Let me first start by saying that yes, I did get lost my first day, but I was over an hour and a half early, so technically I didn't really "get lost..." I just used that time for exploring.
I left the Nido super early -- around 8AM -- and I know some of you hard-working business people are reading this thinking "8AM is not early at all!" but when you don't technically have to be into work until 9:30AM and your commute is around 30 minutes away, then yes, that is a super early departure time. It took me next to no time to arrive at Covent Garden and get off of the tube. The tube was packed, and one of the other interns had described this experience as being "packed like sardines," and I can confirm that exact sentiment. It was very crowded indeed, but luckily, I only have to travel three stops which takes about 15 minutes, granted there's no delays.
Once I arrived in Covent Garden, I made my way in search of 85 Strand, where Cedar Communications is located. Of course, I got lost. I walked up and down the street, trying to look at the places I had previously seen when I had Google Searched the location last night and used that little handy yellow man to take a look around the area. I didn't see any of the landmarks I had written down for myself to look out for, and even though I had directions, I was terribly confused. Nevertheless, I decided that maybe if I crossed the street, I'd have better luck, and wouldn't you know it? Suddenly, I was recognizing restaurants and bars that Google had said I would see, and within a few minutes, I was in front of the building. Way way too early.
I knew I couldn't show up an hour early so I walked further up the street to see if there were potential places to go for lunch, or even to grab a quick breakfast. If only I was a coffee person, I probably would have sat in a Caffe Nero and livened up a bit, but instead, I found myself in front of a Topshop and feeling as if I had just been caffeinated. I went inside and figured I could do some browsing before work to lift my spirits and make me feel less nervous -- after all, shopping can be cathartic right?
Cathartic, indeed. I bought myself a cute little dress for £15 and thought of it as a little "You did it!" gift to myself. Of course, "I did it" meaning I found my internship -- not that I actually made it through my first day.
Once I deemed it acceptable to arrive at my internship (still so early), I made my way upstairs and was led into a very modern looking office. There was a red, white and black color scheme that decorated the walls and furniture, and even the ping pong table I spotted later. I sat down at my computer and waited for my boss to arrive -- the editor of Up to Speed magazine, a magazine that serves all British Airways employees. It is a really small magazine, so I will definitely get to see all of the processes involved in making a magazine and actually get to be a significant part of it. I have already been assigned different features and articles to start preparing, so I am both excited for the great opportunity, but nervous because I really want to make a good impression.
My coworkers seem really nice and I'm enjoying listening to the accents all day. I was taught that the British word "biscuit" does not stand for the American flaky, bread-like substance onto which you pour either gravy or butter, but instead, serves as a word for cookies. I guess that makes me a biscuit lover then?
I am looking forward to seeing what the rest of the week holds and what other sort of projects I will be assigned as the summer progresses. I will try my best to keep you updated!
I left the Nido super early -- around 8AM -- and I know some of you hard-working business people are reading this thinking "8AM is not early at all!" but when you don't technically have to be into work until 9:30AM and your commute is around 30 minutes away, then yes, that is a super early departure time. It took me next to no time to arrive at Covent Garden and get off of the tube. The tube was packed, and one of the other interns had described this experience as being "packed like sardines," and I can confirm that exact sentiment. It was very crowded indeed, but luckily, I only have to travel three stops which takes about 15 minutes, granted there's no delays.
Once I arrived in Covent Garden, I made my way in search of 85 Strand, where Cedar Communications is located. Of course, I got lost. I walked up and down the street, trying to look at the places I had previously seen when I had Google Searched the location last night and used that little handy yellow man to take a look around the area. I didn't see any of the landmarks I had written down for myself to look out for, and even though I had directions, I was terribly confused. Nevertheless, I decided that maybe if I crossed the street, I'd have better luck, and wouldn't you know it? Suddenly, I was recognizing restaurants and bars that Google had said I would see, and within a few minutes, I was in front of the building. Way way too early.
I knew I couldn't show up an hour early so I walked further up the street to see if there were potential places to go for lunch, or even to grab a quick breakfast. If only I was a coffee person, I probably would have sat in a Caffe Nero and livened up a bit, but instead, I found myself in front of a Topshop and feeling as if I had just been caffeinated. I went inside and figured I could do some browsing before work to lift my spirits and make me feel less nervous -- after all, shopping can be cathartic right?
Cathartic, indeed. I bought myself a cute little dress for £15 and thought of it as a little "You did it!" gift to myself. Of course, "I did it" meaning I found my internship -- not that I actually made it through my first day.
Once I deemed it acceptable to arrive at my internship (still so early), I made my way upstairs and was led into a very modern looking office. There was a red, white and black color scheme that decorated the walls and furniture, and even the ping pong table I spotted later. I sat down at my computer and waited for my boss to arrive -- the editor of Up to Speed magazine, a magazine that serves all British Airways employees. It is a really small magazine, so I will definitely get to see all of the processes involved in making a magazine and actually get to be a significant part of it. I have already been assigned different features and articles to start preparing, so I am both excited for the great opportunity, but nervous because I really want to make a good impression.
My coworkers seem really nice and I'm enjoying listening to the accents all day. I was taught that the British word "biscuit" does not stand for the American flaky, bread-like substance onto which you pour either gravy or butter, but instead, serves as a word for cookies. I guess that makes me a biscuit lover then?
I am looking forward to seeing what the rest of the week holds and what other sort of projects I will be assigned as the summer progresses. I will try my best to keep you updated!
Yay biscuits & dresses! I'm glad it was a good first day :)
ReplyDeleteHi Angela! I was just talking to your dad about how your trip abroad was going so far. It sounds like you are adjusting quite nicely! Anywho, he had casually mentioned you are working for a publishing company near Covent Garden...funny, that's exactly what I was doing when I interned over there! My curiosity got the better of me and I had to google your company to see if it was anywhere near where I was and sure enough it is! I worked for EmapElan (since out of business or perhaps operating under a new name I believe?)over on Shaftesbury Ave....small world! I spent many a morning/lunch strolling around the shops at Covent Garden :)
ReplyDeleteYour blog brings me back in time to one of the most memorable times of my life! I hope you continue to have fun exploring the city and beyond! This is an experience you will never forget :)
-Meghan Sullivan
p.s... gotta love words that mean one thing in the US and something completely different in the UK! It took me a while to get used to people in the office telling me they liked my thongs...aka flip-flops! :)