A to Zed

     All in all, London is not so different from the states. Afterall, I had a Brit tell me we did derive from them.... well some of us. I could go on and on about all the different phrases here. However, I'm going to focus on the different sights here on a daily basis.
     I struggle with appliances here quite often. Brits feel the need to make appliances small and multi-purpose. For instance, you have probably heard of an all-in-one washer/dryer. You know...in America, those stackables where the washer is on the bottom and the dryer is on top. Not here! You have to wash your clothes in the same machine you dry them. It takes approx. 3.45 hours to complete a full cycle. Also, I found in the bathroom, there aren't just hand dryers. There are hand/face dryers. In case you are caught in one of those rainy London days...stop on in. Finally, I saw a commercial for a bidet that hangs over the toilet. I'm quite confused on some of these contraptions. I mean some things are mean to be separate.
   
     We live right by a park, so now and again we get some friendly creatures. People feed the squirrels here and they run at you, as opposed to away from you. Lots of foxes roam the area. Slugs in our atrium...which my sister will not let me keep as a pet. The other morning I woke up to horses trotting down the street. Love love love these...
   
     The one complaint I have ever had about American scenery vs. Europe is that it lacks the history. Therefore, no castles. Check out this one, which happens to be the Queens second home in Windsor.

I can appreciate all the beautiful streets, historic pubs, castles and parks. Though, we drove on the opposite side of the road down the most narrow road the other weekend. Supposedly, you need to honk your horn to warn the people flying in the other direction. That's right. Hold onto your seat!!

Ok, by far the neatest discover here in Greenwich, is the laser beam. There is beam that marks GMT Meridian line and can be seen by the naked eye, on the best of days, for 60 miles. It's green(my favorite color) and amazing!

Greenwich Meridian - http://www.thegreenwichmeridian.org/tgm/articles.php?article=14

Having a jubilee time and I'll keep everyone posted on my new adventures! Cheers!

Simple Pleasures

     Last week I came to London with hopes for a new adventure. At first, I found it discerning all of my belongings fit into three measly suitcases. However, stripping down to the bare essentials has been a great experience. Europeans may have gotten this one right. Maybe the true butterfly I was searching for was there all along. 

     So many of us go through life comparing materialistic things to one another. Let's be real, I came from Las Vegas; a city marketed on expensive cars, clothes, factitious club experiences. I may have bought into the culture for a second or two, but quickly realized what made me whole at the end of the day. 

    Some things were rather hard to part with in Europe: WiFi, my bank card, the touch of my truly endearing BF, Pandora and appliances(seek my future blog about appliances in EU). I figure this is a true test of my patience and endurance. I can do it!

   I have observed a lot of new places in Europe in just a week's time, here are few of the simple ones: 

- In the countryside of France, I enjoyed waking up to my peaceful high-rise and seeing how simple the days were there. Getting dressed to catch a cup of expresso and fresh baguette for the day. Later, enjoying a copious meal with vin and friends, followed by Trivial Pursuit or Life. 

- Barcelona had so much to offer with late-night Paella & Sangria, tons of beautiful architecture, and parties all night. - --- Finally, London where people never seem too busy to head to the park on a sunny day. 

     Though I have hit pits and peaks, I have learned to appreciate all that basks around me. Shedding away the small things helped me to see through to the simple pleasures. If there was anything I could take with me from this trip, it is the refreshed ability to see the true beauty of others, myself, and places that have been there all along.

- Jenn

"As you simplify your life, the laws of the universe will be simpler; solitude will not be solitude, poverty will not be poverty, nor weakness weakness." - Henry David Thoreau