Tis the Season

 

• For Ugly Sweater Parties.  Potentially my favorite part about the festive holiday season is a good sweater party.  Sadly, I did not have access to my Patti Wissehr creation from 1992.  (Side note: I can say this because I know that Patti's 1992 creations <<<<<< her 2011 creations.)  I had to settle for a throwback Mickey Mouse option.  Not my proudest moment.  Best sweaters of the night were purchased at Camden Market--see above--and included a purple one with an attached scalloped pink collar.  A la Church Lady.  Perfection.

• Every party has a pooper.  This party had quite a few.  How hard is it to find a colorful sweatshirt and throw some tinsel on it people?!  The creative French girl even wore a red leotard with sticky bows all over it because, being Parisian, she couldn't bring herself to buy ugly textiles.  Pure dedication.  Are we going to let the French outdo us?!  Apparently, yes.  Sacrebleu!

• 2nd favorite part about festive holiday season: Christmas markets.  London loves its Christmas markets.  So do the tourists.  Hyde Park Winter Wonderland = personal Christmas Hell.  Instead, Angela and I went to the Southbank Christmas Festival.  Twas magical.  There was also a chocolate festival happening next door.  This might have heavily influenced our decision. The marshmallows and mini-churros dipped in thick chocolate validated this choice completely.

Daylight, Consider Yourself Saved

• No but seriously.  It starts getting dark here at 3pm.  You think I am exaggerating.  I am not.  The above picture was taken sometime between 2-3pm.  Please note the setting sun.  Also, it remains dark until about 8am.  That's close to 18 hours of darkness.  Daily.  For all you math lovers, that leaves about 6-8 hours of daylight, on a good day.  These hours do not account for London's tendency toward general gloom.  Love me some London, but c'mon now.  Bring on the HappyLight.

• Somehow, I am able to persevere.  This is in no small part helped by the Christmas Season.  By Christmas Season, I mean shopping.  For myself.  Really truly had the best intentions of getting things for you all but, you know how it is.  One purse leads to another, and bank accounts get tight.  Thanks to the convenient royal wedding clearance at the souvenir shop down the street, some of you might be amongst the lucky few to be gifted Will & Kate commemorative plates.  Not the legit ones, but the ones where their faces look a little...fuzzy.  Only the best for my peeps.

• One place where I broke down and did buy some gifts: Liberty of London.  Simply put, it's four floors of amazing.  An entire department of stationary, another for scarves and purses.  They have an entire floor dedicated to fabric, sewing, decorating and everything that might be required to become Martha Stewart Jr.  I warn you, dearest brother-in-law, that when I take your wife here in April, there is a strong chance you will end the day significantly poorer.  But your suitcases will assuredly be heavier.  So there's that.

Posh Christmas

• Private clubs are for fancy people.  This is what I tell myself.  If one operates under this assumption, one can surmise the following: private club = posh, Katie + invitation = private club dinner, ipso facto, Katie = posh.  This surprises no one, I know.  Christmas dinner at the Sloane Club (say it with a British accent...more fun that way) was one of many posh engagements of my posh life last week thanks to Angela's wealthy (and generous!) family friends visiting this weekend.  There was steak and real Christmas trees and waiters with tails.  Sigh.  So much joy in one place.

• Notice the awkward half-laugh/smiles in the above picture?  Ever had an elderly person take a picture of you but instead of, "Say cheese!" they go for "Say sex!"  No?  Just me?  Well Angela was not used to these hilarious elderly hijinks either.  The Tillson Fam, on the other hand, is well acquainted with photographic stand-up, courtesy of our dearest matriarch Presh Tillson.  After a solid 15 years of being on the receiving end of this grandmotherly comedic timing, I was unfazed by Bill, our host's, attempts to illicit natural smiles.  All he got from Angie, though, was pure awkward.  Well played, Bill.

• Harrod's during Christmas is both exciting and incredibly depressing.  Exciting to see all the fancy things you can't buy and depressing to, well, see all the fancy things you can't buy.  Alas, the people-watching of tourists and locals alike oogling the trinkets is simply irresistible.  These are the kinds of people who walk into the Rolex suite (yes, it is an entire room) and buy something.  Like off the shelf.  "I'd like one Submariner please."  And no, that is not a sandwich.  But, not to fear, I was still able to somehow find a few items that I will be adding to my Christmas list.  They will be under the "A Girl Can Dream" column.

Bellydancing Birthdays

 

• Birthdays are an excellent excuse to spend obscene amounts of money (that I teeeechnically do not have...minor detail), drink heavily and just generally enjoy a night out.  This is made even more exciting when the restaurant involves eating at low tables and bellydancers.  They jingle.  They jangle.  They're fun for everyone!  Best part?  When you're the birthday girl, like Emily was, you get to get up with the bellies and have a little lesson.  This was incredibly entertaining for a completely different set of reasons.

• While I am very excited to enjoy my first Roberto's California burrito immediately after landing on the 14th, I have not been lacking in culinary options.  As previously discussed, Brits don't have a lot of quality traditional food.  What they do have, however, is an enviable ability to steal other people's quality traditional food.  Cultural larceny.  I love it.

• They seem to have no issue here with having a politically incorrect Christmas.  Christmas trees are on every corner (including campus buildings), all prix fixe restaurant menus are called "Christmas Dinner," and holiday music is played everywhere.  No need to tiptoe around by saying "Holiday Dinner" or "Holiday Celebration."  Oh no, the Brits embrace their Christmas and don't give a hoot about offending parts of the population.  The socially-conscious side of me worries about this but the Christmas-obsessed side of me wants December to last foreverrrr.

Strike That

• Despite their verbose tendencies, Brits can clearly cut to the chase.  Like during a strike rally protesting...capitalism?  But the "industrial action" involved thousands of public sector workers fighting planned changes to their pensions sooooo if they're going to misuse the term they should at least make the sign rhyme: "Capitalism, Schmapitalism" perhaps?  I should really start marketing this stuff.

• When thousands of protesters are streaming down a street in the middle of campus (where above photo was taken), it is a coincidentally convenient time to be discussing the Cuban Revolution in a Spanish language course.  Well played, Fidel.

• "damp squib" = fairly inflammatory/offensive Prime Minister speak for "fails to meet expectations."  Not so well played, David.

• Finishing the last paper of the term is proving to be...difficult.  Have a sneaking suspicion it too will be called a damp squib.  Bollocks.

Royal Opera

• Student budgets are not kind (see discussion re: pleather).  When invited to join a group of IR folk at the Royal Opera House for the bargain price of £48, my reaction was...dubious.  My highly cultured palette, however, overcame this financial obstacle and bought my ticket.  Epic.  Felt like Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman.  Minus Richard Gere.  And a spacious private box.  Oh and the whole prostitute thing.  Regardless! Well done me, indeed.

• One of my grandmother's best friends growing up was Anna Moffo.  Anna Moffo went on to become one of the most successful lyric-colorata sopranos of her generation.  Presh always tells stories of how "Anna Moffo sent me this ____ when she was living in ____" or "When Anna Moffo and I were in high school together..."  She loves her some Anna Moffo.  So imagine my excitement when whose picture should I pass in the hallway of the Royal Opera House?  None other than Anna Moffo of Wayne, PA.  Sadly, did not have my camera on hand.  Drat!  Will be sure to regale Presh with the story in December.  She will be so proud of her Anna.

• I want nothing more than to have dinner at one of the posh ROH restaurants.  From what I can gather, you go before the show and have your appetizers and main course.  THEN! You get all kinds of fancy and order various desserts, coffee, etc to be served to you at the multiple intermissions.  Best of all, you get to sit there with your deliciousness while everyone else scrambles to order amongst the crowd at the bar.  I will make this happen for myself.  Might have to play up the Anna Moffo connection.  Solid plan.

69 is the New 99

• Going to brag for a moment: In America, a 69/100 is pretty rough.  That's like a D+.  No bueno.  In England? 69% is 'Very Good'--just below 'Distinction.'  As a graduate student, Distinction is essentially the best you can hope for, short of publication.  So getting a mark of 69 on my first formative essay (entitled 'Geopolitics in a Globalized Economy') warrants a solo dance party in my room.
• Chances the first paper is graded slightly easier?  High.  Chances those chances will dampen my well-done-self-party spirits?  Minimal.
• If anyone would like a signed copy of the aforementioned paper, please have your people get in touch with my people.

Rebel Bingo

• Rebel Bingo is sweeping the world.  1 part old folk bingo, 1 part body art, 1 part dance party, 12000 parts fun.  It's a traveling party sensation and will undoubtedly be coming to a city near you.  Not for the faint of heart, however, as the number calling is...festive.  Prepare yourselves for such gems as: "On Tuesday's my nipples lactate, 48!" or "I like it on all fours, 44!" Now imagine that being said with a British accent.  Can't. Get. Enough.

• Seeing typically stone-faced peers with colorful art and phrases on their necks/faces/arms is, well, amazing.  These are the same people who you've seen debate feminism as a critical theory and are now cheering to the above number calling.  The level of boredom associated with them in my mind has been significantly reduced.  Well done Bingo.  Well done.

• Some of said folks still need to embrace deodorant.  Sorry.  It had to be said.

• Lace bodysuits are not only accepted as appropriate attire on the streets of London, they are greeted with admiration.  While bodysuits + me = NO, I have learned to recognize their usefulness in terms of one's status as generally awesome.  Dear Malaysian Rachel, you are awesome.  Love, Katie.

 

Giving Thanks

• Definition of a London Thanksgiving: happening on a Sunday, in a flat belonging to a French girl, with boxed potatoes and a turkey cooked by a Canadian.  Result: pretty darn good alternative.  Minus the potential for E. coli as seen in the above picture.  Apparently Canadians prefer their turkey served rare.  Good to know.

• Thanksgiving bonus: visit from a DC bestie, Mr. Will.  It's pretty nice to have a little piece of my second home here in London.  Although he is too cool to read my blog, I am going to call him out anyway.  Thanks for flying all the way out here or something...

• Observing a family of American tourists wearing Packers jerseys in Covent Garden elicits the following feelings: embarrassment (for them), embarrassment (for me and my fellow London Amurcans), more-than-slight twinge of sadness at missing home.  Just seems mildly sacrilegious to spend the day operating as usual.  

• In response to the above sacrilege, Mr. Will and I will be attending our 3rd Fauxgiving this evening.  At a pub.  With many Brits in attendance.  Fingers crossed that irony will not be the only delicious thing to enjoy.

Six Months Later

There are no good-byes, where ever you'll be, you'll be in my heart. ~ Ghandi

• Sometimes it's really nice just to think about Dad and what he would say or do in a given situation, the kinds of things I would be telling him about London, the things I would pay extra special close attention to in class so I could feel smart when talking to him, the pictures I would show him, the stories I would tell him.  My list usually gets pretty long.

• The shock of suddenly remembering he's not here anymore still hits me at random times. 

• Six months sometimes feels like a day and sometimes like an eternity.

Katie-ology: Fresh Insight Into Myself

(feel free to print this picture as an 8x10 and have it framed)

• I am the most productive while procrastinating.  If I want an immaculate room, glittery nails, or fresh laundry, I just need to sit down to write an essay.  Works like a charm.

• I know nothing about finance/investing/stock markets.  This makes being the co-Head Analyst for the LSE Investment Society's Virtual Fund slightly difficult.  This is probably a position I should have turned down.  This is a case in which hindsight is not necessary.  This is an example of immediately recognizing poor judgement and yet continuing down the wrong path, despite a pretty significant potential for future public embarrassment.  This is a Katiefail.  Well done me.

•  I will never tire of the internet.  It is an addictive time warp.  There should be a 12-step program.  First step, admit you have a problem.  Second step, close your browser.  Third step, move to a location where there is no WiFi.  These are all easier said than done.  Just ask my 2500 word essay that currently has juuuuuust over 200 words.  Including quotations.  Solid evening ahead.

Prague-xhausted

• Prague is an amazingly beautiful and picturesque city.  So much to do and see...and drink and eat.  Somehow, despite the frigid temperatures, we were successfully able to imbibe enough beer/food to inebriate/fill a small village.  Still recovering.

• Staying just 5 minutes away from the Old Town Square is perfect: walking distance to just about everything and all for a bargain price.  I highly recommend airbandb.com for anyone interested in staying in a flat as opposed to a hotel/hostel/under a bridge.  Not so great for London deals but seems reasonable for a lot of continental locations.

• Having a return flight at 6am Monday morning (3am wake-up call) is rough.  And by rough I mean ROUGH.  Especially when Mondays are filled with a dry compulsory class lecture and the worst seminar in the history of mankind.  This is not helped by the desire Sunday night to "finish the vodka so we don't waste it."  In retrospect, this was a poor choice.

• Czech folk love their cigarettes.  They love them morning noon and night.  They love them so much that they decided to send a WHOLE BUNCH of smoke back with me as a souvenir.  Opening my suitcase was like walking into a stale humidor.  Really helped with the Monday morning recovery issues. 

Maybe Avoid the Sushi Bar, Sir...

• Another night, another controversial Grimshaw speaker.  Tonight's guest was Akhmed Zakayev, the Prime Minister in exile of the Chechen Republic of Ichkeria.  He had some interesting, if a bit biased, things to say about Russia's involvement in Chechnya including this little gem: "Russians say that there's now stability in Chechnya, but that's far from the truth. Intense bombing has been replaced by a regime of fear and oppression."  He's not one for filtering his comments.  This modus operandi did not end well for Akhmed's biffle, Alexander Litvinenko, who was poisoned (by Boris and Natasha?) at an Itsu sushi bar in 2006.  Best to keep your risk arterial Akhi and stick to McDonald's...

• Speaking of avoiding American traditions, packing for a trip here is on a whole other level.  For my WizzAir flight tomorrow to Prague, I get ONE carry-on bag, not to exceed 10kg (22lbs).  I typically travel with 10kg of hair products sooooo...this should be fun.  Praha, už jdu!

Mini Pork

• As much as I love England, sometimes it's a struggle to defend my adopted home regarding certain cuisine options.  Case in point: mini pork cocktail sausages.  For sale.  35 of them.  In a bucket.  To share.  The saddest part is that even the Brits recognize a poor market choice when they see one--this bucket of fun had been reduced to the bargain price of 54p.  Prices like that might conjure images of fourth meal (<3 you ADPi!) but I have a feeling that even significant inebriation would not excuse the mini pork. 

• 'Amurica, while slightly superior in food options, is seriously inadequate when it comes to language exposure and education.  In junior high and high school, I took Spanish.  6 six years of it.  Thought I was pretty baller.  Took another 2 quarters of German at UCLA.  The only thing I remember: Die uhr ist kaputt.  Then I come here, to a place filled with Europeans who speak at LEAST 3 languages.  Fluently.  Claire, from Paris but whose parents are Italian and Russian, went to an English school outside the city and then to university in Switzerland.  Count that: French, Italian, Russian, English, German.  5.  Freaking.  Languages.  Fluently.  She can go almost anywhere in the world and be able to communicate.  Fluently.  And here, Claire is not unique.  These are the people with whom I am competing for jobs in the international market.  Stoked about it.  

• Also stoked about the crazy intense next few weeks.  Please note the sarcasm in that sentence.  Aside from my trip to Prague this weekend (I know!), I will be taking up residence in the  cruise ship library.  Not surprisingly, it has begun to lose its luster.  More work = more time in library = more people in library = dirty library.  Yesterday, there were used socks under my study desk.  I did not take a picture of these but you are welcome to use your imagination.  Yep.  Gross.  But I kicked those bad boys aside and persevered.  Gotta get ahead on stuff so I am ready for Mr. William Stoetzer's big arrival in 10 days!!!!  No one likes a hermit host...

Fall Faves

• Bibimbap = signature Korean meal.  It's essentially a hot stone bowl filled with a mixture of rice, vegetables and meat.  Three of my favorite items in life.  When you hold the rice to the side of the bowl for a few seconds, it becomes crispy.  Only burned my hand once.  Winning.

• Radical temperature drops are alarming.  Just last week I was wearing dresses with a cardigan and sometimes tights.  Now?  Not so much.  Thanks to my biffle, Fall, London is about to get down to business.  I embrace this as I do all things fall-related.  Namely, via clothing.

• Fall = cold = cold-weather clothing = my gorg wool coat and precious rain jacket (thanks Aunt Dana & Lil!)  I will also be employing my lovely aubergine rain boots, which when worn with said rain jacket, have been known to create a slight Barney resemblance.  If you have read this far into the post, I salute you and will reward you with a picture of the "Karney" monster soon.

True Fans

• No tailgate is complete without a beer bong.  Sorry Mom.

• Apparently no British Rugby tailgate is complete without a few men in wigs and skirts.

• While they caught on to our method quite easily, said men-in-skirts (they probably had a name...can't quite remember...) prefer to drink their beer upside down.  Out of a cup.  Oh and those undergarments?  Just his "lucky pants."  You know.  No big deal. 

•  Sign you need new lucky pants?  When your team loses 6 tries to 4.  (And yes, I already knew what a "try" was before Google had to...remind me.)

You Win Some, You Lose Some

• Not everything goes according to plan.  Just found out I didn't make it to the next step in the Presidential Management Fellowship application process.  Looks like those consulting firms just got bumped up a notch in the old "I need a job after graduation" options list.  Might be selling my soul after all...bummer.

•  Gyms here are quite expensivo.  You either have the option of joining the campus gym with no classes but plenty of stank OR pay obscene amounts for zumba, spin and clean air.  As a treat to myself, I just might opt for the latter.  Courtesy of my federal student loans.  Take THAT US Government!

• My Spanish skills are equivalent to those of a third grader.  While this was a slightly depressing realization, it also makes me that much more excited to start my intermediate Spanish class this afternoon.  I plan to use this renewed language knowledge to help illegal Mexican immigrants cross the US border.  Over.  And over.  And.  Over again.

Too Legit to Quit

• First official set of business cards can make you feel pretty legit.  In the fancy, "I have no one to actually give these to" kind of way.  Were they necessary?  Absolutely not.  Are they still amazing?  Nooooo question.  Currently in the process of ordering an equally necessary/amazing business card holder.

• Having a set of one's own graduate student business cards can inspire heated jealousy amongst one's peers.  Starting trends left and right.

• "suspenders" = a type of typically risque lingerie, not to be confused with "braces" = a slightly less exciting trouser-suspending device.  This confusion could lead to awkward smiles from the middle-aged Marks & Spencer salesman.

Bringing Halloween to the Brits

• Memo To London: having only ONE Halloween shop in your city lends to a less than spectacular holiday for your poor little residents.  Say, for instance, one wanted to be a ladybug and one needed a small little pair of wings.  This person might have been willing to pay mmmm £15 for said wings.  Sadly, however, your ONE Halloween shop wanted to charge her £35.  £35!!!! For a useless, half broken pair of wings!!!! Absolutely criminal.  Party City, you are sorely missed.

• Not to fear, good old fashioned Amurrican creativity can save you from heartless British costume tyrants.  For a grand total of £11, some H&M suspenders and taped glasses can go a long way.  

• As you might have guessed from the presence of ONE costume shop in London, Brits aren't really known for their Halloween "do's."  When they do dress up, it leans more toward scary than slaggy.  This means that the American students cannot put on a black nighty and pointy hat and say "I'm a witch, duh." No, last night many Americans showed their respect for British culture by embracing the full mini-skirt option.  We'll just chalk it up to some lingering anti-imperialist resentment.

Poor Man's Britney

• 2011 Britney Spears < < < < < 2003 Britney Spears.  No, this is not new knowledge, per se, but it took seeing it with my own Spears-apologist eyes to finally admit that our dear Brit is no longer the same Britney "I Throw Down and OWN the Stage" Spears of yore.  Her dancing, what little of it occurs, seems to be happening in a sea of molasses.  And by molasses I mean anti-psychotics. 

• Groupons exist here too.  (Mom: Groupon is like on online coupon--for groups.)  When you have the chance to purchase tickets for BSpears (in whatever shape she might be) for £15 purchase them. Every time.

• It is convenient to enjoy something someone recommends.  The alternative involves way too much awkward smiling and nodding.  For instance, when a new friend says "Oh I am in a band with my buddy! Check out this site to hear our music," certain people might become nervous that this band might be less "enjoyable" and more "Insane Clown Posse."  When the band, however, turns out to be quite good everything just seems more...convenient.  Honestly saying "Loved that song!" is infinitely better than lying.  Not that I would ever do that.

Embrace the Pleather

• Sometimes, whilst on a student budget, one must relinquish one's attachment to foundational social norms and do the unthinkable--embrace the pleather.  Aside from my ever-loving sister, everyone has been quite supportive of this life choice and will undoubtedly follow suit.  PETA will likely be issuing a public thank-you any day now.

• Always bring water with you when you are presenting in class.  Especially when you have a hacking cough similar to the black lung.  Health code violations aside, being sick in front of people is just awkward for everyone involved.  Water can help to mitigate those concerns so you should probs have it on hand.  The presentation might still go well but you will always be the girl who coughed up a lung during slide 7.

• Friday classes are no good.  No good at all.  Some people (like moi) have the forethought not to enroll in them.  Other friends...not so much.  This means these sad folk are faced with the dilemma of missing class or paying an exorbitant amount for a flight that will cut out a full day of travel.  Yes, we are here to study, but part of any graduate experience is getting out to explore all the area has to offer--culturally, architecturally, socially...the list goes on.  So Prague is booked for Nov 11-14.  Looks like some friends might be missing class...

Suite Life

• When friends are in London for work, ALWAYS take them up on their offer to go out for dinner/drinks.  This can lead to a fancy meal courtesy of Gibson Dunn/Fox Searchlight, followed by even fancier drinks at the Soho Hotel.  Oh and did I mention that Annie's 2 BR/2 bath suite had a LIVING ROOM?!  Note to self: embrace the private sector.

• New discovery: Primark.  Imagine Forever 21 on steroids.  Amazingly cheap and, after some focused searching, one can find some quality items.  Frontrunner for new favorite store.  Minor setback: everyday is Black Friday at Primark.  It's a tourist hotspot and we already know enough about those tourists to know that they don't mess.  If you do not step away from their desired pleather jacket, they will cut you.  As Sarah stated, there will be battle gear needed for future trips.  And yet, totally worth it.

• As my teacher friends will likely second, systems are your friend.  Prior to this weekend I had been operating under the strict policy of organized chaos.  There might be multiple piles of syllabi, notes and readings on my desk and bookshelf but I knew where to find the important stuff!  Needless to say, that system was...failing.  Did a little backwards planning (oh hey TFA!) and decided on a course of action.  2 hours, £25 and a broken hole punch later, I have a new system.  It involves highlighters, color-coding and a pink stapler.  Success.

Private > Public

• Unlike UCLA's 'dry campus' policy, alcohol at virtually every event on campus is the norm here.  But wait, it gets better.  Thanks mainly to our hefty tuition fees, department functions, like the IR cocktail reception pictured above, involve free alcohol.  Lots of it.  Private school FTW.

• That being said, there is a time and a place for heavy drinking.  LSE events where professors and thesis advisors are present?  Probably not one of them.  Maybe this should be communicated in memo form to certain attendees regardless of place of origin. *cough*Jersey*cough*

• Apparently it's considered appropriate to celebrate the recent death of a dictator by including pictures of his corpse at the beginning of your seminar Powerpoint presentation.  It was aggressive and sudden and completely unnecessary.  NOT your #1 fan, awkward MSc Global Politics student from Ohio.

• New dessert discovery to celebrate a friend's placement as a Parliamentary intern: dough balls with Nutella.  That's right.  They serve Nutella in restaurants here.  As in, they bring it to your table. Like a teeny little cup of heaven.  Why thank you, London.  Don't mind if I do.

Journalist or Traitor?

• The Grimshaw Club (weird name, I know) is the student society for LSE's International Relations Department--and the oldest society on campus.  It's known for two popular activities: planning IR-themed trips throughout the world and hosting speakers and panel discussions.  David Loyn, BBC's international development correspondent and Taliban "insider," spoke last night about his experiences reporting on Afghanistan and how he leveraged his 1990s relationships with Taliban commanders for interviews post-9/11.  After the BBC aired Loyn's interview of a major Taliban leader in 2006, defense secretary Liam Fox called Loyn a "traitor." [Side bar: Fox is currently having some problems of his own and I encourage you to investigate via our friend Google as the whole issue offers some nice insight into the often inflammatory nature of British politics--not unlike home!]

• As someone who is less than interested in the Middle East (scandalous!) I found his experiences to be surprisingly fascinating and quite insightful.  He had a lot to say about the ways in which the US and England made poor choices, often cultural, in their approach toward involvement in Afghanistan but he also had suggestions on steps to take that might improve relations and lead to a more stable environment.  All in all, I came out smarter.

• Loyn also showed some maps and pictures of the Afghan terrain.  Despite my *VAST* knowledge of Afghanistan, I had no idea the extent to which virtually impenetrable mountainous regions cover the area and how those mountains transform the country into a chessboard of strategic positioning for both our troops and outside interests (like China).  Wouldn't mind hearing Scott Tillson's views on this--after he finished laughing at my serious lack of topical knowledge, of course.

• Along those lines of intellectual stimulation, "sluts" here are called "slags." You're welcome.

Articulate!

• Apparently, Brits love their board games.  Case in point: Articulate!  It's like Taboo without the exciting buzzer but with an added element of charades. 

• Language barriers take on a whole new meaning when you have a Danish guy trying to describe "bannister" to a Brazilian girl, without actually knowing what the word means.  I learned some colorful words from a few languages during that round.

• When gathering a group of slightly aggressive competitors (graduate students, for instance) for game playing, one should remind everyone that games are played for FUN and do not need to serve as proof of strategic superiority.  I will not EVEN address the realist vs idealist balance of power debate that somehow worked its way into the game.

• Night buses are my friend, especially the N8.  Nothing like knowing the bus schedule to make you feel at home.

Death by Job Fair

• Ancient Rome had gladiator battles and the Colosseum.  London has job fairs and conference rooms.  Seriously. 

• When you walk into one, you literally feel like you have to throw down with the aggressive undergrad to your right in order to talk to anyone.  I mean I have been to job fairs before, sure, but this is England!  Home of high pinkies and cucumber sandwiches!  I guess I had imagined a quiet tea party with classical music playing in the background. This is...not the case.

• I have now been to 3 of these fairs, with promises of meeting representatives from consulting firms, NGOs, MNCs, etc. Yes, you meet people but, 9 times out of 10, they have no more information for you than what's already on the firm's website.  And you can rest assured that, despite significant time spent developing good questions and picking out the best outfit, not a single rep will remember your name.

• Still, it is possible to narrow down a list of companies by paying attention to things like the types of representatives they bring (ie recruiting staff vs. actual consultants...), how scripted answers tend to be, and how they answer idiotic questions like "What is an MBA?" Not a joke. I witnessed this.  It was unfortunate.

• More unfortunate: international body odor.  You think I'm kidding.

A Little Taste of Home

• Care packages filled with some of my favorite things from home are an AMAZING way to end my week, even when the gossip is outdated :)  Thanks Sarah!!

• Feelings about the US and Americans in general fall on a wide spectrum here on campus.  There are people like my new German friend Alex who announces upon meeting me that he LOVES America, eventually wants to live/work/procreate there, and happily proposes marriage to most American women. (Don't worry, I declined.)  On the other hand, there is a Dutch girl in my Conflict and Peace Studies class who announced yesterday that American-dominated interventionism in third party wars and conflicts unquestionably results in mass genocide and war profiteering.  Needless to say, she will probably not be having American babies anytime soon.

• Speaking of fun things like genocide, I am starting to narrow down my thoughts on a possible dissertation topic.  I am considering something along the lines of "the role of education in sustainable peacebuilding/statebuilding within fragile or failed states, mainly in sub-Saharan Africa."  I've tailored my course choices in a way that should help with some of the initial research and exposure to material.  I will undoubtedly change my mind another 3-4 times so I will keep you all posted on the oh so fascinating world of thesis research.

Iron and Wine

• Iron and Wine is an American musician named Samuel Beam.  In my highly musically-educated opinion*, he is fantastic and his live concert is not to be missed.  In fact, if you would like watch a video of my thoughts click on the last video in the link below:

 http://www.winkball.com/walls/GhbNV4ylE6Js/iron-and-wine-at-shepherd-s-bush-empire

• Yes, my London video debut could have seriously benefited from some professional training courtesy of my dear seester.  Needless to say, I should not give up my day job.

• This is going to be a tough year, academically.  Yesterday was my first seminar for our compulsory course and while there is a wide range of backgrounds/skills, I am definitely not coming in as the most knowledgeable.  Far from it.  Following a somewhat lengthy initial panic attack, I have started to settle into a good schedule of reading, study groups and class.  Starting to breathe normally again.
  

• This is also going to be a FAST year.  Gotta focus on enjoying every moment.

*I know absolutely nothing about music.

Medicinal Starbucks

• Sometimes the usual "white cafe Americano" just doesn't cut it.  Maybe it's a little bit of homesickness.  Maybe it's just the lack of any kind of coffee creamer in London(!).  But occasionally there are moments in our lives when a Starbucks skinny vanilla latte is simply necessary.

• I have a feeling that those moments are going to be strategically occurring on future Sundays spent reading for 6 hours at the library.  Don't worry, that wasn't today.  Today I spent 7 hours there.

• Canada has a Thanksgiving too!  But no need for silly trappings of delicious meals and over-indulgence!  Instead, let's go to the Maple Leaf, "a small piece of Canada in London," for half-priced drinks!  It will make getting up early for your hours of studying tomorrow SO much better!  No?  It didn't?  Blame Canada.

New Library Home

• LSE professors have an interesting way of assigning reading.  Rather than require specific chapters or pages, they prefer to say things like: "Week 1 Required Texts - _____, _____, ____, ____, ____.  Week 1 Highly Recommended Texts - ____, ____, ____, ____, ____, ____, ____, ____, ____."  This is usually accompanied by my personal favorite: "Have a general understanding of the following texts."  So basically, know everything. Got it.

• Hence, meet my new home, the LSE Library.  Looks like a cruise ship, right?  Wrong.  It's more like the Titanic of studying.  Everything seems smooth and lovely--until you hit the iceberg of reality.  Boom.  Welcome to Week 2.

• Study groups are key.  They keep you on your toes as far as reading in a timely fashion because you don't want to be dead weight AND they ultimately lessen the reading load.  Love this.

• 1 year masters courses require almost immediate attention to job hunting for next year.  Hate this.

And It Begins...

• The "first day of school" excitement continues well into adulthood.

• The best way to lead into said first day is to enjoy beautiful weather through picnicking, exploring and, of course, pedal boating along the Serpentine in Hyde Park.

• Taking courses that interest you is exciting: International Politics, International Institutions, Conflict and Peace Studies, and Political Economy of International Trade.  This is in stark contrast to, say, "Methodology of Teaching Science."  Shout out to American University Eagles!

• Picking out a first day of school outfit is an incredibly important yet challenging task.  It is a STRUGGLE without the input of fashionable roommates. 

Beautiful Borough

• Borough Market on a Saturday morning is intense.  Lots of people, lots of smells--good and bad.  Despite my aversion to crowds, it was such a wonderful way to spend my morning.  Walked along the Thames and crossed Millennium Bridge into south London, enjoying the beautiful weather, and bought some delish items.  Sadly, no flowers.

• Adjacent to Borough is Southwark Cathedral.  It's a quiet, surprisingly empty escape from the hustle of the market.  Me, myself and I really enjoyed our alone time there.

• Tourists don't mess around.  You think you're getting an early start at 8:30 but you've got nothing on the tourists.  They have already circled the city in a double-decker bus.  Twice.

Window > Queen Bed

• This is the window in my room at Grosvenor House.  Upon arrival, I ignored this window and focused only on my desire to trade my room with single bed for one with a double.  Then I saw some of the other rooms.  Yes, they had double beds but their windows were approximately the size of a ship's porthole.  I gain quite a bit of happiness from sitting at my desk under the window.  As you can see, the window is huge and opens to the point of being semi-dangerous.  I have therefore deduced that in this situation, window > queen bed. (#whitegirlproblems)

• In an absolutely RIVETING conversation with a self-described hipster music aficionado, I learned the following: "hipster coating" is something that the "bro" population uses to turn their "bro" music into "hipster" music.  See "dub step" vs "bro step." This new friend was very offended that I didn't already know this information.  Alas, I still don't care.  Sorry about it.

Picnic in the Park

• Russell Square Park for a picnic with new friends is a great way to spend an insanely beautiful London day.

• You can openly drink alcohol in public places as long as you are not an annoying fool.  This de facto rule extends to walking down the street with alcohol.  Like Vegas but with less...Vegas.

• Red Solo Cups are considered a symbol of "proper" American parties and are in high demand for many London gatherings.  These cups are not sold in here so you have to order them online.  Because they're that exciting.  Red Solo Cups.  Fascinating.

• Malaysian food is a combination of the major ethnic groups found there: Indian, Chinese and Malay.  This makes for a delicious dining experience IF you have someone who knows that they're doing.  I ended up with a nubby squid-like creature in my bowl of soup.  Aside from that new friend, our group made some good dish choices.  Delish!

Diddy Reese: London-Style

• I've found heaven.  It's called Ben's Cookies in Covent Garden.  For those LA folk, imagine Diddy Reese on crack.  For everyone else, just imagine crack.  The good kind.

• When the weather is nice, everyone is happy.  It's supposed to get into the mid to high 70's this week.  I went shopping to celebrate.  So happy.

• "Chavvy" = trashy.  We learned this during our trip back in April.  "Pikey" also = trashy but, more specifically, low class folk/gypsy types, i.e. Lindsay Lohan.

Rain Rain Go Away

• It rained today for the first time since I moved here.  I was expecting a chilly London, filled with scarves and hot cocoa and Wellingtons.  What I got was a mildly-warm, humid London, filled with sweaty tourists and soggy Toms.  Oh rainy London.  You are tricky. Verrrry verrrry tricky.

• "Take-away" prices are drastically less than "eat in" prices.  Even for coffee.  That being said, no one at Cafe Nero questions you if you get an Americano in a to-go cup and then proceed to sit at the table and use their free wifi.  Huzzah.

• People in my IR program are stressful.  As in they stress me out. To. The. Max.  Constantly asking questions on the course discussion board about things like registering for classes.  We are not supposed to sign up for classes until Thursday, which is what I confirm after scouring the LSE site for almost two hours this morning in a vain attempt to register for these imaginary classes.  Must learn to tune out these crazies.

• In French, you say numbers as a mathematical equation: 74 is not said as "seventy-four" but as "sixty plus fourteen."  Apparently the 80's are even better: 84 is "forty times two, plus four," or some such nonsense.  Those Frenchies.  Craziness.

• Michael is severely allergic to bees and should never walk in the grass without shoes again.