And So It Begins...

            If my plane ride to London back in December was a three out of ten, this time around was a nine. There were roughly twenty-five people on the plane! I kicked back in a middle row, three seats to myself. I watched The Five Year Engagement, which was a typical aircraft film. One of those movies I had a mild interest in but would never actively seek out. Initially I attempted to watch The Hunger Games, but the Korean subtitles threw me off. I couldn’t get rid of them! I found the cold chicken salad delicious. There were black beans and corn, so it had a Southwestern/Mexican flavor. The male flight attendant was funny as well, insisting he constantly top off my white wine because he had nothing else to do with so few passengers occupying the plane. Needless to say, I slept quite well.

            In fact, the hardest part of my travels was the taxi ride to Esher, Surrey. The first cab I climbed into had a Cockney driver. This man refused to drive so far out, explaining that he received no work if he didn’t drive directly into central London. I actually pitied the second cabbie. He misunderstood the airport employee, thinking he was taking me into Central. However, once we had begun driving away and he realized he needed to drive forty minutes away from Central, he felt obligated to continue our journey. He had NO CLUE where he was going. The simple drive took about an hour and a half. He stopped three times to find directions from locals. At least I could enjoy the view of sheep and horse racing tracks along the countryside.

            Another huge bonus is that I am staying with the nicest older couple in a quaint little cottage. I sure am thankful for extended family. I would almost find it easier saying they were my grandparents. But, no, Audrey and Mike are my mom’s aunt’s in-laws. They have been so helpful with my transition as an employee to the UK. They have helped me set up a mobile number, purchase train passes, open a bank account, and view potential rooms to rent. They also immediately reminded me of English taste buds. I had a sandwich with butter, cheddar cheese and “British pastrami.” I also had leeks for dinner! Last night our dinner consisted of chips (fries), fried eggs, baked beans, and sausages. With, of course, brown sauce. I am delighted to settle in and begin working very soon. And as long as these funky meals keep cropping up, I’ll fit right back in with British culture!