Lifedigs: Layover in London

My current project is about Croatia. However, I have an overnight in London and I would be amiss not to mention some of my observations I have made of our British Brethren.

As Americans we typically lump together the UK with the rest of Europe. After all, geographically speaking, what else would they be? I wouldn't say that too loudly when you get here. The UK definitely has an island unto iteself mentality. Their currency is still the Pound and they do not take the Euro. They have their own power outlets and if you bring a Euro power converter you are out of luck.

I've watched enough PBS in my life to be familiar with the endless number of dialects. As I sit in the hotel lounge listenening to conversations (they like to talk about the weather a lot) it's hard to miss it. There are probably as many British dialects as there are pubs in London. Every dialect reminds me of some British actor. I hear one person and I think "Harry Potter!". I hear someone else and I'm sure it's the receptionist from Doc Martin. And there's Lord Grantham and Lady Mary! Now if I hear someone that sounds like Mr. Humphries from Are You Being Served I'm going to fall out of my chair. He really cracks me up.

I've known quite a few Brits in my life, my mother's family for start. One thing I know is they are hilarious. Funny British? Oxymoron? Not at all. They have a very dry and witty sense of humor and if you are not paying attention you will definitely miss it. That's why almost every program I watch is from the BBC. Currently, Doc Martin, Downton Abbey and Call the Midwife are my favorites. But As Time Goes By and Chef are a couple of all time favorites of mine. And if you are not watching Masterpiece Theater, you should be.

I don't know how everyone on this island isn't fat, however. Menu choices seem to be a collection of breads, fried potatoes and pastries. And don't forget the beer! They have beer with everything. Unless they are drinking tea and then they are eating biscuits (cookies) with that. If I ate like that I would look like Harry Potter's aunt from The Prisoner of Azkaban where she blows up like a balloon and floats away.

The Brits have figured some things out that makes me wonder why we have not. For example, the hotel room requires you leave your room key in a slot on the inside wall by the door to turn on the light. That's brilliant really. You always know where your key is and you don't waste electricity if you are not in your room. I admit I have walked into my hotel room before with the lights on and tv blaring from leaving them on from earlier.

Also, soap and shampoos come out of dispensers. That has to save a fortune by not using those little bottles that most of us have a collection of at home. Plus, it is green.

One pretty funny observation from today... on the shuttle ride over here we passed several office buildings for lease. But instead of saying "FOR LEASE" in the windows it said "TO LET". The problem is, between every couple of letters was a vertical window pane. So everywhere I looked it said "TOILET". Over and over, TOILET, TOILET. I had to bite my lip on that one.

I was a little annoyed that I had to lose part of my trip with this layover. But now I am really wishing I could stay a day or two. Cornwall, England is on my short list for future projects so I will get my chance at some point.

I want everyone to know how fortunate and blessed I feel to have the opportunity to work on this project. It's a dream come true and I very much appreciate everyone's support. I got a little teary eyed leaving my family yesterday and thoughts similar to "What the hell are you doing" ran through my head. But those were just nerves and I am ready to go!!

Zagreb tomorrow!!

Peace,

Chris