Things I like about London

Last night as I was eating lunch/dinner (not quite adjusted to the time difference yet!) I pulled up a copy of the Independent’s Media commentary. How lovely to be reading a paper that has a media commentary section, but what they have to say about US politics is hilarious! So much Bush-and-Blair bashing, it really made me smile. The very nice young lady who was sort of bored working at the restaurant came over to ask me where I’m from - it was a good thing I didn’t lie and say I was from Canada, because she was. She was apologetic about describing her dad as “very anti-American,” and asked why people hated the US so much (rhetorically). I think it surprised her to hear me chime in. “There’s a lot not to like!” She mentioned that people were very nice, but she was talking about Seattle. [West COAST! (Whut! - or, Wot! as the case may be) - but I digress]. I made the classic distinction between the people and the government, and she maintained that the people were better there than here. I think that depends on who you meet, but who am I? She referred me to places to hang out - “where the weirdos are - that’s my neighborhood.” So far, I find people here to be very nice! Although I definitely get some funny looks.

Another exciting thing about London is that it houses my old roomie and pal Amanda, who I get to see for the first time since, well, basically 1998. She’s going to be a bit of a tour guide which I appreciate! I’m still sort of a sucker for those cheesy tourist things. Apparently another dear friend, Masha, is in town and we haven’t seen eachother for ages as well.