Hey everyone... I arrived on the little island on August 17th, and have not stopped have a blast since--I will do my best to try to catch everyone up in the most non-boring way that I can imagine---I also am considering a blog, as they seem to be the rage...but who knows...
First--some housekeeping details--
Mobile - I sent this out already, but in case you need it again: 0780-914-0005 -- If call from the US, dial like this: 011-44-780-914-0005
Address: I have a great flat with 2 really cool roommates--1 from UCLA and one from Michigan--Our place is great..1 block from school..3 bedroom, 2 bath--and a killer leather couch with an awesome chaise lounge---guests are welcome and encouraged--
Edward Starr
150 Clarence Gate Gardens
Glentworth Street
Marylebone
London
NW1 6AP
Communication: OK--this seems to be the biggest hurdle for many, so this have done a bunch of research and experiments and here are the results--first off, a little refresher course on the time difference (JAKE--this is for you!)
If you live in NYC or East Coast - I am 5hrs AHEAD
If you live in Chicago - 6hrs AHEAD
If you live in LA - 8hrs AHEAD
I know some people are like, what an asshole writing this stuff, but you would be surprised by some of the calls that i have gotten at all hours of the night...
So, here are the best ways to chat:
1. Most traditional - Buy a phone card--best site is http://www.enjoyprepaid.com/ - I found that this site has amazing rates, and for $20, you can talk to me for like 5 hrs--
2. Internet methods - For this, you have to have a dedicated broadband connection--
A: SKYPE - go to www.skype.com --- set up an account---if we are both online at the same time, we literally can talk for free. You need either a SYKPE internet phone, a headset, or a laptop with a microphone---both easy options and work really well.
B: SKYPE OUT - Same type of thing, but this is for when I am not online and you want to call my mobile, then you can deposit like $10, and we can talk for like 10 hours...really cheap rates
C: JAHJAH - http://www.jajah.com -- This is a really cool option---If you become a member of this, then we can talk for free, unlimited amount of time, and unlike SKYPE, you dont need a headset, etc. This is the most convenient I think for everyone, and I have not been able to find a catch yet---basically, all you need is a good internet connection----
3. EMAIL - Still fun to receive now and then...:-)
OK..so now the boring stuff is out of the way--here is the fun stuff---
London is the best city in the world, and I am sticking to that until I die...:-)---Its been 2 weeks, and despite the fact the the $ and the £ are at all time highs, EVERYTHING is twice as expensive as it is back in the states, the city is still without description---I know a lot of you have been here, and some have not---but just walking through the winding streets, parks, nightlife, and pubs---I don't know...I get the excite of NYC, without the bursting noise, people, and crowds---I get the beauty of Chicago or San Fran--it's tough to describe, but I hope all of you can find some time to visit in the next 2 yrs and we can explore the city together and everyone can decide for themselves.
I have had some great times since I have arrived--my first 10 days involved a lot of crap that you must deal with whenever you arrive somewhere, but luckily things worked out quite well and within a week I had a great flat, a UK bank account, a flashy new mobile phone and about 20 new friends. So far, I have tried to keep the touristy activities to a somewhat minimum, as I am a true Londoner now--but I still had to make my way to the Tate Modern, which has to be seen to be believed, and have strolled through Hyde Park and Regents Park(which by the way is about 1 block from my flat--so imagine living 1 block from central park, and you can understand how happy I am.
For the next email, I will try to email some fun pictures of my escapades so far--but other highlights have included Notting Hill (I of course took a picture next to the famous bookshop, but sadly Julia Roberts was no where to be found, the London CARNIVAL--2 Million people, debauchery, and just an amazing time--and of course, I had to hit Asia De Cuba and try a £13 martini--YEP, that a $26 dollar drink for those of you counting at home. But its just been so much fun as i have gone out literally every night since i have been here.
The pubs are awesome--I have decided to adapt CHELSEA as my official London football team (i tell people i did this because I am just supporting my Russian heritage by supporting their Russian owner, and the fact that Andrii Shevchenko is amazing) and watching a Premiership match in a pub is truly an experience that I hope all of you share with me when you visit--trust me, you will not forget it. I have not decided what I will do when American Football season starts next week---BUT---the thing that has surprised me the most is just how quickly I have literally forgotten about everything 'American'--I have not seen a Tv show, watched a sporting event, etc. since i have been here--and honestly, i don't miss it at all---
My brother just arrived yesterday--in case you guys did not know, Bruce is studying abroad for his final semester at NYU in London--we have already started to have a blast and i think these next four months will go down in history as the best of my life, and hopefully his as well---on tap is: Robbie Williams, Justin Timberlake, Kylie Minogue, a 3 week New years Thailand Asia trip, Portugal, and nightly London debauchery--I promise to keep everyone abreast of everything, and i will try my best to keep up with Bruce, but I can't promise anything...:-)
Now...let me at least mention school---So, I am currently in the orientation period, and if you can believe it, I actually have class tomorrow!! How European----but here are the details...311 people, 87 Americans--and 59 different countries if you are keeping track at home...everyone has a real thirst for life if you will, perhaps that is the not best term, but hey, i can be cliche---people have run iron man triathlons, made it Everest base camp, literally travelled the world--so I feel slightly inadequate---so I am trying really hard to impress them with my bad jokes and funny stories about my Hollywood glory days---
Well---I am getting tired of typing, and I am sure everyone is tired of reading...I will try to do these type of things maybe every other week...who knows...but I will try my best...
Cheers everyone....
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