.C here but London doesn't get so hot here and its a nice breeze.

***Back on track** I had no time to enjoy my box like dorm. I had to head straight towards my internship. Mind you I haven't taken a rest yet!!!

I really love the public transporation system here. You do not need a car to get around here. You could either catch the train, bus or walk! There is no humidity and plenty breeze! Ladies here barely wear heels and I see why. The road/sidewalk here is horrible. Comfy sneakers/shoes are a must. If a person do decide to come here, GET THE OYSTER CARD. It provides you traveling discounts when using the underground train and bus. Also London is fast paced similar to NY and nothing like FL. I am a city girl at heart. Also their maps are very detalied and accurate. I got the hang of things in no time. YOu do not need a cab remember: they are expensive and not reliable.

I went to my program, Finally got my things situated, attended a long orientation and I was sleepy cause of my jet lag! AFter that, me, a girl and her friend walked around London. We went to a different kind of tourist attraction a cemetery. these squirrels here don't play, they follow you around and demand for food!!!! Also people walk their dogs around here, not cool!
***My realization about London and my program***

1. Interracial dating is HUGE HERE. There's no sense of bad blood in doing so. Also too I doubt they have the race/ethic section when it comes to job applications? why does the States have it? I have no idea.
2. London is a very historic city. You will see alot of church looking buildings here!!
3. People drive on the opposite sides of the road and dirvers ride on the RIGHT side of the car! Yeah very confusing.
   
4. The locals here seem very mad!
5. When going up or down an escalator, stay on the right side of it cause the left side is for people that want to walk up the stairs.
   
6. Converses sneakers are in and alot of guys wear TOO TIGHT SKINNY JEANS!!!
7. Alot of guys seem flamboyant here :O
8. These buildings here are not handicapp friendly. How the hell a bathroom that has a Handicapp signs requires you to go up some stairs????
9. Food portions are reall small here :() have to buy groceries every week.
10. They really promote recycling here!!! GO GREEN!
11. London folks smoke madd cigarettes, NOT COOL
12. There is alot of Asians and Indians here!! Very diverse.
    
13. It's rare to see big people here. most of these people are so skinny :(
14. alot of black women wear braids extensions in their hair

Rant: I am upset that there aren't a lot of minorities in my program. Just four black women including me!! People need to take advantage on this opportunity. Traveling is amazing and everyone needs to do it at least one time!!!

Okay done with my long post!!! :D ttyl

Pre- London Jitters May 27th 2009

May 27th, 2009
I had to make sure that I packed up everything. I will be in London for two months; Away from my family, family and my COMFORT ZONE and entering a new territory. This process was not easy. I was supposed to be in London last week but those DAMN BRITISH CONSULATE PEOPLE denied my visa. I blame the bank lady at UCF for not knowing what an OFFICIAL BANK STAMP was..dumbass. That denial caused me to change my flight, pull out more from my personal savings.I had to reapply for my visa and had it expedited. Also, I had to way for the EUSA INTERNSHIP program to see if they will still accept me being a late arrival.

I never had various emotions and thoughts at one time. At one point, FED EX lost my second visa package. I even thought about dropping out the program. One of my friends advised me to, but several of my friends, Office of international studies + EUSA people recommended me that I don't do that. EUSA mentioend that I would get penalized. And I already was too deep into the program that it would cost me more if I don't go. the OIS people at my school witnessed my roller coaster emotions and I am glad that I had them as a support system especially DeDe! even hwen I was upset, her figurative language ( "wiggle room") always made me laught.

I knew it was meant for me to go on the trip because I FINALLY RECEIVED MY 2ND VISA!!! They found the lost packaged and I received it fast. Also, I received a study abroad scholarship. Although the trip was quite pricy; I had to pull out a loan for the first time :( , THIS BETTER BE WORTH IT <_< style="font-weight: bold;">

Earliest memories of wanting to go to London
I always wanted to go to London ever since I was little. My earliest recollection of why I wanted to go is when I was 9-10 years old. In Brooklyn, my block had a block party and there was a black girl my age that was there. She was new so me and my friends wanted to get to know her. All of a sudden, she spoke very differently and I loved how she talked. The only accents I was familiar with was Caribbean accents ( Haitians, Domincians, PR, Jamaicans etc). Come to find out, she was from London, I loved how she talked!

Another memory is my brother's ex-girlfriend. Whenever she spoke, I'd get googly-eyed. I freaking loved her accent. And when she talked about her experiences there, it further inspired me to seek opportunities to others. On a side note, whenever you interact with young people, try to leave a positive impression cause you never know how that experience can influence them to pursue other things.!!!

Now back on track...Day of departure (while I was on the plane I wrote this)

I called DeDe from OIS and let her know that I was leaving. She wished me luck. Also a couple of my friends and family wished me luck. I did my last checkup and FREAKING FORGOT MY 16GB MEMORY CARD :( DAMN. My friend Antoinette (hey Ann :D ) gave me a ride to the airport, that was real sweet of her. The British Airways staff and Londoners are very nice. I had arrived to checkout late and they rushed my process so I won't miss the plane. I was sitting next to a father and son that were from London. Me and the father spoke a while. He warned me that Central London is a bad area, filled with prostitutes and crackheads. He made it seem like I never encountered that before. I live in Orlando and there is a block called Orange Blossom Trail and I have seen my fair share of all those kind of people. One good advice he told me was not to take cabs, certain ones are not registered with the government so there is a good chance that I could get mugged and raped :( .

His son does not like airplane food so his dad gave it to me. ( My new best friend). If people want to calm me down- give me food and money and I'll be straight. AGAIN let me reiterate that London people seem nice so far and know their sense of directions. They showed me the ways of getting around to my location. DAMN WHY the airplane ride have to be 8 hours long, but I am glad that it was non stop!!! Most of the people on board were 99% white. It made me wonder on why many minorities do not travel to different countries (NOT INCLUDING IMMIGRANTS). However I didn't feel uncomfortable.!!
My fear!!!!
I am nervous b/c I never traveled outside the U.S as a grown adult. The last time I traveled was when I was four years old and went to France. The only thing that I remember is my Uncle's/ Godfather's Pink bathroom with a funny looking toilet. Since I never traveled outside the U.S I am not used to other countries set of customs. In the U.K, I do not know what behaviors are considered acceptable. I have to get used to how they talk. They speak very fast and have a different accent so i have to catch on to that. Sometimes I have to focus on their lips.
I am scared mostly because I have never been a tourist. The first time I entered into a new environment was when I was 13. I moved from NY TO FL :(, As I mentioned earlier, I never knew that America had diverse accents. So when I moved down here. I would always get questions such as YOU ain't from 'round here, where you from? Omg you're from Ny you think you're all that. Say talk, walk coffee *follow by sets of giggles* and more questions such as " why do Ny ppl do this and that" AND THE comment that urked me the most " You talk like a white girl" ughhhhhhhhhhhhh that mess urks me to the core!! I still get asked in FL to this day on where I am from. I guess I won't fit in with Floridans. O well I'm proud to be a NewYoridan :D.

I will stick out like a sore thumb. I am black, American, and a girl lol. I really can't blend in with my surroundings cause of my acccent. I have to make sure that people do not try to take advantage of me. However ,I am ready to meet new people and enter a new land. I want to hear all of London's music, lifestyle and latest fashion. I am not going to lie, I want to see the flyest guys and they will get my attention because I love their accents. I feel that as a woman of color, it is important to travel. Gaining Abroad expriences is Phenominal and impressive on a resume and it is a boost of personal growth.



Once I land, I do not have time to relax. I have to be on my feet. From the plane, I have to go from the airport to the train to arrive at my student living ALONE! After I briefly settle in, I have to go immediately to my internship. I will suffer from severe jet lag. Remember London is 5 hours ahead of the U.S and I took a 8 hour flight. So I arrived in LOndon at 2am EST but 7AM THEIR TIME.

**Reminders***

-Do not call a British person European, it is real offensive!!!
-If you are planning to do Study Abroad, do your student visas ahead of time, you will save money and heartache
- If possible, take online classes and travel abroad, it'll keep you busy
-Airport food is straight

A special thanks to 2 NP sisters: Bellacranberry and Mis~. Without you guys, I would be London Lost. Can't wait to see my NP sisters!!!!