London's Calling!

A Rose by any other Name...

2008-09-23T18:23:00.000-07:00

I’ve never had someone try to sweep me off my feet before… until now. After being taken to the sold-out Jason Mraz concert (unfortunately we missed Ingrid Michaelson!), and the longest encore in the history of mankind, we decided to deck out before the rush of the crowd. And in a gay panic I walk upon one of the most beautiful and amazing and talented women I have ever laid eyes upon.

Who might you be wondering?

Oh, ya know.

INGRID MICHAELSON!

I could barely speak I was so excited, and maybe terrified. I asked her for a picture (facebook profile picture soon to come!), and had her sign my ticket. My knees almost buckled underneath the fanatical excitement shooting out of my brain… whatever that means.
After we left, camera and autograph in hand, Chris took me to a secluded little spot in the courtyard. We sat upon the stone fence surrounding the edge of the courtyard and enjoyed each other’s company. As we were about to leave he bends over the fence and lifts a bunch of roses and gives them to me. He is perhaps the most romantic guy I have ever had the pleasure of dating. Who knew the night could get any better?

Oh and even more news? Ingrid is having her own headlining concert here on October 7th! So I haven’t missed her!

What a perfect night.

So There's This Boy...

2008-09-22T10:16:00.000-07:00

And there's this other boy...

And I love London...

;)

Alright, this weekend was the weekend for me to check out the gay scene, I was sick of feeling left out when we would go to straight pubs and I felt I needed to meet someone I actually have something in common with.

On Friday night I heard a great place to go is the Ku Bar, a multi-award winning bar in Leicester Square. It was quite trendy if I say so myself. And it was a very interesting experience. Partly because I went alone, and as well know I can be painfully shy in new situations with new people, I certainly like my comfort zones. And after getting a pineapple and midori I found myself doing the exact thing I was dreading- standing against the wall, too afraid to go up to anyone.

After a minute or two I was waved over by a friendly-looking group of blokes. The one who invited me over was named Chris, a film producer for a small company working for Paramount Pictures.

Short Interruption: There is the most fabulous drink he got me that I believe has pineapple juice, but it's pink. Whenever I got a new one I could never hear what the bartender said it was over the dangerously loud music. I told Chris we must investigate this. Stay tuned.

As the night rolled on, Chris invited me to a great little spot in Chinatown that had the best Sweet and Sour Chicken I've ever had (or was it pork? I can't remember, but it was the best!) I learned a lot about him, and often times found myself not able to stop laughing- our chemistry is very apparent.

He's not the type I would normally go for, he's healthy but not loaded with muscles. But I think he's super cute. Altho that's what a great personality does!

After dinner we went to a club called Popstarz. It's a slightly trashy place but had a great mixture of people. We had a couple drinks and then headed to the casino. He tried to teach me the ways of gambling. I can't say I totally understood it but we turned 50p into 7 pounds! Unfortunately that could only afford us one drink (boy was it tasty tho, strawberry!)

And the most amazing part of the night, and perhaps the most romantic night I've ever had was when he took me on a walk throughout the surrounding parts of the city. Cuddling next to the giant lions in Trafalgar Square, kissing in front of the Prime Ministers House, Holding each other in front of the Thames River with the brilliant lights shining out over the waters, Big Ben towering over us, and the London Eye, standing majestically reflected in the water. Hands down, one of the best nights with a boy I've ever had.

I am meeting him tonight for the first time since that great night. Let's see what happens.

As for the other boy, Elliott. He is a beautiful boy I met saturday night at a club called Heaven. He was the only boy who I danced with, maybe because he was drunk enough to make the initiative. But damn does he have the prettiest smile you ever could see, it's a smile you can get lost in (and I did). As we both got more drunk and the night went on, it was finally time to leave. He wanted to come over, but there is a rule against having guests and while my roommates are great, I wasn't sure how they would feel about it. However, Elliott lives about 40 minutes away from there, and we couldn't figure out how to get him back so I brought him home. We both fell asleep pretty much immediately but enjoyed a great morning of cuddling. Unfortunately he is going back to Bristol for Uni (his school is the equivalent of Ivy league) He's considering History and Law. A cool combination. He's smart, and incredibly nice!

We'll see what happens with both! Either way it was an incredible weekend. I always end up forgetting to do more touristy things tho. I'm planning to do that this week so stay tuned for pictures!

That's all for now.

Oh btw my tooth was chipped! I feel like a crackwhore! I'm hoping the dentist is free so I can fix it!

2008-09-21T03:57:00.000-07:00

The Day After is generally one of the most interesting days to feel. We take the time to think and wonder and hope and fear and relish all of the things we did and all of the things we could do.

In London, I've had my fair share of these days. Here, you see so many options, so many directions; these days can't help but to overwhelm.

I've met this boy. He's different and unique, outgoing, and funny. He's things I want to see in myself.

Right now, I feel like I need to show myself what I can do, that I'm becoming a better person.

I love and hate these days.

2008-09-15T05:51:00.001-07:00

What to say, what to say. It is at this point in time where I have gotten over my initial reactions and started to notice flaws. London is a great city, beautiful and huge with lots of things happening, and in that there are plenty of instances for flaws to appear. One I have noticed is that people like to start fights here. A Ginger in one of my classes was apparently head butted at a club and now sports a black eye, a few of the other students have had people walk into them and then demand an apology for it. Brits tend to be reserved and with this must come pent up anger. Maybe it’s the weather? (which is another bad thing) It is usually rainy. We have definitely had some beautiful days but through and through, London is a rainy fucking city. The dye from my tennis shoes has become so soaked that colors are bleeding into one another- at least I have an excuse to get new shoes? Any suggestions?
And another thing! It’s true what they say- Brit food is not very good. I suppose the best way to put it is Brit food is just not worth the money. No wonder they’re all alcoholics.

Through and through this is a fantastic city. I took a panoramic tour on Friday and saw some great places I have to see. I took some pictures but they turned out horrible so I’m going on an excursion one of these days to bring back evidence of the majestic this city holds. Stay tuned.
In other news- my roommates are pretty fucking nice. As much as we don’t hang out and don’t have much in common, we can still hold a conversation and can still go to the pub together and have a good time. And, gasp, they are a little bit domestic! Mason made a great pasta today that I definitely scarfed down, and yes they clean (to an extent)!
Vodka is literally twice the amount of money as in America. (sadface) I solemnly report this, as if I’m telling you a friend of ours has just passed away. I guess this is yet another reason for me to get used to beer.
Classes started this week and I can tell it will be a difficult task to stay awake during each three hour long lecture, but all of my teachers seem to be very reasonable and nice and I have a lot of classes with people I know. It should be fun.

It should be noted that the thing that makes London so great is the people. It’s a melting pot of culture arts and alcoholism, what more could one ask for? Last night I experienced my first party that didn’t include people from my program. It was hosted by my Swedish friend, Anton, and his roommates. There were people from all over hanging out and having a blast. I would consider that to be the most interesting night I’ve had so far. I really hope to continue meeting new people from all over.
We also took a trip to Stonehenge and Bath this weekend. Stonehenge is certainly an interesting place, but I feel like it’s better just to take a picture in front of it and move on. Also it should be mentioned that there seems to be mysterious flying cobwebs that swarm and attack you while at Stonehenge. Yet another unsolved mystery? Let’s get Velma on the case!
Bath is certainly an amazing city. The city was first founded by the Romans who would use the hot springs there, of course, as a bath. These hot springs, now green, mucky, and quite revolting, are said to have healing powers, but I wouldn’t try it! Their whole economy is based on tourism, and they certainly don’t disappoint. It’s so beautiful, and with good reason- every house is at least half a million to about 7 million pounds! Nicolas Cage and Johnny Depp are both residents. And they love pigs. Yes, pigs.

I really feel like this blog is very random and scattered. I’ve never really blogged before so I’m hoping I will get things organized (including more regular posts!) There’s just so much to write about and so little time to write it that I forget what to mention, what I’ve seen, and who I’ve met. So definitely more to come! Oh and I can't figure out how to add pictures into the middle of my posts. so for now you'll just have to suffer!

Peace out all! Update me on what's going on!

Lots of Love,
Michael

Side Note: Number of times the smoke alarm has gone off: 13

Here I am!

2008-09-04T08:04:00.000-07:00

I can’t believe I’m already in London and in my flat! The plane ride was pretty insane; I started falling in and out of sleep in the beginning, and of course missed the first snack, what a bummer. Perhaps that forced me not to fall asleep for the rest of the ride. Anyways, our flat is a sweet white townhouse (similar to the brownstones of New York, but steeped in much more history. The street is lined with these white, ornate houses complete with mini cars lining the curbside. While driving along the road we see an emulsion of different cultures and ways of life. It is absolutely gorgeous! This sure beats the suburban wastelands of Minnesota. I’m taking a break after dumping the contents of my suitcases onto my bed, since sweet slumber is not an option. There’s definitely sign of age to the building as well as the area, but I think it adds character. I can’t wait to explore the old streets and culture of London.

All of my roommates have a combination of friendships; I’m the odd man out. I’m hoping I will be able to break into it, even being the only gay guy, and become a part of their group. The last one has appeared after being detained for questioning from the authorities at the airport; a fate I barely missed out on.

Stay tuned.

It has become apparent that I am the odd man out. This has come to light perhaps by the drastic use of the word vagina or the amount of burping. Or the stark difference between my bottle of Smirnoff ice and their beer. (hey mine’s less carbs… God, I’m so gay) The one person I thought I wouldn’t like the most, the hippie who was always smoking a cigarette in his profile pictures, has turned out to be my favorite in the running. Hilarity seems to follow him (along with the inability to not burn a pizza?).

I guess I’m just worried about fitting in. Everyone has history together and is very alike in character and personality. I’m obviously the grey duck and when that happens I tend to shell up.

Last night I learned how to play slap the bag with some people in the flats above ours. I really don't know how the night ended as I happened to black out. Luckily I woke up in my own bed, apparently with the help of someone. I can't wait to really explore the city.

Sorry this is rushed but I don't have the attention span for all this. So much more to write but that can wait!