Sun 26 Oct 2008 - Hanging with the Bruhs in Frankfurt

So this weekend I made my way over to Frankfurt, Germany to hang out the Bruhs. Where do I begin? I had an absolute blast! The Bruhs in Germany showed me so much love and were so hospitable. They really set it out for me. For anyone who is greek, this weekend reminded me of the reason we all pledged (oops did I say that), I meant joined our respective organizations. I was thoroughly impressed the members of Theta Theta Lambda. They were about the business of Alpha, held it's standards high, and really epitomized brotherhood. The majority of the brothers were millitary men. Hanging out with them really gave me more insight into millitary life. As a result, not to sound corny, I really have a deepened respect for the sacrifice that these guys (and women) make for our country.

My weekend began with a Friday night dinner out with the bruhs. Later that night we went back to Frat's house for some drinks and more socializing. It was just great to be in the midst of bruhs. I did not realize how much I missed it. Saturday morning, I attened a chapter meeting and got a real sense of how these brothers do business. Very impressive. At the end of the meeting, I ended up joining Theta Theta Lambda. I paid my dues and now I am a full fledged member of TTL. There is no grad chapter in London, which I found to be very surprising. So, its like I am going to be making a few trips to Frankfurt. It's all good. Thankfully, Frankfurt is just an hour flight from London. A round-trip ticket on Ryanair costs about 45 pounds (approx. $90). My goal is encourage a couple brothers that I know here in London to to over to Frankfurt to attend a couple of TTL's events. Also, the President of TTL said that they would love to host chapter meeting in London. So, I am kind of a satelite of TTL here in London. It's going to be a good fraternal year.

Saturday night, Frat took me out to a salsa/hip hop club. The club was fun. Next time, they wants to take me to Berlin which I've heard is a big party city. I stayed up all night partying and then went straight to airport to catch my flight. I reaked of cigarettes becuase smoking is still allowed in clubs in Frankfurt. Most Europeans tend to smoke, its seems like a cultural thing. Here in London, smoking is banned inside clubs, bars, etc. All in all it was a great weekend. This was the second weekend in a rol that I got no sleep. Mental note, take next weekend to rest (unless a better offer comes along...lol).

So later alligator, after while crocodile.

Keep me in your prayers as I will keep you in mine.

Dueces

Monday 20 Oct 2008 - Partying with Southern Africans

So this weekend, I partied my butt off. I hung out with some Southern African friends (Musa and Brian). We drove up to Coventry which about an hour or so outside London. I had a crazy amout of fun! Everyone made me feel so welcomed and showed me so much love. The music, food, and energy of the place was amazing. I really feel Southern African music. I obviously don't understand the languages of Southern Africa, but the beats and rhythm of the music is infectious. I mean you can't help but dance to it. There were people predominately from Zimbawe and South Africa. Now, I want to check out South Africa. And whoa, these people can party. I mean it was like 5:00am and the party was still going strong. It was so bad, that I was literally "sleep partying". That is tantamount to sleep walking. I remember standing up with a drink in my hand and grooving to the music, but doing all of this while sleeping. It was crazy. We all got to sleep around 6:30am. When we woke up later that afternoon, the party started again. They prepared a big meal and got the music going again. It was phase two of the party. Isane!! I had a ball.

We finally made it back to London that evening. We cleaned up and were on our way to a lounge in West London to see Dorothy Masuku perform. Dorothy Makusu wrote many of the songs that were made famous by Miriam Makeba. It was an amazing show. Ms. Makusu is a very regal South African woman. She has been around since the fifties. She looked absolutely beautiful and sounded great. This show was great!! I felt so blessed to have seen Ms. Makusu perform. And when people hear you're from the states, they all want to buy you a drink.

Needless to say, I got no sleep this weekend, but it was so worth it!!

So thanks for taking the time to read the latest entry in blog.

Holla at ya boy!!

Friday 17 Oct 2008 - I have a choice to make about Flats

Today I found two flats that may be suitable for me. Flat 1 was in South Kensington and flat 2 was in Sloane Square. So below is a list of pros and cons about each flat. This is more so for my benefit and not the reader.

Flat 1 (South Kensington) Pros

• Located in trendy South Kensington (near Knightsbridge area, great shopping, etc)


• The apartment has great original architectural detail


• Close to tube station (3 stops from work)


• Beautiful building


• Apartment has 1 bedroom and 1.5 bathrooms

Flat 1 (South Kensington) Cons

• The apartment requires some work


• Weekly rent does not include heat and gas


• The sofa and dinning room table are not not very nice

Flat 2 (Sloane Square) Pros

• Located in posh Sloan Square area (near Kings Road shopping area)


• Apartment is well appointed and in excellent condition


• Building has a porter


• Close to tube station (1 stop from work) and bust stop


• Weekly rent includes heat and gas


• Apartment has great storage for clothes

Flat 2 (Sloane Square) Cons

• Apartment only has a washer, no dryer


• Apartment only has only 1 bathroom


• The aparment does not have interesting/original architectural detail

So it seems that the pros outweigh the cons for each flat, but the Flat 2 has more pros in total. Now with all this logical analytics, I am still undecided. Therefore, my solution will be to pray and ask GOD to lead me. I will let you guys know what I decide.

Tonight I am going to catch a movie with a soror from NYC. She is crazy cool. I tell you, being in London is one of those times that I really appreciate being greek. It's nice to go literally anywhere and plug into a network of brown and progessive people.

So, until next time, remember GOD is good all the time, and all the time GOD is good.

Holla at ya Boy!!

Thur 16 Oct 2008 - Off to Germany

So, today I booked a ticket to go to Frankfurt, Germany in order to visit some frat brothers. I know Frankfurt does not sound as exotic or cool as say, Paris, Milan, or Madrid, but it's a start. I am only going for a couple days, but I am pretty excited. I've heard that Berlin is a big party city. Who knows, if I like Germany, perhaps I'll check out Berlin next time. I booked my ticket on Ryan-air for literally 50 pounds (approx. $100). I was thinking to myself at work today that my next trip will probably be some time in November. I think I'll head some where like Paris for a couple days. I am due to get my "grown and sexy" party on.

Tomorrow, I begin the search for another flat. I know there is a great place out there that has "K.-E.-N.-Y.-A.-T.-T.-A." written all over it! Wish me luck. Otherwise, it has been a pretty ordinary week. Work kept me very busy. But, now that the Q3 close process is done, work should ease up a bit. All in all, the job is going well. My boss seems to be pleased with my work. But, I am still struggling with the blackberry thing. My job is great, but I don't want to be so accessible. But, that is neither here nor there.

The next major change to my blog will be to upload some pics. So stayed tuned.

Till next time, remember that love is a verb, not just a noun. So go out and love somebody and treat yourself to something nice.

Holla!!

Monday 14 Oct 2008 - The flat in South Kensington is a bust :-(

So Iam feeling a bit down. I just found out that the flat that the amazing flat that I found in South Kensington is now a bust. The landlord/owner is being very difficult and asking for terms in the contract that just aren't reasonable. As a result, I will not be moving into this flat. Now, I have to begin the home search from scratch. I am not happy at all. This would have been ideal. So now I have to keep a positive attitude and take this as a sign that there is something else better out there for me. It's tough because I was really growing tired of being in temporary housing. But oh well, it is what it is.

Sun 12 Oct 2008 - My second weekend in London

So overall, I had a pretty good weekend. On Friday, I was stayed in, I was pretty tired and worn out. It was a busy week at work. On Saturday, I went to two get togethers. One was a going away for a young lady who is going back to the states. I made a quick cameo, had a drink and met some cool people. There were a lot of student types, but cool people overall. The next party, was over in Camperwell. I spent more time at this party. There were some interesting people at this party. It was a virtual United Nations, I met people from the West Indies, Paris, Nigeria, and Cameroon. This is what I love about London!! On Sunday, I had brunch with a frat brother and his family at their home in North London. He had a delightful family and a beautiful, beautiful home. I was fascinated by his children. These kids had lived in Japan and the States. Their perspective and view of the world was very interesting. Yet, they still had a big fascination with the States and things American.

After brunch, I went over to Kensington High Street which is close to where my new flat will be located. And, well, I gave into the "skinny jean". Everyone in Europe wears them including me now. This is a total 180 for me. Because when I was back in the States, I always said that I am too old to wear skinny jeans. After being in London, I finally gave in. To be honest, I would call my jeans a slim cut jean, not so much skinny. I am not sure if I would rock them in the States, but here in London, I blend in.

So that is my weekend. I am really loving life in London. I can tell that my view and perspective of the world is going to have a seismic shift. Who knows, I may just may change my name "Joseph Baker" and call Europe home...lol

Talk to ya'll later.

Sat 10 Oct 2008 - My New Addiction and Social Calendar

O.k., so I have new guilty pleasure here in the U.K. There is this show called X Factor. X Factor is the original "American Idol". I love this show!! In fact, I am invited to two parties tonite, but I am not leaving until I look at X Factor. One of the contestants on this show is a girl named girl Alexandra Burke. I LOVE HER!! She is a little Whitney, Aretha, and Natalie in one really nice package.

So anyways, I am going to start getting ready for these parties after X Factors goes off. My social calendar is beginning to fill up. Not bad for someone who has only been in London for two weeks.

I also want to give a shout out to my peoples in BK (Brooklyn), who partying tonite at Lounge Loki in Park Slope. Shouts out to the Paton Crew - Bess (happy B-day), Ike, Des, Big Glo, DEW, B, Angie M, Mimi and Dada (and my new nephew) . . I know ya'll gon party like rock stars tonite. When yall in the club, pop a bottle for me and when they play some Biggie, think of ya boy.

And remember, we're in a Credit Crunch environment so definitely make all yo dollars holla!!

Deuces

09 Oct 2008 My Job and First Trip

So, for one of the first times in my life, I actually like my job. It's really not too bad. I don't know if it's the newness of being in a new country, but this gig isn't so bad. I work a heck of a lot of hours. But, I really don't mind. However, what I don't like is that I have to stay so connected to my job. My boss asked me if I had gotten my blackberry. I told him that I would follow up with his assistant and get a blackberry. Is it me, but once you get the company blackberry, mobile, etc., you have sold your soul to the corporate machine. So, now I guess that I will be one of those people checking my "crack-berry". Oh well, I gotta make a living.

So, I may be making my first trips. I may be going to Frankfurt at the end of this month for a frat meeting. And then possibly off to Amsterdam to party like a Rock Star. I'll keep you guys posted.

Holla at ya boy!!

04 Oct 2008 Sat The Cultural Explosion of Brixton

Today I made my first trip to Brixton and it was just what I needed. Brixton is like a cultural explosion of melanin. You have people from all parts of Africa, the Carribbean, Haiti, and even the Middle East. It reminds of Flatbush and I loved it! I was able to go and purchase some black hair products and get a shape up and just be amongst black people. There are several shops and open air markets. Now, I must be honest, it was a bit different to see whole carcuses of animals at the butcher shops. I saw chickens with heads still on, and what I tought was part of the butchered carcus of a goat. I know I saw a leg and hoof. This was definitely informative and educational, but I think I'll stick to buying my meat from the supermarket. I will choose to believe that the boneless chicken breast just some how magically gets into the the plastic wrapping. Oh, I finally got a mobile. I had to get a pay as you go situation. But, you do what you gotta do.

Until next time, keep it tight and keep it right.

03 Oct 2008 Part 2 I found a permanent apartment

I just found out that I was approved for the flat this flat in South Kensington (South Ken). South Ken sort of reminds me of the Upper East Side (New Yorkers get this reference). I ordinarily would not consider myself to be very Upper East Side, but South Ken does have a bit of trendy-ness and is very convenient. I am 3 tube stops from my job, and pretty centrally located in London. The apartment is absolutely gorgeous and I am very happy with my decision to live there. The apartment has a black and white mod/modern decor. But, it also has some very traditional and English charm. The apartment is fully furnished which is very common place in the U.K. I won't be able to move in until October 20th. Here in the U.K rents are quoted on a weekly basis and move in dates are typically on a Monday or Friday. So, all in all, I am very happy. Now, if I could get a mobile phone, this would be the cherry on the sundae.

Until the next time I make an entry, cheers mate.

03 Oct 2008 Fri. Part 1 The retail monster strikes again

Alright, I thought that I had kicked my little habit. Especially considering the exorbitant cost of things here in London. Well, guess what, I relapsed. After being denied a cell phone because of credit issues. Btw, there is no such thing as a social security number or unique number that identifies an individual here in London. Your credit is essentially based upon your address, bank account(s), and other credit cards. I found it sort of "different". But, I digress, I wandered into a store called The House of Fraser that happened to be having an awesome sale. And, well, I sort of purchased two pairs of shoes. They were at a fair price, so I don't feel too badly. But hopefully I won't have too many retail relapses here in London. Heck, who am I fooling, the sales here in London are pretty good and I know that I am going to O.D. on footwear. Also, I learned that when I leave the country, I can reclaim the tax paid on retail items. You simply present your receipts at the airport, I guess some where in customs and you get refunded the tax you paid on retail items. And believe you me, tax is not a game here in the U.K. You pay tax out of the wa-zoo.

I know this entry seemed pretty vapid, but I just wanted to share this with you guys. And remember, love is what you do and not what you say. Holla

02 Oct 2008 Thur The adventures of trying to get a cell phone (mobile) in London

So today was my day to get a cell phone. There are basically three major carriers here in the U.K. O2, Vodaphone, and Orange. I decided to go with O2. No rhyme or reason for this choice, I think I just like their name the most. From the research I have done, these networks all seem to have similiar pricing.

However, there are some challenges with obtaining a cell phone:
1) I am new to the country and don't really have a credit history.
2) Most of the plans for decent phones are 18 months and I "think" I will only be here for 1 year.
3) These plans are expensive as heck.

Challenge 1
Luckily enough I had enough foresight and the ability to set up a U.K bank account and even get a U.K. credit card. This may not sound like a big deal, but establishing credit in a place outside of your home country is not an easy feat. But, GOD smiled on me and allowed all this to take place before I even set foot on U.K. soil. So, anyways the bank account and credit card should help to mitigate challenge 1.

Challenge 2 & 3
Now, I am bit vain, and I thought it would be cool to cop myself an iPhone. It's totally do-able, but I would have to sign an 18 month contract and I am not sure if I'll be here after 12 months. Alterntively, I could do a pay as you go plan or "top off" as the Brits say. However, I would have to buy the iPhone. The 8GB iPhone averages £350 (approx. $700) and the 16GB averages £400 (approx. $800). Needless to say, I don't think ya boy will be getting an iPhone (atleast not in the U.K).

Decision/Resolution
It seems as though I will be relegated to buying a pretty basic phone :-(
O2 has a Simplicity Plan ("top off") that should suit me just fine. This is one of those instances when I had forget about the "cool me" and let the"practical me" make the decision.

GOD saying the same, I should have a mobile phone at the end of the day!! This may not seem like a big deal. But imagine how you feel on one of those random days when you mistakingly leave your cell phone at home. You know that exposed feeling of vulnerability and nakedness you feel because you left your darn phone at home. Imagine that same feeling but intensified and in a new country. Not a good look ladies and gents.

Once I get my cell phone I will be sure to distribute my number (not that I expect to be receiving many calls from the states)

As usual stay blessed and know that someone across the Big Pond is thinking about you!!

01 Oct 2008 Wed Part 2

Darn this place is expensive!!
I forgot to add that this is one expensive place. I went to the market to buy some items and spent so much dough. I have to stop converting everything to $USD (in my head) when I make purchases. Otherwise, I would never buy anything and starve to death!! But, it's truly all good. The experience of living in another country....PRICELESS

Expanding my network
So, before I came to London, my friend Joseph made me open up a Facebook account. At first, I was like I am too darn old to be on Facebook. Well, I am man enough to admit that I was wrong. It was actually a good move. Joseph introduced me to several of his friend from London through Facebook and they all seem like pretty solid people. I have also reached out to a couple Frat brothers who live in London as well as the President of One Hundred Black Men (OHBM) London. I am anxious to get active with OHBM London. Unfortunately, the nearest chapter of Alpha (Theta Theta Lambda) is in Frankfurt, Germany. But, while I am here, I definitely plan on venturing to Germany to check out the bruhs. You know the eyes of Alpha are everywhere...lol. I am slowly but surely expanding my network because I am determined to "kill it" here in London.

Stay tuned folks!!

01 Oct 2008 Wed Part 1

So I have been in London for 4 days. And your are probably wondering, "what the heck must he be feeling". Well, to be honest I pinch myself all the time because it's so unbeleivable that I am living outside of the U.S. I certainly miss the familiarity of home, family, and friends. However, I know that London is going to be "off the chain" once I get plugged into the right people. Below is a quick breakdow of what I did the past 4 days.

Saturday
I landed in London and moved into my temporary apartment (flat). The flat is amazing, roomy, spacious, modern and contemporary. But the neighborhood is as dry as the Sahara Desert in the summer time. I am currently living in Victoria SW1 which is great area. In fact, I walk to work everyday, but after business hours, it's a ghost town. So you know I gotta move real soon.

Sunday
I pretty much slept the whole and unpacked my stuff. Nothing exciting happened that day.

Monday
I went looking for permanent flats. I targeted South Kensington and Nottinghill. I found two amazing flats in South Kensington. Got my fingers crossed that one works out for me.

Tuesday/Wednesday
So these were my first two days of work. And honestly, I really like my job! It's the perfect mix of Finance and Project Management. I feel like this job will allow me to utilize both my accounting and finance degrees. And, I get to be an organizer/project manager.

Tune in for the next entry in my blog. I know it seems pretty uneventful, but trust me, it will get better!!