London - a study in contrasts

So far I like living in London. It's an interesting city to walk around in and there is so much to see. Last night Andrew and I went to a Roller Derby match. On New Year's Eve we went to Wesminster and watched amazing fireworks at the Eye while Big Ben chimed midnight.

Our area is an amazing mix of cultures and people. There's a Hasidic Jewish community as well as a very popular Catholic church I often see neighbors walking to for services. I hear all sorts of different languages and accents around; it's very interesting. There are tons of kids and babies in our neighborhood, and yet also there's a gang problem in the area. Still, I have never felt personally unsafe here. Our trash can got stolen off the street, as has our recycling bin twice. Sometimes there is graffiti around, yet generally there are lots of families with babies all over and nobody seems to be looking over their shoulders excessively. Generally it feels quite safe. You just have to be aware of your surroundings, like everywhere.

Despite being a huge city, most businesses in London close quite early by American standards. All the Starbucks close around 8 (gasp!) and most retailers also close around 7 or 8. They sometimes have one night a week (usually Thursdays, I think) where they stay open until 9. Then there are these tiny supermarkets that are all over the place, the size of your average convenience store in the US and CRAMMED with shelves, that are open 24 hours. It's an interesting study in contrasts.

It gets dark around 4 during the winter, and on rainy/cloudy days it never really gets light. That can be depressing, but our flat has lots of windows and even skylights in top floor, so we get a surprising amount of natural light. I wonder what it will be like in the winter when it stays light out until 10.

As for me, I'm still unemployed and, frankly, kinda liking it. Our stuff has not been delivered yet due to parking difficulties, but I hope it arrives very soon. I would feel so much better if I could spend my days arranging our stuff, reading, and so on, and if I had more clothes to choose from.

I will begin substitute teaching (in the UK, "supply teaching") in February, when I have a job that lasts the month. Sounds good, but February is short and the school is off one week of that for half term, so it's not as much money as I need. Oh well, it's a start. I've also applied for part time work at a local business. We'll see how it all works out.