Back in London

After a long and relaxing holiday break in America, I have finally returned to London and of course my schedule is already jam packed! I do miss everyone already...especially these cutey pies:





A couple bits of exciting news since I've been back needs to be shared with all of you. The first exciting piece of news is that I received my placement for this term with the Shakespeare Globe. for those of you who don't know, the Globe is the replica theater in which Shakespeare produced most of his plays along the Thames. It burned down ages ago, but was rebuilt near to the original location in the 90s. They mostly produce Shakespeare plays, but have a variety of educational programming as well. It is set up as it would have been in Shakespeare's time where the peasants would stand as 'groundlings' in front of the stage. Today you can buy five pound tickets to stand for the show's entirety (which I've done...not fun).

The second piece of news is that my lovely boyfriend received Powerleague Assistant Manager of the Year 2011 from his company. He has only been working with them for nine months and was chosen from many other employees from about 45 different branches! I'm so proud that I had to brag a bit! He even got a trophy and certificate. We can't let his head get too big though!

The final bit of news is that after waiting about eight weeks since the auditions, I finally received word that I was cast as a dancer in the London 2012 Olympics Opening Ceremony. I haven't had the chance to perform in the longest time so I have to say I am so excited to be a part of such a huge performance viewed by billions of people worldwide. Not to mention, if the rehearsal process is anything like the auditions, it will be a seriously fun time...and a good workout! July 27th is the date, so make sure you turn on those TVs!

2012 seems to be off to a good start...let's hope it stays that way. I have big plans for this year. I know, London seems to be a big plan as it is, but now that I'm here and I'm in my second term, I really plan to work my butt off to make potential job connections (of course while trying to keep my income flowing with my current jobs). Figuring your life out post graduation is never easy but it's sort of exciting. I'm excited to see where this year leads me. Hopefully it will lead somewhere amazing!

I have to mention something funny that has been happening with me since I moved here and started working at the bar. I realized tonight how often it happens to me and I had to share. I wish I could film and assemble a montage of all the reactions I get when people first talk to me and hear my accent. Most of them ask me where I'm from (if it isn't obvious), but some of them just start guessing. And boy, have I gotten some good ones! Sometimes I will get Canadian, which is not unusual, but I've also gotten Italian, South American and Spanish (I got that one tonight). The most common that I get all the time is Australian. I can't tell you how many Brits think I'm Australian. This boggles my mind because to me a British accent and an Australian accent are close but I can tell the difference, and neither of them sound American. How can anyone mess up an American accent for an Australian? Especially a British person! The best reaction I've ever gotten was when I was serving some guy and he just says, "We don't get people like you around here...I feel like I'm in a movie or something." To most Europeans (and probably elsewhere in the world as well) America is what they see in the movies or on TV. More often than not, I am explaining what's realistic in films and what isn't. I loved when my Greek friend asked me if we had a "prom" for the last year of high school like in the movies, and if we really wore "those big flower things on our wrist." So many brilliant questions that I could answer all day long. I thought some of you may have enjoyed hearing those little instances I've had since being here. I hope there's more for your amusement!

Until next time...(or when I'm trying to avoid a school paper)!

First day on the job

Soooo….Saturday night was my first shift as a bartender. Not to mention, my first shift with Matt as my boss. It’s a 5-a-side football complex, but the reception/bar area can be rented out for parties. Last night I was serving a 24^th fancy dress (costume) birthday party. Talk about being thrown in the deep end. I was being trained by Matt but of course everything had a different name. Like everything had a splash of “lemonade” which is basically lemon and lime flavored soda or Sprite. Everything was “vodka lime and soda” or “vodka lemonade lime.” I was essentially learning all new drinks last night. One of the hardest parts was the hearing and understanding. For one, all of my friends will attest to the fact that I DO NOT have good hearing. I’m always asking them to repeat everything five times or saying “WHHHAAAATTT?” I’m so annoying, but I blame my mom’s side of the family. They never hear anything correctly. (Sorry Mom)! So try to imagine: me trying to hear these drink orders over the loud music AND in thick British accents…NO WAY! 

This is the complex where I work. That's Wembley Arena in the background where they hold tons of concert events.

Let’s also discuss how they rarely tip bartenders over here. It’s great for a night out because it’s a great money-saver, however, not so great when you’re the bartender. There were a couple generous (and drunk) men who would continue to leave their change with me as a tip…one in particular had the worst pick-up lines all night but some great tips. I misunderstood one of his drink orders and Matt made me pay four pounds of my tip money to replace it. Sad but I guess I had to learn. At the end of the night I was so excited to show Matt the money I had made in tips. I counted it up to show him and was feeling all proud of myself when he pulls out coins AND paper money all adding up to more tips than I earned! WHAT?! He then casually pulls a slip of paper out of his pocket and says, “Oh ya and I got some guy’s phone number.” So let me get this straight…he got more tips than I AND got a phone number. What gives? Apparently some guy dressed as a Mario Brother was telling him how he has connections and can get him anything he wants…whenever he wants for half the price! Uuuuhhhh what? It’s ok because I experienced one of the best chat up (pick up) lines ever dropped by a sketchy guy in a Jason mask. He told me, “You can’t be bought in a shop…that means you can’t be bought in a shop…because you’re priceless.” Huh? Oh ya because I’m American he had to explain what his crappy chat up meant….obviously. 

Another view of the complex with Wembley Stadium towering above. The short grey and green building on the left under the stadium is where the reception and bar area is located.

Matt and I were there until 2am cleaning up which was exhausting but at least we were together. So there you go, that was my first night as a bartender. Hopefully more adventures to come! I work Tuesday and Wednesday night this week bartending for sweaty, nasty footballers (it’s not what you think ladies).They are crude and ruthless (or at least that’s for who I’m preparing myself) Here goes nothing!

Anyone up for some night football?

London is a sauna!

 
Ok so I don't know what the deal is, but London has been in the 80s every day this week! What is up with that? Isn't it supposed to be cold and rainy? I'm not complaining except for the fact that I've resorted to wearing gym clothes everywhere because I did not pack normal summer clothing. Oh well. Since Matt had the day off yesterday we decided to spend most of the day at Regent's Park. We were cheesy romantic and rented a paddle boat where I stupidly allowed Matt to steer. We basically spent the half hour chasing ducks, geese and swans around the pond. He also paddled into low hanging branches that made perfect contact with my face. Awesome. After eating our packed lunch, we got ice cream and chilled out in the gardens of Regent's Park. It was such a relaxing day!

When we got back Matt made my favorite dish of his: Chicken Risotto. I never had risotto before he made me his specialty dish. He makes it with chicken stock, white wine, chicken, bacon, leeks and onions. We had it with garlic bread and feasted! I can honestly say his risotto is the best! I'm pretty sure nothing can compare! The picture doesn't do it justice because risotto will always be a mushy glob. If only I could give you a taste through this blog you would know! Ignore the picture's presentation as well...nothing special.

Ah today I finally set up a UK bank account. I've been putting it off but I finally did it. Awesome...a place where I can keep all the money I don't have. Super! And finally, tonight I start my first shift as bartender at the 5-aside football complex where Matt is Asst. Manager. Yes, Matt is going to be my boss. I'll let you know how long it takes before he fires me. The complex is called Power League Wembley. Tonight we are hosting a 24th birthday party at the bar with a DJ. I hope they are easy on me! :/ Wish me luck!