first day jitters

Everyone knows I like to show up early and be prepared when embarking on a new activity. Often to my detriment. Early people aren't often considered 'cool', either. No matter. I'll sacrifice cool points for my neurotic tendencies.

I left early this morning so I could pick up breakfast on the way. There is NO WAY I was going to eat cereal after being so sick yesterday. Milk + sickness = REALLY BAD SICKNESS.

I picked up some breakfast, pulled out my Oyster card, and headed for the tube. I could do this. I felt sure. I followed my pre-planned and pre-practiced -- I told you I'm a bit neurotic -- route. The first tube was REALLY crowded: it gave new meaning to the phrase "huddled masses". I was squished. And, apparently, I was unaware that in order to be acceptably outfitted for a journey during rush hour one needs a newspaper. Without a newspaper, you're either weird or a tourist. Oops. Oh, well.

Feeling slightly superior to the few tourists (I knew where I was going!), I made my switch and headed for the second train.

This time the very first one that pulled up was crowded. Weird. This is supposed to be the uncrowded one.

At this time, I paused to check my phone for the time.

WHAT?! IT'S ONLY 8.50?!

I had an hour left for a 15-minute journey, tops.

After waiting for a less-crowded train, I still managed to make it to my stop WAAAYYY ahead of schedule. As in, almost an hour early. How did I do that? Dork. No matter. I brought a book. I planted myself in a park next to [strangely] other people that had books, papers, and time to kill before starting work.

Okay. I've read enough. Time to go.

Made it there, got all checked in, got my own security badge (cool!) and met the other intern. He seems really nice.

All in all, I didn't do much productive work today, but it was nice to finally be where I was supposed to be and learn a little about the ropes. I've already been told that I'll get to meet all sorts of really awesome people and high-ups and do some serious networking. SWEET. Just what I wanted. And needed.



So excited.


P.S. In case you were wondering, I probably can't post too many details of the job online. This seems like a bad idea.

an american in [London]

Today, I decided to go find my future workplace, explore the area, get a pass to the gym, and go grocery shopping. That was the list for today. All have been accomplished by 2.30 in the afternoon. Hooray!

Things I have seen today:

1. Houses of Parliament. Duh. And they're beautiful. Cannot believe it. Didn't go in. Sad.

2. Westminster Abbey. Didn't go in this time, either.

3. Winston Churchill. Statue on Parliament Road. Kind of cool.

4. 10 Downing Street. Wish I could go in. Alas, Gordon Brown doesn't know we're friends, so I had to stay outside the gate with everyone else. The horses had guards, though, and that was pretty cool. One of the horses was NOT happy to be there.

5. St. James' Park. Very pretty. Got a sandwich at one of the little kiosk things. Decent. But it was the Diet Coke that was the most important, if we're being honest.

6. Buckingham Palace. Crawling with tourists. Typical for the season, I guess. Still pretty. There was a mini parade out front. I'm sure it has some normal significance of which I am unaware. No one else seemed too fascinated except for the families with small children. There was only a tiny band and some of the guard marching behind.

7. Lord Byron Nelson. Of course I had to go see one of the best strategic sailors ever. Plus, he's right near all of the other things I was seeing, so why not?

did you get lost in amsterdam?

Things:

1. In the future, I will do my best to remember that it is better either to sleep none at all on an overnight flight or as much as possible. Don't go with the few-hours experience. It usually doesn't end up well.

2. Picadilly line was closed today, and so was Kings Cross Station. Both of which I was supposed to use to get to my new domicile. THAT was exciting. Ended up taking a Heathrow train and two different tube lines to get to the place. Then had to hike down roads with no name hoping and praying I was on the right one based on geography. I was. Phew.

3. My room for the next 8 weeks is smaller than a single dorm room. But at least it's clean. Isn't too hot. And there's a window to catch all that London sun.

4. Never trust my computer to other people who think they know what they are doing. I arrived, began unpacking, then decided to try and conquer the internet [get it working]. Couldn't make it happen for a good half-hour of frustration. I managed to find the internet guy, intimidate the door/security guy [sorry!] with so many questions, and got the internet guy working on the internet. He tried a few different things then left to "go downstairs and try something else". Huh. As soon as he left I decided to take a look at my computer one last time for myself. Turns out I fixed it, set it all up, switched back the cables, and wrote this post before he came back. Oops.

5. I hadn't been out of the house or off the news sites for 2 hours before Palin quit her job. Geez. What happens if I go away more often? Do more governers disappear or leave or decide to make political explosions? Maybe I should test it.

6. I didn't have lunch. That's the next task: to find food. It'll happen. I might just wait until dinner. I could have an early dinner, watch a dvd or something, and fall asleep early. Maybe.

7. Exploration of my area might be needed. I think yes. Off I go.