London Calling

Statue of Peter Pan, Hyde Park - London

"Never Say Goodbye, because goodbye means going away, and going away means forgetting." - J.M. Barrie, Peter Pan

View from top of double-decker bus

It has been 10 days since I left Omaha on a plane.  I spent 7 days with 73 amazing young adults in Chicago.  We discussed everything from religious pluralism and LGBTQ issues to biases and privilege.  It felt like more of a disorientation than an orientation.  I was forced to look at myself and the world in a different way and it was difficult.  There were tears, but also laughter.  I was pushed by my small group to uncover the feelings I was trying to hide.  I will forever be thankful for these 73 individuals and the person they helped me become.



I am now in London for a short time in temporary housing with 4 other YAGMs.  Our placements did not start right away so we have some time to get used to Public Transportation and get rid of our jet-lag!  We started by seeing some of the important historical and cultural buildings in London, like Buckingham Palace, Parliament, Westminster Abbey, and the Globe Theatre.  Tomorrow will be spent on another cultural aspect of life, called LAUNDRY!

Me, Jessie, Jess, Bryce, Hailey on the bus

My interactions with the locals have been positive so far.  After reading "A Xenophobe's guide to the English" by Antony Miall, I was led to believe that all the English would be cold and non-communicative.  I was pleased to find out on the first day, that Londoners are especially friendly, particularly to lost Americans.  They are so willing to help when they hear us sounding lost.  I am so thankful for these people, whose names I do not know, because it has given me a glimpse into their culture.  We often stereotype the English as cold, unfeeling people.  I have often heard of the English only showing emotion to dogs and horses.  Have you heard that stereotype?

I met Fiona, another resident of Chester House, last night while relaxing in the TV room.  She grew up in Greece and Scotland but has been living in London for a few years.   She told us that Londoners are very nice, but the city itself is so busy that they seem closed off.  I am very excited about getting to know more people and making my own observations, rather than relying on the observations of others.

Stay Tuned!

~~Lina