The Simple Life

Well, I have been in the England for a little less then two weeks and it has been quite the transition. I started my journey in London, where I attended another orientation. This one was very different from Chicago (much shorter, with more free time). There were about 15 Americans, and we all had this feeling of we just want to get to our placement already. Along with us were about 30 or more others from all over Europe and then a few more volunteers from Korea. We went through more culture shock training, they allowed us time to get over our jet lag, and we even had a chance to see a bit of London. (yes I did take the picture myself). In London, I began to prepare mentally for my journey, reality def had set in and a year was beginning to feel like a very long time. Friday finally arrived and it was off to West Bromwich.
(above is a pic of West Bromwich)


After a very lovely train ride, we (my roommate from Hanover, Germany, and myself) arrived at the Sandwell Dudley train station. Where we were greeted by our new supervisor. Who promptly dropped us off at our new flat in West Brom and said "alright then, see you on Monday". And that was that, we were left to our own adventures in West Brom. Which consisted of eating donner meat and chips, watching lots of Telly (4 channels which we received via a very lovely antenna), checking out the West Brom city center and attending the Anglican church next door on Sunday. Monday morning finally arrived and we began our induction to the YMCA and working.

This week I have had a little taste of everything. And as odd as this might be, I sort of feel like I am on that show the Simple Life, where I have been put into lots of different situations which I am not normally used, to like taking care of babies, to washing every single dish in the YMCA. This is def not the Senator's Office any more :-). But unlike Paris and Nicole, I haven't created any huge disasters or at least I hope I haven't and I am actually have a lot of fun learning about all the different departments of the YMCA. I have been all over the place from Child care (yes, I handled children) ages 1-2 years of age, worried in the cafe (where I learned to bake carrot cake and washed lots and lots of dishes, reception (which had little to do with answering phones, and more to do with rent for residents, post for residents, gym members, and everything in between), the health and fitness center (aerobics with older folks), and my personal favorite housing.

It has been a long week full of lots of new things, and experiences, lots of transitioning and adjustment, but most importantly I have a better understanding of why I am here. I have also found that its quite cool being one of the only Americans (or maybe only) in such a small town (suburb of Birmingham). I have been greeted with lots of questions (have you been to new York? Being the main one)and excitement over the fact I am American.

I have also found that even though English is my first language I am def having a bit of trouble always understanding the strong midlands accent.

Well, now I am ready to go forward, and continue on with my year, and remind myself that whatever is meant to happen will happen, and most importantly to go with the flow.