Oh, btw if you are an American trying to get a bank account it would be like Hilary Clinton trying to run on a republican ticket – you get treated like an ass (get it?).
“Passport please, work permit, work letter, proof of this, proof of that…kiss our flag…”
Apparently everyone is intent on making sure there is no money laundering accounts being set up just as in the US. I am all for it but I don’t see how and why opening an account should take an hour. In the home of capitalism, cats are trying to get you into a checking, savings, money market and a zero % APR credit card account for the first 5 days (if you really read the fine print) in like 10 mins. Not here. Lady, pleasant as she was, acted like she was being paid to serve the minimal amount of clients possible per day.
Ok, ok. Maybe I am sounding a bit grouchy. Things really aren’t that bad. The sun is out today. Its 55 degrees outside. I didn’t get run-over looking left then right instead of right then left to cross the street. Our concierge is actually very nice and I love the old French lady who owns the pastry shop 2 blocks from my house. When I went in for breakfast, she said bonjour with the warmest smile that would melt any alloy. I like the fact that the major streets paralleling mine both have very nice gardens and a couple of old, old cathedrals. And it certainly didn’t hurt that our associate was flexible enough to accommodate me when I popped into the office today (I was expected tomorrow) to send off some emails.
All in all, life is good. I am thankful for this new phase. Feelings of excitement mixed with a slight anxiety has me ready to take on London. Everyone says the 6 months will go by so quickly but what I learned from Einstein’s Dreams is that time is really only a matter of relative perspective. I choose whether to make it go fast or slow depending on how I choose to spend my time the next six months. But inside I know they are probably right. I have already chosen to meet new folks, and to gain new experiences. To travel wide, but to also embrace the city. To engage my artistic side more but to also step it up to another level at work. I have chosen London. We shall see if London chooses me. This is the diary of an American expat in London.
ADVENT!!!
9 years ago
6 comments:
Your homework:
1. What is the difference between pants and trousers?
2. Define: flat, lift, muffler, braces, fit bird, and fag.
3. And, "Bob's your uncle".
-Alan
PS. If someone calls you a septic (septic tank/American Yank), they are using a derogatory cockney term and you should take whatever action you see proper.
Answers should be in this book:
Divided by a Common Language: A Guide to British and American English (Paperback)
by Christopher E. Davies (Author)
good stuff Malik. Let us know how the first football match goes...
(somebody's gotta represent if the Eagles won't...)
Hey Malik, long time no see! I just realized that I will actually be in the same spot as you in about oh... five weeks! I´m traveling with Zanna (don´t know if you remember her), but we´ll be coming through London on our way to adventure during the month of April. If you have time, I would love to see you.
-Becky (from the Stoneway House in case you need a bell ringer)
Thanks for sharing, this is good stuff. It's almost that hard to open an account in the US if you are Mexican!- Julissa
nice read!..I know you can do it..u'll blend in nicely in no time!
Take care of you :)
Lara
Post a Comment