I’ve been noticing the differences between Londoners and Chicagoans. The one that always sticks in my mind is “whilst”. I’ve never heard an American say, “whilst” anything. I have no idea why that interests me, but it does.
I’m still shaking out my schedule a little bit, it generally takes me a few days to get really localized, but I’m pretty good today. Since I’m here working, I didn’t really have much of a chance to ease into anything. Just woke up the first morning and go-go-go.
Fortunately, my hotel is nice, with great wireless access. I’ve been able to “call” my wife easily (thank you, Skype!!) and for free. I did call once on the actual phone, and you know, Skype sounds better! I really do love travel in the modern age.
Getting here was a real hassle though, because the tube line that would be direct is closed in the middle due to the bombings. I didn’t notice people being more spooked on the tube, but I must admit, it crossed my mind when I was riding. I’m not sure if that’s because I’m an American, blasted by the media into an irrational fear of terrorism, or if it is because the bombings here were just so recent. Either way, I did notice a very pronounced police presence around the tube stations which have never been there on any previous trips to London.
I’ve started a new Flickr gallery for this trip, although, I didn’t bring the “good” camera, since I wanted to travel light. And it is a working trip (for now) so I wouldn’t expect any brilliant images, at least whilst I’m working.
So, if anyone out there has any suggestions for places to eat or evening things to do, I’m all ears.
That’s funny. I use whilst all the time. (Well, not really “all the time,” but frequent enough to make me a Londoner.) I blame it on my British buddies.