Explanation

Sorry- no pics in this one, I’ll work on some for next time.

Instead of going over to the internet café every time I think of something to write, I’m going to type them up on my computer and run over there when I have time / enough to justify the expense. So it could be that a few are going to look like they were made at the same time when ‘technically’ they weren’t. :-D

I’m also going to aim for 1 post a day, but then, some days will have more. (Especially days like today where I’m being lazy and just people watching in parks). I’m blaming the jet lag ‘cause I am so tired that I finally had to give in and take a nap. And it was a lovely nap J. Even though the city is ‘quiet’ on Sundays, there were fire engines, and police cars, and drunks, and students and kids and just tons of noise. The beds here are not the most comfortable beds I’ve ever seen in the dorms (even the MSU mattresses are better than this) but they have really comfy blankets, so it evens out in the end.

I don’t know if its just the two days I have been here, but there’s a great cool breeze almost constantly. I could easily fall for this place. It doesn’t feel ‘foreign’ like I guess I expected it to. There aren’t different accents everywhere, there are different languages. Instead of stopping at McDonalds, or some other fast food place; everyone stops at the small grocery stores scattered all around and grabs enough for the moment. And by the way, Tesco (one of those small grocery stores, but a large chain- if that makes sense) has some pretty awesome packs of fresh fruit that are only a few… hmmm… and here we arrive at my issues understanding money. I think I should say a few pence (that’s what the coin itself says) but then people keep saying “quid” and “bob”. What Are Those?! I have perfected my confused “Here-is-a-5-pound-note-and-I-know-that’s-enough-so-just-please-forgive-me-and-give-me-change” face. Apparently correct change is a lot more common here, and considering the sheer weight of their coinage, I think I may understand why. If anyone has any insight into this money issue- please feel free to speak up. I’m pretty sure this is broadcasting one of two messages:

1) “I’m a rich American feel free to cheat/steal from me”

2) “I’m an idiot feel free to treat me like one”

Feel free to add any additional messages that are applicable as well ;-).

I also figured that since I was screwing up the money so badly, I may as well just admit to my tourist status and bought a few postcards. I was feeling quite proud right up to the moment I realized I had no clue what postage costs, where to get it, and how to send them. You may or may not get a postcard before I get back. J I may just bring everyone their postcards upon my return. K?