Londoner

As my plane departed through the transparent fog of the United Kingdom, I couldn't help but realize that I will one day live in the mecca of international culture. From the people I met to the rich history and architecture I truly appreciate London's heritage. The pride that each citizen has for their country is the strong fabric of their society. The British/English are eccentric in their ways yet have a mutual respect for one another through their historical roots.

Once a world superpower, they have remained patriotic and confident in their nation's prosper. I hope that one day when America unwillingly gives up our throne, we too will be prideful and remain passionate about one another and our great nation. 

I will miss London and will return as a Londoner soon! Until then I will just put THIS SONG on repeat...

Nocturnal Gallivanting

I don't know how the English do it? Alcohol must run through their veins at birth because they seem to always be syphoning down booze be it at a pub or nightclub, never suffering the massive hangovers that  torment us Americans. Remember the early days in college where one could be massively intoxicated and wake up the next day to go about their normal lives and do it all over again another night in a row! The English have this uncanny ability throughout their entire lives...black plague or black liver?

"Shots, Shots, Shots, Shots, Shots....Everybody" Instead of the song "I'm in Miami B%$&@" it should be called "I'm in London and if one more person hands me a shot of a sugary concoction I am going to..." Unfortunately they don't drink the wonderful firewater of Mexico - Tequilla. It has been quite the search for my beverage of choice and when I finally found some I was pleased to say the least, as can be seen in the following clip...

Also, instead of posting up at one club like we do in LA, they gallivant from waterhole to waterhole until the sun rises. Needless to say it has taken its toll on my American anatomy...

Forecast Uncertain

Whilst riding in the Eye of the London sky my view above the city was magnificent. Mother Nature's fury as I usually perceive it - in the form of a torrential downpour - began to engulf the sky. I will have you know as a California native, rain and I do not coincide. However, this weather pattern was different than any I had experienced.

As the drops trickled down the side of the window there was a calm and quiet feeling in the streets. No mental breakdowns over wet hair or the inability to operate motor vehicles...I was pleasantly surprised by how Londoners so easily adapted and embraced what I would usually consider a reason to stay inside.

Maybe we are supposed to appreciate the elements?

Captured this moment from the top of the  London Eye

Bond...James Bond

This city exudes a true "posh" confidence rarely found in the States. From their fashion to their exaggerated way of articulating even the most mundane of words the city is quite divided. Be it pretentious or another way of defining the blue-blood culture that still exists here, it is easy to detect the overtone of a caste system that can be found lurking in the nightclubs, restaurants, and shops around certain boroughs...

It is quite entertaining to observe the way the English (note they are not just "British") interact with one another according to rank and tradition. I believe my Gap Year experience or "Gap Yah" as you will see below has roots in the "Toffee-nosed" culture. It may be one of those you had to be here things but its quite hilarious.

I hope this isn't what I sound like...

Gap Yah Video 

(note "chunderred" means puke)

In other news...This city has the most amazing collection of museums that are federally funded making them FREE. Imagine, a government investing in the arts to enlighten their society??? The Tate Modern was quite "brilliant" and the Andy Warhol room was "reeeally reeeally wicked!"

Bad Things Come in Three

Despite my relatively smooth sailing on this trip, I've run into a few obstacles. Though, they attempted to ruin my day I got a good dose of endorphins on a run around Hyde Park and wine with a friend to snap me out of it.

Problem 1: I can't get an Indian Tourist Visa for 3 weeks...I'm not going to be anywhere before India for 3 weeks - arghh! Looks like I'm going to have to enjoy my curry while I'm in London...

Problem 2: My UK cell phone is broken, despite being out of the box for 2 days...it will take a week to fix - I'm not going to be in London for a week!

Problem 3: I-Pod is broken and due to the British obsession with everything American...I can't get a genius appointment for 5 days!

So where does this leave your Gyp-Setter? Instead of punching a hole in the wall of the Indian Consulate, I decided to ring up a friend, grab some wine and baguette, and lay in Holland Park for the afternoon. The park culture here is brilliant. From families picnicking to hippies in drum circles everyone seems to enjoy the simplicity of nature and people watching. Soothing for even the most frustrated traveler...

New Heights

Whilst storming the streets of London, heavy baggage in tow (note to self buy one of those four wheeled bags that support they're own weight!) I realized why I love this city so much. The charming people and architecture is infectious, not to mention the private gardens and sprawling parks throughout. As a "backpacker" well my version of, I felt welcomed along with the thousands of other foreigners who call this city their home.

I never realized just how international London is, to the point where I am shocked when the accent behind the counter is English. I presume that since the formation of the EU immigrants flocked to this thriving metropolis, which is an interesting concept as America is dealing with similar problems. Their social services I'm told are burdened by this influx. Socialized medicine, as exhibited here in the UK lacks quality and efficiency. Most are forced to pay out of pocket for a private physician in return for personal attention and services not offered by the national health care system. I hope that Americans don't find themselves in a similar situation with increased taxes and inaccessible healthcare...

On a lighter note, I found myself enjoying the multi-national presence...on the penthouse balcony of the Dorchester Hotel with the Shiek of UAE haha. From backpacking in the streets to sky high opulence this trip has just begun and it has already been a rollercoaster!

And so it begins...

As my journey commences - in the tail of a completely booked American Airlines flight to JFK (obviously sandwiched between two large passengers) - I can only imagine what lies ahead of me...

In the absence of comfort and familiarity, it is an interesting concept to live completely out of my element for the next year. This realization comes forth while my "noise-cancelling" headphones barely drown out the sound of toilet flushes and puking passengers. 

With planes, trains, and automobiles as my new home, I will assemble a new comfort zone within myself. At this point all I can do is take life day by day, hour by hour, minute by minute and try to realize why I'm doing this!?