London, England:

In two days (and some time zone shennannigans) I’ll be back in the U.S. To quote Ted Theodore Logan, “Whoa”.

Ireland and England have been a good transition back to reality, and hopefully will lessen some of the culture-shock of returning to the States. After a bit over a week here, I’m just starting to get used to the fact that I speak the language here. When I approach someone to conduct business, I still find myself mentally preparing what I’m going to say, but I’m getting better about it and am just beginning to realize that I actually can wing it.

Highlights from the last week:

Ireland

• They call Ireland the Emerald Isle, but I never realized how many different shades of green existed before I came here.  Amazing, astounding shades of green. It’s really nice of them to paint each blade of grass like that just for the tourists.
• Fields and fields full of peat. Makes me want to like scotch.
• Driving was amazing – I’m so glad we didn’t take a bus or train. Riding shotgun (on the left) was in the perfect position on the pleasure-pain boundary – I got amazing views and felt moments away from death at the same time. Fun! Thanks Nathan, for driving – it would have been worse with me behind the wheel.

England

• God, I love the Tate Modern. I spend two afternoons here, and could easily spend two more.
• I found a new love: The Design Museum. I spend a few hours just in the bookshop – it was a total nerdgasm.
• The weather here has been remarkable; I think I bring good weather luck with me. Perhaps I should do Seattle a favor and move there.
• Off to Cheltenham to visit a friend; staying with other friends tomorrow, then back. See you stateside!