Ignorance is Not Bliss.

'Living in the US is like being in quicksand.' WHAT?! Yes, this is what I'm used to hearing from across the office.

Regularly, I hear complaints and erroneous remarks about my home country. I am not the sole foreigner in this office, yet, surprisingly, the remarks I've heared echo a great deal of cultural and political ignorance.

Today, a two women were having a discussion on the US healthcare reform, which happens to be the topic I'm currently writing a research paper on. They discuss this reform and one decides that it's a plan awaiting failure and will surely result in the same shortcomings of the United Kingdom's National Health Service (NHS). Despite my agitation from the many incorrect facts cited in their discussion, I recognize the possibility of problems that the reform could generate. (Although I was also thinking it was unfair to compare a 60 year old insitution with a newly passed piece of legislation... but WHATEVER). So I ignored her comment. THEN she goes on to question why the US should even be concerned with healthcare when it has the best medical services available? UGHHHH.... now I'm really angry.

As a polite intern, I chose not to interject my opinion. However, all I could think was... well now you just sound stupid. Do you know how high the mortality rate is in the US because of illness and disease, in comparison to other industrialized countries? And do you know how many people are uninsured in the US? Actually, do you know how many American citizens suffer long term consequences because they cannot afford treatment and proper care for their medical problems? Healthcare SHOULD be a concern.

Ignorance is just completely ridiculous. Too many people I've encountered here assume Americans are capitalist tyrants who are classless and unfamiliar with international norms. It's ironic to hear because, in assuming those beliefs, it makes that person ignorant.

So yes, this post is more of a rant than an update, but it's also evidence of an 'interesting' culture shock for me.

Study Abroad.. Just Do It

While I have come to learn many things over the course of my stay in Europe, one lesson will surely stay with me forever -- study abroad, go for it.

If you have the opporuntity and the time to make this tremendous effort, then do it. Plan for it and choose your course and setting wisely. This experience changes you and enlightens you to a world you hadn't realized you've been living in.

I will truly remember these months as some of the most life-altering times of my life. I have acquired so much knowledge on culture, international relations, global issues, and diversity -- all of which have helped me in my personal growth as a student and as an individual.

Prior to my departure for the UK, my younger brother asked me worriedly, 'Aren't you sacred?' and I simply replied, 'Of course I'm scared, but sometimes you need to do what you're most afraid of because that's when you get the best rewards.' He nodded immediately and related to my answer easily.

Seek the world and embrace it. Life is too short to confine yourself to familiar borders. While the destination may seem foreign and frightening, the treasures of the journey are beautiful and immense.

Interesting!

This was a fun article to write. It taught me a lot about British politics and parliament.

http://www.politics.co.uk/news/legal-and-constitutional/scrapping-human-rights-act-could-ruin-devolution-$1358067.htm

Mon Amour, Paris

From the moment that I walked into the courtyard at the entrance to the Louvre, I fell in love with Paris. With every moment, I found a new reason to adore this city and I prayed to God that I wouldn’t see it just once in my life. I felt submerged in a new culture that was so vastly different from the ones I’ve grown accustomed to. I felt beauty, wonder, and awe as I walked along the Seine River, basking in all its rich history and romance. What can I say? It was magnifique.

I’ll admit… I felt like this city might be more appealing to females and the French are crude to most Americans, but all that didn’t seem to faze me. I suppose it’s because I didn’t encounter as much antagonism as my friends did. Instead, I found a comfort in most of the locals that was endearing and it made me really wish I knew more than five words in French.

I got such a different vibe from Paris, in comparison to London. London gave me a feeling of prestige and worldliness, while Paris gave me a feeling of beauty and wonder. I suppose it was good timing after I just read two romance novels, The Time Traveler’s Wife and Dear John… extra good timing because Valentine’s Day is coming up.

My favourite part of Paris? FOOD. Oh my goodness… I ate at least two croissants every morning, had baguettes with every other meal, made room for a pastry dessert every night, and drank wine like it was water. Also, I’m not entirely sure how true this is, but I came to the conclusion that the reason why people in Paris drink so much wine is because all other alcohol is so overpriced. A pint of beer was priced anywhere between seven to eleven euro! Again, all this didn’t seem to faze me. Food was obviously more important :)

I also loved visiting all the historical sites. You think you’d be unimpressed after seeing them all on every postcard you passed on the street, but honestly… you’re still left breathless at every sight… at least I was.

This just made me more and more excited to keep travelling. I leave for Scotland in two weeks and Ireland the week after that. Let’s pray there’s time for Spain!

J'adore Paris

It's the eve of my arrival to France and I'm overwhelmed with excitement, anticipation, and a little financial despair, (let's face it.. my bank account will be viciously maimed after this weekend).

We've planned to visit all the famous sites, museums, and that wonderful little tower they have pictured in every postcard made in France. I want to take a river cruise and see it all. Most of all, I want to SHOP. As my aunt says, "What girl doesn't love to shop?"

Although shopping in the streets of Paris will be wonderful, this journey means much more than that to me. It's evidence of my travels around Europe... finally. I've wanted to travel around Europe since I was a kid, receiving offers to visit foreign countries as a student embassador. So here I am, and now I go...

[x] Barcelona
[x] London
[_] Paris
[_] Scotland
[_] Ireland

Where to next? I'm hoping Italy, but France will be just fine for now :)

Journalism

http://www.politics.co.uk/news/environment-and-rural-affairs/-95k-damages-for-illegal-dumping-victim-$1354637.htm

I've written my first story at politics.co.uk, published at midnight 21st January 2010 (London time). My internship is nothing like I imagined it would be, but much more than I hoped it would be. The amount of opportunity here overwhelms and excites me at the same time.

"I want to be forever young ...forever young."

Week 1

Orientation week is over. Highlights? Walking across Abbey Road (like the Beatles), meeting a Lord, and visiting the British Museum & finding a page from the actual "Book of the Dead." Low points? Having an old drunk man verbally assault me & my roommates for being American.. UGH. and then, finally, getting sick today. However, I've decided this is only going to motivate me to rest and to focus on school all day today.

There's always tomorrow.

The Program

The program I'm on has taken us on three tours so far: a bus tour of all of London, a tour of Parliament, and a tour of the Parliament archives. I've learned A LOT already. I understand the unique British Consitution and I've accepted the fact that it's not one physical concrete document. I know the history behind the Palace of Westminster and I know the tradition and ceremony that takes place there when the Queen comes there. True story: when she visits Parliament, she must be crowned & robed upon arrival and only she can crown herself. Yup. I want a crown :) haha. The worst part of my trip so far was climbing the staircase in Victoria Tower. It's this winding staircase that's part of the original architecture of the tower built almost 150 years ago and I'm walking on it feeling like I'm going to fall & die. NEVER again. UGH. Word of advice: just because it looks cool, doesn't mean you should do it. Take the lift (elevator).

Other than tourist attractions, we've also just started assimilating into school. We're taking classes at the London School of Economics (LSE). We only have classes on Mondays and then our internships Tuesday to Thursday. This week is orientation so it's a bit different, but still amazing. Best part about orientation? Bonding with the other scholars. Almost every single person I've met is incredibly fun, awesome, chill people, especially my roomates. I LOVE my flat (apartment). It's beautiful & we have maids that come once a week to clean for us :) Well it's off to class again! Cheers!

The First 24 Hours

LONDON, a cross between NYC and Boston for sure.

The city itself is split based on power; the economic power lies in the east and the political in the west. We began our city tour in the middle, where I live with my 4 American roommates. We visited Buckingham palace, the Tower of London, the Eye of London, Westminster, the West End, & pretty much everything that's worth visiting a second time. My roommates and I have planned to definitely revist the Eye & also see a play in the West End.

Tomorrow begins day 1 of classes... still nervous but enjoying everything :)