Two weeks and counting

Two weeks until I leave for London, I am overwhelmed with excitement and nervousness!  I am trying to slowly pack my suitcase for things I think I will need, and making a list of things that I will need to pack later.  I have been thinking a lot about what I want to do on my free time.  I am definitely going to the theatre and seeing the show Wicked, and I am super stoked to do that! I have also been looking into the London eye, the Tate museum and other things to do.  I love exploring another country that is so new to me, yet so much older then our country.  I can't wait to see all of the architecture that has been standing there for longer than our country has been in existence, to me that is amazing!  I am just really looking forward to this trip!

Global Issues and Concerns

I often hear people wanting to cure world hunger, or wishing everyone around the world had enough food to eat.  In order to lesson the problem of world hunger we need to alleviate world poverty.  Poverty is linked to world hunger.  We have to concentrate on the world poverty problem because if we just concentrate on feeding the world or improving food production the structural roots that cause hunger, poverty and dependency would still remain. 

There are many inter-related issues causing hunger, which are related to economics and other factors that cause poverty. They include land rights and ownership, diversion of land use to non-productive use, increasing emphasis on export-oriented agriculture, inefficient agricultural practices, war, famine, drought, over-fishing, poor crop yields, etc.  This is just a few issues on this subject for more go to: http://www.globalissues.org

British Etiquette

As the days become closer I can't help but think how I can try and blend in more, and not look so much like a tourist.  I decided to look up the etiquette of the British, this is some of the things I came up with.  Depending on the social class, norms are a little different, but hand shakes should not be to firm and kiss friends on the cheek.  Postural norms are leaning forward to show interest and crossing legs when relaxed.  Smile and nod to encourage conversation, and speaking loud or attracting attention to yourself is looked down upon, staring is impolite, and not waiting in line is a huge social blunder.  The conversation the British are known for their understatement both in humor and in other forms of expression.  On social occasions, small talk is neutral topics is appropriate and modest gifts are given, buying rounds of drinks and food as an example.  In bars it is not appropriate to gesture for service, but you can not get a refill without asking for one.  Tips are between 10 and 15 percent.  Standard table manners include holding the fork in the left hand and the knife in the right hand, and no elbows on the table.  

Anticipation

We are five weeks away from our trip and I am getting really excited.  I chose to go on this trip because I wanted to see up close where our criminal justice system was born.  I am so excited to see the inquisitorial system and compare it to our adversarial system.  I am looking forward to spending some time with the constable and seeing the city from his point of view.  I am having fun learning all of the cultural differences and am looking forward to using my knowledge and adapting to their culture.  I am looking forward to all of the memories I will make.