Day Two: Hethro

Entry 2
May 19th 2010
Here, I am the oddball!
Having spent a few short hours in Hethro, I can safely say that I have never felt so topsy-turvey in my life. All of the rules are just a bit different here. A lot of the things that I completely take for granted are entirely different here, and that makes me completely aware of every action that I take. It is very disconcerting, and I am certain that I stick out like a sour thumb.
First blunder of the day:
Writing “Caucasian” on my border crossing card. Apparently, I am “American” and the term “Caucasian” is offensive here. The kind border patrol woman informed me of this within five minutes of my arrival in the country. My first interaction with a native was a good scolding…woops, I guess that I am just “American” from now on!
Other Issues that are giving me trouble:
I cannot always understand these people...in movies, British accents are always cute and easy to interpret. In reality, they are very fast and often full of expressions that make no sense to the untrained ear. Yes, they are speaking English, but I had to have one poor clerk repeat his phrase three times before I understood that he was asking me if I wanted my coffee in a paper cup…woops again.
Fashion: woops, I look like the European “What Not to Wear.” Neutral colors are in, big wooden bracelets are out…I fail.
Money: Kill me now and get it over with! I have no idea of how much I am spending on anything! I need to study this one! Is one pound a good price for a bottle of water? I really do not know!
Despite all of this, and despite the fact that I have not slept or changed my clothing in more than a day, I have never been more excited in my life. We flew over Buckingham Palace a few minutes ago and I nearly wet my pants…seriously! I really am in Europe. I may have set metal detectors off with my earrings, but I really am here…and that is pretty cool!


This is a logo used all over the Hethro Airport-it makes me think of a moose man!