London Fashion? Or lack there of?

Disclaimer: this will be the single most creepy and illegal post I ever write (or at least we can only hope)

The question that I have been asked most frequently during my one week in London has been "what do people wear". I think the general American consensus is that the Londoners are all high fashion and ultra chic.

This makes me laugh. The misconception that us Americans forget is the weather (and maybe public transit). I would love to see anyone look chic after walking through cold windy rain blown in their faces. Pictures sweating with a heavy coat in a tube car pressed up against their neighbor. Picture walking up what feels like the worlds longest escalator (or so it feels) because really, who wants to waste 20 minutes of their life in the "slow riders section" on the right?!

Let me break down London fashion:
(1) Coats - who would have thought it matters more the actual warmth than the "cuteness". Oh, and if it doesn't have a hood it's crap
(2) If your shoes aren't comfy? They aren't worth the cost. Besides, you'll spend a fortune in band aids. You will see men in suits and sneakers
(3) Leggings are "in"
(4) So are comfy boots. Or anything warm for that matter.
(5) a $5 scarf will be worn more frequently than a $500 necklace - I wouldn't know from experience.

I will give credit where credit is due. The Brits and the Europeans do dress way nicer to work. All the guys wear a suit and most wear a tie. I am in a desperate state of needing to upgrade my wardrobe fast.... But, as I was told today, it doesn't matter what you wear... It's all about confidence. (But to that ill add "and warmth").

So where is the creepy part? Okay, so for you non believers I took some super creepy pics of common Brits in the tube (aka subway). I do love the girl's maroon coat though!

What time is it? Tea Time

Basically that is all the time. I'm not kidding (the stereotypes are true!). People don't ask if you want to grab coffee in the morning, they simply say "tea or coffee" or? Just tea. There is tea at lunch if you choose to partake (not sweet ice tea like we are used to in Texas). We have an afternoon tea break. Of course an evening tea is customary at a nice sundown place.... And as you can see, I have even started the evening "before bed" tea and cookies (the cookies are the best part - but you have to order the tea to get them... Good thing I'm walking like a thousand miles a day to keep the weight off -- only a aligt exaggeration)

Please note: the British actually add milk to their tea. (No joke) in fact, they find it completely strange that we don't. (No joke) there are alot of tea rules too:
1. Take your tea bag out ASAP
2. Add milk
3. Make sure the milk is not whole milk because THAT is gross
4. Make sure the milk is not skim milk because that is water
5. If you add soy milk you will be asked by multiple people if you "meant to do that".

Tea time in this country does not mean you are about to play a round of golf. You are instead about to participate in one of the oldest (and still highly practiced) customs of the English society.

Have a cup to tea and think of me ;)

Sunny Saturday

I woke up today to the sun shining! (Well, I woke up and then snoozed and then woke up and then snoozed - I keep getting told that I am jet lagged - but even in Dallas I was a night owl and then waking up felt like it was 3am each morning... I think it's just me. But really, how long can I pull the jet lagged excuse off?)

I HAD to go enjoy the sun because I haven't seen it in a week - weird that you feel like its your birthday just because its sunny. I took an open topped bus tour (very touristy.... I know) so I could see sites and soak up the sun.

I had a fabulous lunch with the manager on the team (did you know it's socially acceptable to drink at any time of the day here? Did I mention I love London?) and went to Gordon's --- an ancient wine bar ... In a cave (no joke, it's awesome).

I also discovered a book store today. (They DO still exist!) .... Shocking, I know!

All in all? Successful sunny Saturday.

Just a Little London View

Tower bridge? Outside The EY office? Ill take it! (Can't complain here!)

"Be Safe"

I feel like everyone keeps telling me to "be safe". Before today I was not 100% sure what that meant (as if I wasn't going to "be safe" without that good advice?) - and yet, I feel like anyone I talk to from the states reminds me.

Does "be safe" mean that:

• I should not walk around at night? (too bad it is dark by 4pm here. Or is it ever really "light"?)
• Not flaunt my wallet to strangers? (clearly)
• Use the handrails when I walk down stairs?
• Stand only on the right hand side of the escalator? (Actually, that one is pretty legit here, Londoners will run you over!) 
• Carry a gun? (I mean, nothing screams more Texan than that)
• ..... you get the point

As of today I know what it means. Or what everyone SHOULD mean. "Be Safe" in London means don't get hit by a car. The saying "look both ways before you cross the street" has never meant more. Mostly because you have to look the opposite way that you are used to before you cross. Or sometimes the same way - depending on the one way street. And then the cars DO NOT STOP FOR PEDESTRIANS. I would swear they actually speed up to be honest. There is no just thing as the pedestrians having the right-of-way. (I heard that is not even the law here!). Let's just say that I hope I survive the streets of London. Literally.


Pending my survival of the streets: I am looking forward to my time here. First day of work was great - and the people are a pretty awesome and interesting group from all over. The EY office has some incredible views (not that we can see them from the conference room - isnt that always how it is?)

After work I wandered Piccadilly road (the street the hotel is on) and stumbled upon this really cute grocery store. It is very "London" to me. Or at least not very "Texas".

This does NOT look like the normal candy aisle that I am used to!

These are cute little glass tea pots that they sell lose tea in.

I just thought this was neat :)

Until tomorrow (or later this week - I promise I wont write EVERY day!), Be Safe!

The Joy is in the Journey

.... Yea right, whoever said that must have never tried to fly to London with way too much luggage and uncomfortable shoes.


Little Lessons Learned in the Journey:

(1) Visas are hard to come by - who knew this four letter word would be so much work! I would like to sum up the experience with this image: Missing the delivery man, chasing down every UPS truck to find the delivery guy that had my package. Literally getting his personal cellphone from one of his coworkers. (thank you Clay for driving).

(2) Always were your winter jacket on the plane - Yes, it was cold on the plane. And yes I had my jacket to cuddle up in. And yes, the guy next to me actually said he was jealous that I had a coat. (So glad to be a girl and not feel obligated to offer it to him!)

(3) Bring those little sanitation wipes for the tray table and seat etc - My mom was right. Thanks mom. I even gave them out to others. #MakingFriends

(4) Sperry's actually aren't comfortable until you break them in - I learned this the hard way dragging way too much luggage around the London airport (even if you take the train and a taxi... you will be walking!) At least I learned quickly where to get bandaids and antibotic cream!

(5) Not all cabs take credit card - oops. Thank you Sheraton for letting me borrow 10 pound (I don't yet know how to make that funny E sign for the pound on my computer... I also have really sucked at the conversion rate so I am not going to even try!)

(6) You can get a sim card CUT! That just blows my mind. If you unlock your phone before you leave, you can get a sim card when you get to London (or any other country I assume) and they can CUT the sim card to the right shape. This technology stuff is great.

(7) London has "smoking" rooms - Welcome to Europe. I guess I just didn't know you had to specify that. Good little thing to learn. I do see why you would want a smoking room if you were a smoker - it is definitely too cold to go outside :)

(8) I am going to need to learn to subtract by 12 - Most of the clocks are on 24 hour time (military time?). on top of that when trying to figure out what time it is in Texas it is a subtract by 12 then subtract by 6. (maybe I should learn to just add 6? Oh the math! too much for an accountant!)

Needless to say, I arrived in London. I am sitting on my bed in the hotel (pictured below) and drinking hot tea (it seemed right). I am excited/nervous for tomorrow's first day of work - but that is to be expected, right? (RIGHT!??!) I miss everyone all ready - but at least I will be way more interesting now!