Pizza In London - Nothing Like The States

Today was a normal day. I started my internship with finishing up the June 2009 event header openings. I then was asked to contact organizations and ask them for the relevant person to speak to in regards to an event that GovNet/Inside Government is planned on Green ICT. I called approximately 200 contacts from various councils and asked for the correct contact to speak to in regards to the area of Green Government ICT, or those who have the responsibility to oversee the mandatory targets set by Government for reducing carbon emissions, and increasing energy efficiency. I also was asked to find a contact for those responsible for managing the data center at each organization. It was very interesting to get to know the various councils in the area and to realize how the British accent is so much different - most people end the conversation with "Cheers!" rather than "Good bye!"

I then went to Victoria to purchase my ticket for Stonehenge, Windsor Castle and Bath. I grabbed a quick bit at McDonald's too. I am starting to feel like a local because many people are asking me questions if they are at the right station for the tube, or where the nearest tube station is located or where the nearest "toilet" is located.

I then returned to Inside Government and began calling again. I drank alot of tea today too!

After that, I went home and I checked to see if my camera arrived at EUSA. Apparently the company put the wrong address on the package and therefore it was unable to be delivered. The delivery company hung up on me many times (it was automated) because I was calling from a mobile phone and therefore they could not track the postal code. However, I did manage to get through and I gave them the correct address and they ensured me that it would be there by 5:30 pm tomorrow. I then emailed the company and asked for some sort of compensation since I do have proof that I wrote the correct address.

I then rushed to Southwark (although the tube was late and slow) to go to the Shakespeare's Comedy of Errors, which was part of the EUSA program. I had tickets for standing room only, so I left early because my legs were getting tired. However, the theatre is very interesting because the seating is very elevated, while the stage is below.

I then went to a pizza place right next to the theatre and although the garlic bread was delicious, the pizza was not that good.

Also, in London, the tips are much lower - only 10% for restaurants, 15% for taxis and no tips for pubs. However, unlike the American society, there are no free refills for soda. When paying with a credit card however, the waiter comes with a remote credit card machine and does it right in front of you too! In London, they also have a right to take your credit card if you do not sign the back of it because they do check! Sometimes too, in public places, they charge to use the bathroom.

Anyways, I returned back to my flat and started to research more on France - hopefully we book tomorrow. Tomorrow, I am planning to go see Wicked too along with my Professional Development Seminar.