Leaving London was extremely difficult, especially after my amazing going away party and my soppy speech that Ben made me do while standing on the chair. (Thanks Ben!) I don't know what I was looking for or wanting when I moved there three years ago... but I know I've found it now, and it's not just one thing. I've met some of the most amazing people I've ever known, seen some gorgeous places and had some unforgettable experiences. Mission accomplished. And I feel like an even better version of myself, thanks to all those things. Of course I didn't want to go, but it needed to happen, for many reasons. However, knowing that it's only temporary and I'll most likely be back by June has made the transition much more bearable.
Even though I've only been away for a few years, there are quite a few things I'd forgotten. For example, the ridiculously friendly bus drivers in Oregon. I get on the bus, they say: "HELLO! WELCOME ABOARD!" I get off the bus, say thank you and they reply, "MY PLEASURE!" Also, when another bus passes a bus going in the opposite direction, the drivers always wave at each other! It's very sweet. And, everyone talks to each other on the bus. This is something I've never really liked to do, as I'm a stare-out-the-window person when I'm in a vehicle so I kind of liked the fact that everyone on the buses and trains in London kept to themselves for the most part. Today while I was on the train going home from Portland I heard a guy and a girl sitting behind me exchange numbers... unheard of in London!
I love the food in England, but I missed a few things you just can't get over there. Although I'm not a fast food person, the first place I made the taxi driver take me to when I left the airport was Taco Bell. I ordered about 4 different things off the menu because I was so excited. And then there's Trader Joe's. Boy, I missed that store. Even their stupid Hawaiian shirt uniforms.
And happy hour. Every day. Every bar. $2 cocktails! This has proven to be extremely dangerous, especially since I need to re-adjust my drink consumption because while in the U.K. (where the amount of alcohol poured into a drink is strictly measured), the bar staff here happily pour 70 percent vodka with maybe a drop of soda into my glass while my eyes boggle. Yeah, I really need to slow down with the cocktails. Paying $32 to see Scissor Sisters and not remembering much of it isn't very wise.
Get a load of the decor inside this sports bar I went to in Oregon City the other day:
Yes, it's really nice to be back here to see my mom and all my wonderful friends. I'm going to enjoy the next four months, although I'm going to actually have to have a real job for a little while. (Gasp and shudder.) And when February comes, I'll be more than ready to get into more delicious adventures, illegal activities (kidding... am I?) and world wanderings.
Anyway, I gotta go for now. I just found an article online that Lindsay Lohan has failed yet another drug test so I have to go read it. But check back, I'll be updating this blog more often.
