London Observations Week 1

Having been here almost a week now I have made some interesting, albeit early, observations regarding this city.

1. Everyone here is fit (aka skinny). I haven't seen one overweight person and it's probably because you have to walk a gazllion miles to get anywhere

2. The "fashion do" right now is tights underneath shorts.. so000, not for me but these girls pull it off quiet well.

3. I thought we were a texting nation, these Brits are crazy for it- they just don't stop! People are texting as they walk, as they ride the bus, as they sit in a bar, etc.. You get the idea.

4. Supermarkets here are marketing masters... they make celery look sexy.

5. Speaking of supermarkets, only here can you buy your underwear and milk in the same store. Can you imagine going to Ralphs and picking out a bra to go with your Cheerios?

6. Big Brother is on TV 24/7.. you can even get a live feed streaming straight to your cell phone. It's a sick addiction apparentely.

7. The water here is nasty, it tastes like chalk. Thank god for Evian!!

8. They better have TIVO here, the amount of commercials in between programs is ridicolous! And it's the same ones over and over again for hours and hours. I can act them out if you'd like.

9. I haven't seen a single SUV yet.. just lots of Puegots..

10. They don't believe in cold beverages. No ice with your water (that i knew), soda in machines is lukewarm, fridges don't get your milk cold enough.

Watch in three months none of this will even phase me.. or at least I hope it won't!

Home Sweet Home! (Maybe)

I put an offer on a place today, I'm so excited. I know it sounds so official but even when renting they require you put in an official offer. After looking at a ton of places all day today and yesterday, it turns out the very last one I saw, was the one! Of course.. The last two days I was sure I would end up in Chelsea, since I fell in love with it from day one (the fact that my temporary accomodations are here I'm sure played a role). I could see myself walking around the town, I loved the shopping, the people, the vibe. But then I happened on a village today called Marlyebone. It's in Central London and has a very village like feel. There's your local deli, local cheese shop, and even your local butcher. But then around the other corner is a Starbucks and tons of brand name shops and boutiques! It basically has it all. The place I found is the perfect mix between the classic London looking flat on the outside but completely modern on the inside. It's a 2 bedroom (see, I thought about all you people coming to visit me) and 1 bath. The commute to work is doable and it turns out one of my co-workers lives in the same neighborhood. So keep your fingers crossed that the realtor accepts my offer and if so I'll put up pics soon so you can see my fabulous new digs!

P.S. There are so many hot guys here!!! To bad my mom is ruining my game!

P.P.S. I miss everyone so much!!!

Say it with me people, 8 hour difference!

Ok i love all of my friends for calling but the 3 am wake up calls are starting to become all to frequent!! I'm not saying don't call but let's try around 9 am. your time from now on :)

First 48 Hours!

My mom and I arrived safely on Sunday afternoon in London. The flight was a piece of a cake. I had never flown business class before and it was quite the treat. My seat actually turned down into a bed.. I slept most of the flight (an ambien and two glasses of wine will do that to you!)

First impressions of London are it's huge, majestic, culturally diverse and amazing!! The moment we started driving into the city I could tell I was going to love it. So many cute neighborhoods, people walking everywhere, and it didn't hurt that the sun was shining and it was 75 degrees! I guess I brought the So Cal weather with me.

We had a bit of adventure getting the keys to my flat. No one was around to help us get in, I guess they forgot I was coming,. So my mom, our driver and I sat on the street for a good hour trying to figure out what to do. Finally, someone walked by and happened to be entering the building and let us in. I was able to call the management company and have them locate the keys. My temporary accomodations are cozy and in a great area. I've attached a picture of the outside. I am a stones throw away from sloane square, the main drag in Chelsea. It's filled with amazing shops, restaurants, cafes, etc.. I have a feeling I am going to go broke here, the fashion is to die for!!

After we caught up on much needed sleep today was spent sightseeing. The weather is still holding up so we thought we would head out to Hyde Park. It's very similar to Central Park, only bigger if you can imagine that! But before going to the park I insisted we go to Harrod's. I was blown away. This has got to be the mecca of department stores. Not only was the food court insane, and the merchandise top notch, but inside the store is a memorial for Princess Diana and her late boyfriend (he was the owner of Harrod's). It was a very memorable experience. We then took the tube, which I will admit was a bit overwhelming, to High Street Kensington. It's kind of like the Downtown of London. Great shops, lots of hustle and bustle, and a gigantic Whole Foods! They're not kidding when they call it Whole Paycheck, I went a little crazy in there. It did make me miss home though.

Tomorrow I stop by KFC offices for a quick introduction to the new team and then my mom and I are off with the realtor to go house hunting. I hope I find something soon.

I'd say the first 48 hours have been a success and an adventure.

T Minus 2 Days!

Wow, I'm really leaving California in 2 days. It still hasn't hit me and I don't think it will until I get on the plane and land at Heathrow. Today is my last day of work, I can't believe it. This place has been my second home. I have such mixed emotions as I think about leaving Taco Bell. It's been an amazing ride but deep down inside I know there is something else out there for me. I can't wait to find out what it is!!!???

I can't believe I'm doing this...

I mean the blog not moving to London.. well actually maybe that too. Since so many of my friends and family have requested that they be kept in the loop on my new adventure I figured what better to communicate with tons of people all at once then a blog! It's all the rage right, everyone's doing it... and even my mom can figure out to use it :) I promise to keep this updated as much as possible and include photos when available.

Cheers!