From The Times

I thought this seemed typical British that we think of in the United States. From The Times Nature Notes:

An American robin has arrived in a back garden in West Yorkshire, and was still in Bingley yesterday. Last year at this time one was found in Peckham, South London, and three appeared in Britain in the winter of 1003-004, one of which was eaten by a sparrowhawk.
They only cross the Atlantic very rarely, but in America they are familiar birds in parks and backyards, and in spring and summer they hop around on the grass among the joggers in Central park, New York. Actually they are in North America all year round, but in the winter they tend to gather in large flocks and disappear in to swampy forests.
Because they have an orange-red breast and are trusting of humans, the early English settlers in America immediately called them robins, but in fact the are much more like blackbirds in their size and general demeanour. Both sexes have the red breast and greyish upper parts; the makes have a blacker head, especially in summer. Their carolling song has something of the timbre of our blackbirds' song, but with a more cheerful air about it.

Three most common brands

The three US businesses that you see everywhere are
Starbucks
Subway
KFC

They are everywhere.

British Museum

This morning I went started off searching for a nice breakfast place. I ended up heading down this street behind the hotel because I'd seen a pub on the map. The pub was a comedy club and closed. I kept walking and ended up at Camden Market.

It is this huge daily market that is partly indoors (a former stable) and outdoors and along the street and along the canal (Camden Lock) and and and. It was really huge and guess what? Really crowded.

There was a vendor with the most incredible donuts which I just had to have. That was it for breakfast food except a crepe vendor but he seemed to not want to serve me even though I stood there and stared at him for several minutes. He deliberately didn't pay me any mind.

I ended up going to the Mexican place because I had been wanting a burrito. It wasn't that great. Can't say that I've had a burrito with green beans and peas before.

My goal today was to get to the British Museum. I've got the Underground down. Oh, and by the way, I've also got the look left/look right thing down when crossing the street.

So, here's this week's "where's Jeff" picture.

I'm in front of the British Museum. The museum is really big. The center courtyard is beautiful. I guess the glass and steel roof is new (2000) but I don't know what it was before.

I did the famous permanent exhibits of ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome. Most of the pieces are out in the open and very accessible unlike US museums that keep so much out of reach.

The Greek Parthenon pieces are beautiful and kind of complete my trip to Greece this past fall. The Roman pieces weren't quite as invocative for me.

The stairs to the upper Greek/Roman exhibits have some absolutely beautiful mosaics.

I exited out the back door of the museum and had my weekly call with Mom. Then headed to get some coffee and muffin.

I left the coffee shop and considered heading back to the hotel when I passed St. George's Church with a sign that there was going to be an organ recital. So I went in. What a charming little church. The church had been designated a World Monuments Fund endangered site. A restoration funded by that organization along with a big donation from Paul Mellon has put the church back to its original configuration and color. It is truly beautiful.

The organ was not a pipe organ or anything special but it sure was nice just to sit and listen and enjoy. The church's website is www.stgeorgesbloomsbury.org.uk.

I did make it to the Freud Museum yesterday by the way. An eerie interesting place. Freud's analysis couch for his famous patients and his chair where sat are there. Along with his collection of antiqueties.

There was also an exhibition called 'Paranoia' set up throughout the museum/home. Some odd choices. Some disturbing.

A normal day

Thought I'd spend kind of a normal, non-tourist day so my big agenda was to get a haircut and buy a shirt.

I was going to label this entry 'going out to eat.' Getting something to eat while travelling is not the same as going out to eat as a social thing. Because I'm living in hotels and I'm by myself, going out to eat simply means getting a something to eat for the most part. There isn't really much of anythi social about it except occasionally.

I decided to have breakfast at the hotel. The hotel has kind of two levels and I got sat below an American couple. I did not want the buffet and it took forever for a waiter to come by to take an order.

I had brought reading material and had coffee so just sat and read. The wife basically read the entire newspaper to her husband and commented on every story. I think he may have said three words the entire time. I began to feel like I was the husband and had been married to this woman for 25 years.

I had seen on the hotel's map that the Freud Museum was in the neighborhood saw figured I would go there before heading downtown for haircut and shopping. The museum is in a residential area because it is in the house he lived in the last year of his life. I found it but it doesn't open until noon.

I decided to hop on a double-decker bus to get downtown. These things are great for site seeing and only cost £1 with my Oyster card. I had seen some men's barbershops near my first hotel and thought that would be the easiest.

Getting my haircut was the best therapy. It meant I was living here. I had been feeling so much out of tune and for some reason this made things click.

I then headed to Selfridges to buy a shirt with the gift certificates from Marlin. What an amazing store! It is a full block long. And a very long block. It is also 4 or 5 stories tall. I'm not much of a shopper but this store is beautiful. Every brand you could imagine and many I had never heard of are there.

I didn't last too long though. I had read that service in stores is not the same as back in the States. That could not be truer. You have to approach the service people. They do not approach you.

I debated about eating at Selfridges. There are more eating places inside the store than most food courts in an American mall. Instead I headed outside to find a pub or something. Ran into Cock and Lion pub. Had a delicious game pie with pies and chips (french fries). Also, two beers, of course.

The bartenders were nice and one was chatty. I don't know why but everyone knows I'm American right away! :-)

Update

My UK work permit arrived the other week. In order to activate it I have to leave the country and re-enter. So I'm going home for a day next week. I fly home on Friday and back on Sunday.

I miss my Frankie and Uno so it will so nice to see them. I also don't have enough shirts and it will probably be cheaper to fly to the United States and bring more of my own shirts back than buy them here. The sad part is that may be true with the exchange rate continuing to go down the tubes.

Second bit of news. I've located a flat to stay in and gotten agreement that I can. It is what is called a serviced-flat. In the US we would call it a furnished apartment. It also comes with cleaning service (once a week) -- or at least I think it does.

It is in a wonderful part of town and has big windows and has a modern design.

That's it for now. Tired. Been working working working.

Snow!!!!

It snowed last night. And enough to coat the trees, grass and even the sidewalks and streets a bit. I guess it is pretty rare these days for it to actually snow in London. There are palm trees in the courtyard of the hotel and they were covered in snow. It was great.

I switched hotels -- think I mentioned that. So it means I have a different "home" tube stop. I'm now at Swiss Cottage on the Jubilee Line. Turns out there is a Ye Olde Swiss Cottage restaurant/pub/bar/club at the station stop.

Went there for dinner tonight. Had a pork and apple cider caserole. It mentioned yorkshire pudding in the description but didn't seem at all pudding-like. It was kind of like a pot pie with the crust on the bottom instead of top. It was pretty good. I think it would make a Minnesotan happy.

Nothing really happened - finally

Pretty much a 'normal' day. So I'll share some pics I've taken.

Now here is how to park.Is this kinder than 'Yield' sign?

British television is all aglow over all the British actors and films that nominated for Oscars.

Success

I took the bull by the horns and invited the guys out for a drink after work. Five of us went to one of the local pubs and had a beer each. Finally!

A Gay thing - well, almost

In case anyone was wondering I did actually go to the 'gay' area of London. I went to Compton Street in Soho. It is much 'gayer' than Minneapolis..to say the least.

I was there early, too, and some of it was wild. There area isn't only gay. There are straight strip bars and the off-West End legitimate theatres are in the area.

No, I didn't meet anyone. And to be honest I didn't go in any of the bars. It was before 10pm and everywhere was just incredibly packed. The streets were packed, the restaurants were packed, the bars were packed, the Underground was packed. This city attracts millions of people. And most everyone is young.

I've noticed this on the Underground and just about everywhere. There are young people everywhere. You don't need to remind me that I'm old but this place really makes me feel old.

Tower of London

Today had to be the most touristy yet. I made it to the Tower of London which is what I had intended to do yesterday.

The Tower of London is basically what I would call a fortress. There are walls and a moat to keep out the enemy(ies) and buildings inside the walls. The main building is called the White Tower and was a castle and home to kings and queens at one point. However, the whole thing is known mainly as a prison and torture arena and head-chopping off place.

They un-earthed over one thousand victims of decapitation, torture, hanging, etc. when the chapel floor was pulled up for renovations and restoration. The famous and the infamous -- Ann Boleyn being one of the most known.

The tour guide was big on describing all the gory details. He was actually very entertaining.

In addition to all the political intrigue, the Tower of London is where the Royal jewels are kept and displayed. When you get to the room where the crowns and scepters are, there are two conveyor belts on either side of the glass displays that whip you past. Fortunately you can walk back to the front and take the conveyor belts as many times as you want.

The largest cut diamond is mounted in the Royal scepter. To say it is dramatic is an understatement.

Also on display is the Royal dinnerware. Not stuff you would find at your local department store. But I must say you could through some fabulous fondue parties with this stuff. And there's a gold punch bowl you could bathe in.

Near the Tower of London, which is on the Thames, is the Tower Bridge.

So here is the lates picture of me (bald?) with the Tower Bridge in the background.

Tough Day

I wasn't able to book my hotel for another week and now I'm having to move to another hotel on Monday. I was really hoping to avoid that.

I a big chunk of Saturday trying to connect to the internet from the hotel. It just wouldn't work and I ended up lugging my computer to the IBM London South Bank office. I was able to book the Marriott Regent's Park (it doesn't appear to be very close to Regent's Park though) for Monday.

Now I have to pack all my stuff up and get ready to move. I really am not going to receive any help from the IBM staff here so need to take action by myself.

Enough of the pity party.

I walked along the Thames on the South Bank side. Saw the Tate Modern (from the outside) and walked across the Millennium Bridge. From the bridge I could see the Old Globe theatre.

The Millennium Bridge crosses over at St. Paul's Cathedral/Church?? It is undergoing a cleaning and is pretty much wrapped in plastic. I had my stupid computer bag which weighs a ton and contemplated just going back to the hotel. I decided to look for the Post Office that according to my guide was around Trafalgar Square. Plus I wanted to see Trafalgar Square without the Russian Festival stuff in the way.

It is quite spectacular. The fountains were on and it was dark by the time I got there. I walked around the whole thing. Never did find the post office.

There are millions of people here and most seem to be sightseeing. Everything is crowded. It is rather amazing.

Free tour

Travel problems persisted into today. The weather really wrecked havoc. Ten people have been reported to have died from the wind knocking over trees and walls.

The trains were running only partially this morning. We were only able to go about two train stations and then had to board buses for the rest of the trip. I had left early anticipating the possiblity of problems but also because of deadlines at work.

The bus wended it's way to each station along the train line letting people off and on. I really got to see the smaller towns and some country. I would say 95% of the buildings are brick and the other 5% are stucko. Not a single wood-frame house to be found. Spade, you wouldn't have much work here if you were still building homes.

It is very very green because of all the rain since last year. They were actually in a drought and restrictions in some locations were just lifted this week.

Transportation

What a day! I was in a foul mood to start with. But I'm not going into that on this entry.

I catch the train to Welwyn Garden City (referred to by the locals as Welly) from King's Cross rail station. I get to King's Cross via the underground which stops at King's Cross/St. Pancrass.

This morning the power was out at King's Cross/St. Pancras so the underground wasn't stopping there. I was already on the underground when I found out. So I hoped off at Euston Road stop and climbed aboard a double-decker bus.

This was my first ride on one of the double-deckers. Turns out I only had to go a few blocks. I had figured it was close but it was raining and the wind was incredible.

I get to the train station and all the lights are out. I'm not sure I'll even make it to Welly. As it turns out my platform, 10a, is open and my train is running. However none of the automatic ticket machines are working. I purchase a ticket from an attendant and board my train.

We had another meeting with the client and we drove over to their office. A very short distance but the drive is not straight AT ALL. I got to leave the meeting early and WALKED back to the IBM office.

End of the day I seem to always cut it close to catch the train back to the city. Today was no different. I ran to the station only to find out the trains aren't running into the city. No explanation. The attendant didn't seem to know and even the announcer said it wasn't known.

So back I go to the street and catch a local cab to go somewhere. I suggested he take me to the closest Underground station. He didn't seem to think that was a good idea so we head into the city.

Traffic in isn't too bad until we get close and then it is just city streets. I see an Underground stop and suggest he just drop me off. We're up to £40 at this point. He thinks that is a good idea because going back is going to be a hassle for him.

Turns out we were pretty close and I was back at the hotel in a bit.

So today I got to ride the Underground, a double-decker bus, the train, a private car and a cab.

Pub and Fish and Chips

Finally went to a pub. There's a really small one close to the hotel. I worked late and really wanted a beer anyway. I ordered a bitters. Got a St. John's. And, everyone, it was served cold.

After all I'd heard about room temperature beer, it looked like all were served cold.

I then was going to go to my new favorite restaurant but there weren't any available tables so I headed across the street to Mike's Fish and Chips. Pretty good.

Laundry versus Shopping

Since I'm still at the hotel and I've been here over a week, I used the hotel's laundry service. This is something I haven't done in the 2 1/2 years of travelling for IBM.

Well, it is quite expensive (don't even do the conversion for crying out loud) but your clothes are returned to you as if they were brand new. Packaging and all. Peter and Duane, you'll be glad to know that Zumo Acres t-shirt looks fabulous in a plastic wrapper all folded and pressed!

On the train back tonight with Christopher from IBM I told him about the laundry service. I had also bought some underwear at Marks & Spencer, from now on known as M&K, and we determined that buying a three-pack from M&S was cheaper than getting three pair of underwear laundred.

Maybe I should just stay at the hotel. I'll get a whole new wardrobe out of it.

Work, work, work

It is only Tuesday and I feel like I've put in an entire week's work. Blimey.

Anyway, I did zoom back to The City yesterday to go to a documentary film screening at this restaurant I found last week. It was a documentary I had seen on cable about the United States electronic election process. I found it disturbing and upsetting when I saw and was curious to hear what the Brits had to say.

Turns out it was directed and produced by two British guys. There were a few Americans there and it was all very interesting. I did get to chat with the two guys and let them know that I had seen it and not on HBO which owned the rights.

It was so pleasant to talk to other people about other things than work. Not that the work guys aren't great but you know.

A wandering

Instead of hitting the tourist spots I thought I'd just go wandering. My intention was to wander around Picadilly and Chelsea. I never made it.

Instead I found the canal that begins/ends right next to my hotel at Edgware Road. I started down the path next to the canal. There are new highrise condos and retail. The canal path took me to Little Venice. Who new that London has a canal area where people live on these really narrow but long boats? Some are commercial - you can go out on canal excursions, there is at least one floating restaurant and even a floating puppet theatre.

I walked quite a ways then back-tracked to go on an adjoining canal to Regent's Park. Saw the 'backyards' of several amazing homes.

I reached Regent's Park and walked to St. Mary's Garden. There are still shrub roses blooming! There are also some flowering trees and shrubs blooming. The daffodils are coming up and there are even some crocus-like flowers (I think they called them Little Bo Peeps) flowering. This is crazy. I think it is early even for England.

It was a beautiful bright sunny day and that seems to bring out EVERYONE. It was a bit cool but pleasant.

I hopped on the tube with the intention of going to Oxford Circus station and SOHO. The BakerLoo line was having troubles so I switched to the Central Line. Oxford Circus has many exits all of which are about 3 feet from each other. Not confusing just a curiosity.

There was a sausage vendor and I had the most incredible need for a brat. Looked good to me and so I got one. I ended up with ketchup all over my hands. Thank goodness there are still public washrooms in London and I was able to get washed up.

I wandered around SOHO for a bit. I'd been walking for a couple of hours and was getting tired. I might end up with thunderous thighs and gargantuan glutes if I keep this up.

I called Mom from inside Carnaby, a shopping/entertainment/eating/drinking area in SOHO at Oxford Circus Underground station, for our usual Sunday chat. I then headed back to the tube and the hotel. I finally saw Marble Arch which I walked to my second night but never saw because I turned the wrong way.

Another 4 hours of walking and standing. A beautiful day with lots of people out and about.

More of the first tourist day

Here I am heading toward Westminster. Can you seen the famous landmark behind me?

I found a really lovely restaurant close to the hotel. Good food and very reasonable prices especially for London. It is also a club for foreign correspondents. That seems appropriate.

In case I haven't mentioned it, prices here are quite high and then when you convert to dollars, they are scary high. It isn't Britain's fault that the dollar is so weak but $2 for £1!

First day as tourist

Finally got to sleep in. Oh boy, that was nice.

The Russian Winter Festival was today in Trafalgar Square so I decided to use that as my kick-off. Took the underground via BakerLoo line. I entered at Edgware Station. So far that is the first station I've seen that is so deep you can only get to the platform by using a lift/elevator.

Trafalgar Square is enormous. Nelson's Column is the big monument there. The Russian Festival filled up the entire square. I got there in time to see the Gisele Dance Company. They do the tradtional Russina dances with a rather New York City Rockettes flair. Beautiful costumes. The last number is in their blue and white and is where their name comes from -- Russian pottery of the same color and name.

I did get a Russian beer from the drink tent. Nice to not have to be fenced in to one place to drink. You could walk around anywhere in the Festival area with your drink.

I went into the National Gallery and went through a few of the galleries. Yowser but there is a lot there. I'm not big on paintings but I do really like portraits and that was mostly what I saw. I think I'll do this museum in bits. It is quite large and free.

Got a bite to eat at a sandwich place then headed to Buckingham Palace. The flag was flying so does that mean the Queen was in? According to the movie, The Queen, I think that's what it means. No changing of the guard today as it is off-season. Looks like a nice place to live but wouldn't want the heating bill.

I then went through Green Park looking for Prince Charlies place. I got a bit off but I think I found it. There was a Royal guard with the black Q-tip hat on. Neat looking place. I took a picture with my camera phone but it was too blurry.

Headed across St. Jame's Park and on to Westminster. Saw the Clock Tower with Big Ben (the bell). Walked down Whitehall and saw 10 Downing Street and a great view of the London Eye (the big observation wheel). This got me back to Trafalgar Square.

I was pretty beat from the walking and standing.

As promised, here is picture of Harry Potter 9 3/4 Platform.

On the left

Not only do the Brits drive on the left but they also walk on the left. Up escolators are on the left. You can easily get bowled over if you're on the wrong side zipping through the underground stations.

Looking forward to the weekend.

I was able to book the same hotel for another week. And I got them to let me keep the same room. Big relief.

Long Days Work

So far by time here has been about getting to work in Welwyn Garden City. Then spending a long day at work. And then traversing my back to the hotel. The commute is taking about an hour each way with walking to/from stations, transferring from tube to train, etc.

Today was filled with meetings and had what I call a "Masterpiece Theatre" moment. In a room with about a dozen British, American, Indian and Irish men. Once the conversations starting rolling it was all about accents, odd phrasing and the un-known word. It seemed like I was watching a Masterpiece Theatre episode or perhaps "Eastenders."

I'm back at the hotel now and typing this on a British keyboard. There are keys in different places. All the alphabet are the same but there are special keys where I'm expecting the carriage return and other things like the British Sterling Pound symbol, £, is where the ampersand should be. I couldn't even find the ampersand and thought, @it has to be here. you need it for email addresses@ -- that's right. the @ is where the " should be.

I finally got a picture of the 9 3/4 platform at the rail station but I don't have anyway to upload it from this computer.

Delayed jet lag?

I didn't sleep very well last night and then ended up sleeping a bit late this morning. I've been kind of groggy most of the day.

Scott, actually heard someone say "gobsmack" on tv last night. It was said like an exclamation. For those who don't know, gobsmack means to slap your mouth. I guess it is something to say when you are surprised.

Saw an interesting sign this morning when I went the wrong way getting to the train station. "Mind the kerb." Everyone who's been to London and ridden the tube/uderground hears "Mind the gap" but I would never have expected "curb" to be spelled "kerb."

I still haven't done anything touristy. It has all been about work and getting to and from work.

Allowing Comments

I thought I had allowed comments but turned out I didn't. I changed it so anyone can add a comment. I have it set to moderated so I will be notified when you leave a comment.

Let the commenting begin. Also a good place to ask a question or add a recommendation.

jaa

Work day 2

I forgot to mention a new term I heard on the way over. The flight attendants asked that everyone with "wheely-backs" be sure to stow them properly. I guess that is the British term for roller-boards or the rolling carry-on luggage.

Speaking of luggage. Still no sign of my lost suitcase. It has my shoes and tax papers for 2006. News Flash: according to British Airways online baggage tracking service my bag has been found and transferred to delivery service. Hopefully it will be at the hotel when I get back this evening!

There was an article in one of the many papers about the whole luggage snaffu at Heathrow. I guess it started on Saturday. British Airways is promising to have it cleared up by Friday.

And speaking of newspapers. There seem to be dozens of different ones. And nearly everyone is reading them on the tube and train.

It is actually a bit brighter today and quite balmy. Supposed to rain, possibly heavily, tonight.

I guess I may have to break down and buy an umbrella.

First Day at Work

I made it to Welwyn Garden City fairly easily and to Roseanne House (IBM office). I actually passed right by Platform 9 3/4 for those of you who are Harry Potter fans. I will try to take a picture on my way back to hotel.

Martha, the directions were spot on for getting to Roseanne House from the train station.

I chatted with the project manager who is working from home today. Don't think there is much I can do without him around. You can read some frustration into that if you would like. No one to great me here. The receptionist is very nice.

It appears my IBM id badge is old. Hello, I've only been with the company a little over two years! Apparently it won't work over here. They are looking into getting me another I think.

Found out some more information on Welwyn Garden City. There are several "Garden Cities." They are planned communities created 20 or so years ago.