Oh Olympics, escape extravaganza

For the past few weeks, it has been impossible to escape the big O-word. It has been what everyone has been talking about. Olympics this, Olympics that. Transport for London issued guidance regarding travelling during the games months ago, and we had a few meetings at work regarding commuting. We were even taught how to access our computers remotely if we were unable to attend work for some reason.

Although many Londoners were excited about the prospect of hosting the biggest sporting event and the cultural activities associated with it, I decided to join some of my fellow citizens in abandoning the city - for the first week, anyway. I departed London last Friday, on the opening night of the games, and watched the impressive ceremony back at my parents place. And wow, it truly was amazing!

As a result of the Olympics, the accommodation fees for hotels and hostels have skyrocketed, so many Londoners have decided to cash in by renting out their rooms for the duration of the games. I decided to do the same for the time I am away. I rented my room out to a friend couple, so there was the obvious friend-discount, but upon seeing the prices others were charging, I felt disgusted. Money talks, in this sense too. Not only have we paid millions of pounds in taxes to fund the Olympics and the train/underground/bus service maintenance associated with it, but now people are charging ludicrous amounts for short term stays. Although I desperately need money for my university fees, I could not overcharge with good conscience. People can be so greedy... it's awful. All they see are sterling signs.

I shall return next Sunday, so I won't miss all of the Olympics shenanigans, but this little break from London has been rather refreshing. I might post more about the games later, but for now... I am enjoying my mini-break out of the city and watching the games from my parents' couch :-)

Six months in London: The good and the bad

Time has flown by at an incredible pace, and I find myself caught amidst the English summer. As last Tuesday was the six-month anniversary of my London move, I decided to write down a few lines about my experiences so far. Without further adieu, let me present to you my observations.

Weather

Indeed, it does rain a lot. Long periods of rain and gloom have been interrupted by only a few warm and sunny days. This summer has been deemed as the rainiest one in years, yet the weather in my home country is far worse than this with its extreme temperature changes. But dealing with the weather is all about preparing: I check the weather forecast before I venture out and carry a mini umbrella and a pair of sunglasses with me wherever I go.

Londoners
The diverse population of many different nationalities is one of the greatest things about living in London. The motto for the city might as well be 'come as you are'. 
First of all, there's fashion. You can see the most interesting fashion choices here with no one questioning them. If you feel good about your choice of attire, chances are others are fine with it, too. I love the Old Spitalfields Market on Sundays - it is full of interesting (and cheap) frocks :-)
Secondly, the diverse backgrounds of the Londoners is definitely a positive. You can always introduce yourself with new cultures or cuisines through restaurants, parties, get-togethers, or exhibitions. The current hip cuisines seem to be the Vietnamese and Scandinavian ones. I think it's safe to say that you can always find people and imported goods from your native country, which makes you miss home even less. 

Tourists
It is the short-term inhabitants that do my head in. The tourists make it hard to keep up the good spirits. They walk at snail speed and then stop in the middle of the street to take pictures of literally everything: taxis, double-decker busses, telephone booths, street performers, famous buildings, tacky shops, classic statues and structures – even post boxes.  

Money

On my daily walk to work, I join a flood of businessmen and women on their walk across London Bridge and pass half-a-dozen homeless people in the process. I have started to recognise some of the homeless from the Big Issue saleswoman to the hobo man with the cute black pup, and yet I walk pass them without ever giving them any money. The truth of the matter is I have none to give.

Living in London is expensive – even more expensive when you’re desperately trying to live on a budget and save money. Because of my strict university fee saving regime, I find myself constantly purchasing value-range groceries and walking instead of using public transportation. But the temptations are there… and it is very hard to resist an after work cocktail or a cheeky dinner with friends, and there you have it – £50 gone with the wind. It’s way too easy to find a way to spend the well-earned money. Temptations, baby, temptations. 

Lifestyle

Lifestyle in London is all about scheduling. I find myself obeying the stereotypical ‘9 to 5’ work hours and planning my days accordingly: I enter the office at 9am, work until 1pm, take an hour for lunch, get back to work and leave at 5pm. Some of my colleagues go to the gym, some commute home, and some go out for happy hour cocktails with work colleagues. Understandably, the latter usually happens on Fridays, as there is no pressure to appear sharp in the office next morning.

Scheduling is important during weekends as well. It is completely normal to only see your friends every few weeks or so, as everyone is busy and commuting within the city takes a while. Speaking of which, I have to buy a nice watch... 

Dating

Dating in London is tough. There are so many beautiful women and gorgeous men around that it is hard to make an impression on anyone. I recently wrote a blog entry about dating, and joined a dating website to see if that would help. Hardly, is the answer – the experiment did not produce any tangible results. I went on a few dates, all of which left me feeling nothing at all. Needless to say, I am no longer paying for such service. I will keep my eyes open and see if anyone eligible turns up... Surely they will, right? (And the Moon is made out of cheese...)