When you take pictures in the tube station, it's like wearing a sign that says "Hi, I'm a foreigner."

Today, that was me. Multiple times.

I had my camera with me for work because I wanted photos of the Olympic Arena since I was visiting the site today. Anyway, when I got done with work, I walked through the tube station taking pictures so I could document the craziness that is Canary Wharf on a weekday at 6pm. This is what the Jubilee Line looks like everyday of the week. Enjoy. Feel my pain. Dad will particularly enjoy the large crowds. Not.

About 5 minutes after I took these pictures someone comes on the PA system stating how photography is not allowed in the tube stations. I don't know if that was about me or not, but it was a weird coincidence. I have never heard that announcement before!

At work today, I went to our marketing suite in East London. It's on the 15th and 16th floors of a residential building that overlooks the 2012 Olympic Areana. It was incredible to get to see the construction of the new stadium. We were hosting about 20 Flemish businesspeople and journalist. My boss speaks fluent English, Flemish and Chinese (maybe even other languages...). The meeting was conducted in English which I was thankful for because I could follow along. She basically did a presentation on why the companies should bring their business to London in time for the games. It was just a really cool experience to actually be doing something somewhat grown-up. I didn't have any real role in the meeting, just along for learning. I answered a few questions for the people about general London stuff. Who would have thought I would already know so much about the city to answer questions?! The view is pretty fabulous from the suite. The name of the suite is even actually called, "The View". After the meeting, I went outside onto the terrace and stole a few photos for the blog.

 East London (Olympic Arenas are just to the left)

 Olympic Natatorium

Main Sports Complex

perspective of how close the structures are to one another

After the meeting I returned to the office in Canary Wharf. The weather was perfect again today, so I wanted to document the area I work in. Here are some pictures of the part of London where my office is. I also took a photo of the view from my particular office on the 35th floor. It was at sunset when I was getting off work, so it's a bit bright.

Quite literally, "The Tube." (This is the only entrance that I have ever seen that actually looks like this.)

Stunning view from my office. I don't know how my life turned out like this. Simply amazing. To give you some perspective, Canary Wharf is very far southeast. Along the river you can see the Tower Bridge when there is no glare from the sun. All the buildings towards the right of the picture are where people typically think of central London.



Sunday 10 October 2010

I slept in on Sunday after a very busy few weeks, it felt good to actually rest. After I had lunch I went to Spitalfields and Petticoat Lane Markets. I bought a blazer for 3 pounds which was really cheap. It was really busy and just overwelming. I didn't really enjoy it too much. I quit "shopping" after a couple hours and literally wandered around for about an hour. It was really nice to just walk and absorb the city.

I led myself (unknowingly) to a place near Tower Bridge called "Monument". It's a monument in rememberance of the Great Fire of London in 1666. The fire lasted about 3 days and ruined most of the city. As part of the rebuilding this Monument was constructed. It's 316 steps to the top. Once you reach the top (you have to walk it all the up on a spiral very narrow staircase) there is small observation deck on top. I read about this in my tour book (Thanks Nana!) and I had been wanted to go check it out. Sunday was my chance.

I waited in line for probably about 20 minutes and met a nice woman from Kansas City, Missouri who was traveling with her husband. It was her first time in London and they were leaving for Paris in a couple days. I gave her a few pointers for Paris. It's crazy to think that I actually know things about places around the world!

I finally made it to the top and the view was breathtaking. I loved it. Every time I see something like this I am so thankful I got this opportunity to be abroad. The entire experience has already been so incredible. I am so grateful. You could see parts of the entire city from the observation deck.

Tower Bridge

The slight hill on the left in the background is Greenwich, where I visited on Saturday.

Financial District

This is where I wandered around for about an hour before finding Monument.

Westminster Abbey and Lonon Eye

 Canary Wharf where I work

St. Paul's Cathedral

Monument

I met my friend Christine in Hyde Park for dinner. The weather was so nice Sunday you just had to be outside. We sat in the grass and just talked. Before finding our place on the grass we passed a lot of people particpating in "Speakers Theatre". It happens every Sunday. It's a time that ANYONE can stand on a podium and talk about ANYTHING. The crazy thing is that lots of people come and listen and yell and debate and get angry about other people's opinions. It was interesting to watch all the interaction. The guy was talking about how the Bible is the living word and that was Muslim's believe is all based on lies. There were probably 6 different men talking with a big crowd watching and commenting for each speaker.

I went to Hillsong Church after dinner. I loved it as always. The music was great and the people were fabulous. After church, everyone was invited to a pub across the street. Church culture is so much different that at home. We went and met some really cool people from around the world. I met a guy from the Caribbean and two women from Norway and Paris.