Home again home again jiggity jig

It's Friday and I've spent most of the day unpacking, getting to know the puppy again and catching up on my blog. The trip back was LONG but problem free. The first time I went overseas with Blythe I was quite depressed for a long while. I developed almost a reverse homesickness. I am not experiencing this at this point. It hit me a bit when I went to the grocery store, which is where it hit me before, but I'm OK. Mostly I just miss my new friends. I don't have many close relationships here and it was great meeting more people in 3 weeks I could be friends with then in the 8 years I've been in California. I believe Paris really made me appreciate the USA, which is something I would never think to come out of my mouth. This is in no way a complaint of Paris as this thought alone was worth the trip. I believe we learn from every experience. I must say, big shout out to the Paris police!! They saved me when I was coming back from the Metro and getting harassed with a friend. Without going into much detail I couldn't see anything like that happening in the USA. I wanted to thank them so much and was completely blown away that surveillance cameras really do work!

Anyway, I'll write more later. Still trying to clean up the house and going through 3 weeks of mail and bills.

Here are some pics of Early, my little man!

Thank you all for giving me such a wonderful experience!!!!

History, oh wonderful history!

Jen and I took the tube to the Tower of London which was really great if you are into Henry VIII. I saw a wonderful exhibit called "Dressed to Kill" (no, not the Eddie Izzard version). The exhibit showcased the Kings armory and weaponry. The striking issue was the large "codpiece" that was fitted into his battle armor (sorry, photos were prohibited).
Photos of me at The Tower of London enjoying morbid things.

I really didn't observe much of British culture today as I spent my time doing purely "touristy" things. I finished the day at The British Museum which, of course, is spectacular. Don't judge, but I did not see the Rosetta Stone. I almost wanted to just take a picture of the duplicate at the gift shop.
My favorite object so far at The British Museum.

Well, I am really missing my puppy "Early" and Max (as mentioned in my first post). I can't believe it's over a week so far. Not feeling "homesick" per say, but just wish I could at least talk easier as 9 hrs. is a big time difference to hit.

This post is late in coming as, for some reason, I was never contacted about class starting via my university registered email (even though every other piece of mail about the program made it's way to me). No matter, I'm catching up as best I can.

I graduated with my MLIS in May and have been anticipating this wonderful opportunity to meet my passion for media arts for quite a while now. In doing research into the destination countries of England and France I came about a funny little book called Do's and Taboos Around the World (1993). Being very paranoid of embarrassing myself as a typical American I jotted down some interesting items etiquette while abroad. Most are pretty common sense, but let's all see if these are true or not!

England
-We generally say "You're welcome" after a "Thank you". The British answer a "Thank You" with "Thank you".
-User the term "British", not "English"
-Don't be early, but be prompt.
-Chocolate is an appropriate gift when visiting someone, but never white lilies as they symbolize death.
-Do not use conjunctions, slang, etc.
-Do not start a conversation with "What do you do?"

France
-If you know French, don't use it. They just prefer you speak English if you are absolutely proficient. However, it's fine to say greetings, thanks and toasts in French.
-Unlike America, use a light handshake.
-Do not bring roses or chrysanthemums when visiting someone for dinner or the like.

Well, I tried to prepare for the trip as best I can (however, I'm still mortified about missing the chat time and assignments on Blackboard!).

Most of all I'll miss this little guy while I'm gone from my home of Costa Mesa, CA. His name is "Early". My boyfriend and I rescued him just 2 weeks before I left. I hope he's doing well adjusting to his new home as I am overseas. :)


Axtell, R. E., & Parker Pen Company. (1993). Do's and taboos around the world (3rd ed.). New York: Wiley.