Keeping up with the latest fashions have always been high on my priority list. However, the bright colors, long fabrics, and relaxed fits that surround me in California highly differ from the monochromatic, structured, and feminine looks that hail the streets of London.

There is no doubt that I will be emulating this oh so ‘smart’ style when I land in California.  Three looks have consumed my being (and pocket) while being here: Fur, leather, and shift dresses.

I love PETA friendly fur. It’s luxurious, classy, and most of all warm. I remember first trying out this look in 10^th grade on my 65 degree Socal campus- I was out of place to say the least. In a last minute dash to decrease the weight of my suitcase I ditched the fur before coming to London. And once I saw everyone in South Kensington prancing around in their sky high heels and fur coats, I deeply regretted  it. It’s the perfect addition to a posh outfit when heading out on the town.

Throw this over a turtle neck for a modern look. Try this one on sale for $75 on Modcloth.com:

I’ve been obsessed with leather since Britney Spears wore that all red leather jump suit in her “Oops I Did It Again” video. A hint of leather can add instant edge to your wardrobe. Buy a pair of these sleek leather pants from Zara for $50 :

Shift dresses are classic, and perfectly appropriate for all kinds of occasions. It’ll bring out the inner Audrey Hepburn in you. Try this one for $100 from Top Shop:

(added by Christelyn, because she thought it would be funny.)

No, I’m not talking about the kind of attention you want to avoid. No cat calls, puckered lips, or hissing coming from the mouths of the less than desirable. From what I can tell it’s not a fetish but a diverse pallet that the majority of Londoners share.

Throughout the city it is quite obvious that the Brits don’t have a set “type” like most Americans do. Here in America I can almost guess to the eyelash what type of preference someone has after talking to them for five minutes. But the Brits? They always keep me guessing.

In England the swirling isn’t limited to vanilla and chocolate. I have seen all types of people from all over the globe in a relationship with each other in London. It was clear that the Black women didn’t have to fear when they were not approached by a Black male. Every Black mother I have come into contact with proudly holds hands with her biracial daughter.

But what limits Americans from thinking in the same terms? The argument can be made that London is a Metropolitan city, where swirling is not uncommon. But I have a different theory.

In America, color often (wrongly) dictates the expected commonalities we have between one another.  Americans think of themselves in terms of White, Black, Yellow, Brown, or Red.

For example, when is the last time you met someone who identified themselves as primarily Norwegian? And in the rare case that this would happen, what characteristics would you expect this person to have? In America we don’t usually think in these ethnic terms. We think in basic terms of color.

It is hard for the British to think strictly in terms of color, because their respective countries of origin are so close. In Great Britain even the various Western European countries are known to have their own distinctive ways of life and traditions, and many citizens still feel attached to them. Here there is no guarantee or expectation that you will have something in common with all the people of your race. Therefore, being in a relationship with someone of a different race is not that different than being in a relationship with someone of a different ethnicity.

According to the UK newspaper the Independent, mixed race children are becoming a significant portion of the UK population:

On current trends, mixed-race babies will soon outnumber those born to black couples in Britain. The last census showed that people of mixed race make up the third-largest minority group behind Indians and Pakistanis. But with half of them aged 16 or younger, they are the fastest growing. In time, people of mixed race will become Britain’s largest ethnic minority.

It is very refreshing to be in a place that takes advantage of their diverse surroundings. And hey, I don’t mind the attention;) Reason #17383272 to move to London.

I discovered a few of them think that because there are few blacks in some of these places that, they would not be comfortable going.  Well, there are numerous places in the US where we could say the same thing. I don’t understand this fear and inhibition but I do rejoice in those who have gone out and claimed their piece of the globe.  I would advise anyone not to let the fear of racism keep them from taking advantage of an opportunity that could be once in a lifetime.  I have  “been the only one” or one of a few black people in a class, work or even church countless times.  Depending upon the situation, I have try to use those opportunities to educate folks.

Racism is everywhere and not going away anytime soon. Life goes on. Just think if the phenomenal woman Gloria Ray Karlmark, one of the “Little Rock Nine” let her circumstances limit her potential. She may have never become a chemist, she may never have met and married a Swedish man nor be in a position to head Fortune 500 companies in Sweden, Belgium or Holland. Gloria Karlmark may not have become the award winning and innovative power house she turned out to be had she not taken some risks and stepped out on faith.  Just check out Gloria Ray Karlmark on Swedish television talking about then candidate Obama and the possibility of him becoming the first US black president (2008).

Sweden is also home to another super achieving, black American woman.  She is Black Women in Europe Network  founder Adrianne George Lind. Adrianne is from Washington DC and was exposed to the international world as a youngster.  She had close family members who lived and worked overseas and that led to her being bitten by the travel adventure bug.  Adrianne used education as her ticket to cross the Atlantic and has since travled the globe. She obtained a Master’s degree in Marketing and PR in Belgium where she met her Swedish husband.  Married to the love of her life, Adrianne is now living in Sweden.  If she had any hesitancy about going overseas, Adrianne would never have left the states. She is another prime example of what we can accomplish given opportunity coupled with desire and passion. So seek out educational opportunities and go for it.

Adrianne has become an International power broker who has built two networks the other being co-founder of Women of the African Diaspora. She is also co-founder and editor of Black ExPat Magazine.  Adrianne also runs the BWIE Blog  and hosts two BWIE subgroups in Facebook (one for women exclusively living, studying or working abroad, and one for those abroad and women in the US).  In 2010, Adrianne was inspired by Forbes Magazine World’s 100 Most Powerful Women List.  She went right into action creating and publishing the first (and two subsequent) Most Powerful Black Women in Europe List 2010.  My dear friend gets a heartfelt thanks from me for creating the networks where I met so many wonderful people I otherwise may never have known. (2011 list – 2012 list)

Thanks to Adrianne, I was inspired to compile a list of programs and schools.  As an information broker, I had received some requests for information about studying abroad — specifically Europe. Most universities in Finland, Norway, Sweden, Germany and many other EU countries are tuition FREE even for foreigners.  At least they used to be more than there are now.  So many non EU students were taking advantage of those opportunities so some countries have started charging.  Many remain free, so those who are interested will have to be diligent and research well. As always beware of scams and know that you will still have to demonstrate financial stability.  Some may wonder why bother if you still have to sustain yourself financially.  Well, you would have to sustain yourself financially at home anyway, so why not experience life abroad even if for one semester?  Where there is a will there is a way.  What better reason to live abroad is there other than to pursue education?   Ok, besides love, a killer job, extended vacation and maybe medical treatment?  Obtaining a quality degree makes school rank pretty high up on the list.

Explore the Country, Explore the Programs.

These degrees are offered in English. You can get your degree and not have to worry about learning the language of the host country for some programs.  A few countries require proof that you are learning their language.  Of course it would be best if you did learn the language, but for those that don’t it is one less stress while you are completing your education.  Two years ago, my friend Gavaza got a Masters in International Peace Studies in Finland in English and it was free.   She had to pay some room and board, but tuition was entirely free for her two year program. And she was paid for her internship.  Most can get part time jobs to help defray expenses. I say if at all possible, we should take advantage of these opportunities. The language skills alone should one become fluent gives you a additional skill that may prove useful upon returning to the States.  Even for those of us with professional degrees and who are already working could consider time abroad for study. This is easier for single people who don’t have families and homes, but on the other hand people are taking their spouses and families abroad all the time.

I met a sister on the BWE Social Network (a Tuskegee Veterinary School graduate) named Priscilla Bowen, DVM, Ph.D.  Her husband who is also a veterinarian, was offered an opportunity to receive specialized training in animal neurosurgery in Switzerland.  Dr. Bowen was not about to twiddle her thumbs while her husband was in training all day.  She wasted no time researching and found her own educational opportunity.  Dr. Bowen found, enrolled in and completed a Ph.d. program at the University of Zurich Veterinary School.  I asked Dr. Bowen if she would mentor a young black high school student who wanted to be a veterinarian.  Dr. Bowen was more than eager to mentor and graciously asked me to pass on her contact information to the young lady.  That is what it is all about.  It didn’t matter that we had never met, she was willing to reach out to young black women in any school pursuing their dream of becoming a veterinarian.

You can find almost any program in Europe including veterinarian medicine as we just learned.  Some schools in the smaller EU countries also seek international students as they all boast of wonderful educational opportunities.  You could go to medical school in Romania or Hungary.   You could get an Engineering degree in Norway, or study physics in Germany.  It doesn’t hurt to just check things out.  This also goes for spouses of those in Embassy jobs or with the US State Department or as we saw with Dr. Bowen someone in school.  Putting your mind to anything, you can make it work.   There is more research to do as I have barely scratched the surface.  Those of you whose curiosities have been piqued have your homework cut out for you.  Just know that some of these institutions have the been around for centuries and offer an education equal to or even surpass US educational standards.

Sweden. Korea. Spain. England. Japan. France. Germany. Italy. Brazil. The List is Long.

With passport in hand, have your necessary paperwork ready for visa applications, apply and wait for your acceptance letters.  Asia offers some opportunities too.  Regina Walton went to Korea specifically for school and started a blog as “Expat Jane“.  She completed a Master’s degree in International Studies at Ewha Women’s University.  Regina was able to learn Korean and even wrote a column for the Korean Herald. Regina told me that it was a fluke that she just happened to see an advertisement for the program and applied. She did not speak Korean at all, but because the program was offered in English, she went for it. Regina graduated from UCLA law school before going to Korea but she now writes for a living in Northern California.

Sweden has over 600 programs in English.  One of my friends was accepted to an online Master’s program in Digital Library and Information Services at the University of Boras Swedish School of Library and Information Science in Boras, Sweden. She was one of 40 applicants admitted out of 400!! Her prayers were answered as she wanted an opportunity to go back to school and travel. The best part was that it is FREE!! As my friend stated, “It is a well-kept secret about free education in Europe, but we don’t know for how long.”   So, get moving if that is what you want to do. You can’t beat studies for free online or on campus. But realistically you have to do your homework and again have the means to support yourself.  Seek out internships, jobs, host families even affiliated churches may help with housing.  We have a young lady from France visiting Los Angeles for a 3 month drama class she found online.  The young lady contacted the church I attend and told us of her intentions and needs.  One of our members gladly hosted her while she is here.  That is out of the box thinking that saved her a fortune in housing.  It worked out great!

Here are some links to consider and remember this is just a small sampling of what is out there. Even if the school is not free, they may have scholarships or grants. Just ask someone at the school of your interest. If you know of programs, please list them in the comments. Again, good luck to all takers!

Bonus:  Find Bachelor’s Studies in Europe has an extensive list of all colleges in EU. Once you put in your search options, you can list the results by tuition. There are several pages of tuition free institutions listed.  This site has also has information on Master and Ph.D. programs. (Thanks Ashley!)

If you can’t find a suitable free program, you may be able to get financial aid to attend some overseas schools.  FAFSA International Universities  is a directory of institutions worldwide where U.S. students can use their financial aid for short term study abroad or even to get an undergraduate or master’s degree!  This link is to their Facebook page as I can’t seem to find the actual directory.  But if interested you could contact them via email  on Facebook.  (Thanks Sherise!)

The actual FAFSA website may prove useful too as you would need the school codes anyway.

This is general information from an India site about education in Europe, US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. You will have to look through to find what you need, but the effort is probably well worth it.

Here is a listing  of European Union universities with graduate programs.

These schools are highly competitive and very reputable, so study will require dedication and hard work if you are accepted.

Check out the accreditation  of the various schools

Listing of universities

Sweden 

Linköping University is fully accredited and reputable  in Sweden.  LIU is offering tuition free doctorate degrees in English.   If you could find an online program, it would be ideal.

A listing of all the Swedish Universities offering Master level degrees in English. Most are tuition free.

A Wikipedia listing as well

This is a great site that leads to other international graduate information

Denmark 

Finland

U of Helsinki Finland

Finland 

Norway

Univeristy of Oslo

Iceland   University of Iceland. Icelandic schools don’t have tuition but registration fees. They also have a nice student loan program.

Listing of state and private Icelandic Universities

Netherlands

http://www.studyinholland.nl/

http://www.nuffic.nl/international-students/study-options

http://www.studyinholland.nl/

http://www.eurogates.nl/

http://www.isparis.edu/page.cfm?p=550

http://www.english.uva.nl/start.cfm

http://studylink.com/study-in-netherlands/

http://www.internationalgraduate.net/country/europe/netherlands.htm

Funding info for the Netherlands

Belgium

Hasselt is a Belgian University that charges, but may have some reduced tuition. You have to call and talk to people or at least email. You never know what kind of opportunities you may get just by asking questions.

Estonia   Study in Estonia (may have scholarships) 100 or more programs in English and they have EU status.

Italy 

Spain

Germany    (Higher education is free for everyone)

University of Stuttgart

University of Ulm

More great info from Germany

http://www.study-in.de/en/

http://www.admissionglobal.com/study_germany.asp

http://www.scholars4dev.com/category/country/europe-scholarships/germany-scholarships/

Hungary

Romainia 

Ukraine 

Bulgaria 

Croatia    (not free but they do have scholarships)

Slovakia

Slovenia    (not free)

Czech Republic

Lithuania

Latvia 

Russia

France    general info and does not appear to be free

Poland 

Switzerland   (not free)

Listing of Australian Schools or universities with graduate programs (Not Free)

Listing of UK schools  or universities with graduate programs (Not Free)

Listing of New Zealand schools or universities with graduate programs (Not Free)

The cashier then says to me, “If you’re interested, we have Tony Blair’s book as well!”

Even though I had a feeling I would regret my question I asked anyway.

“Umm, who is Tony Blair?”

The cashier says to me, “Our previous Prime Minister.”

Well here lies the problem.

I’ve had longer conversations regarding America’s current election and economic state with British people than I have had with any of my fellow American classmates.

Every time one of these conversations arise, I am never expecting it.

The first time was with a club bouncer. After seeing my ID he said, “ I would go with Romney. He’s a great business man, so he’d definitely be able to run the country. Obama’s old news, man!”

I was really surprised to see the average Brit know more about our politics than the names of the people running. It’s not uncommon for the average American to solely be concerned with the party of the candidates running.

But this past weekend I got to see the extent of America’s influence when I joined a group of 20 British students on a retreat to discuss Religion, Politics, and Government.

They said they knew more about American Politics than their own, and that they wish they could vote in our election.

I can’t think of one American that knows the politics of another country better than our own. I would even be surprised to come across a person who had basic knowledge of the Israeli elections that are going on now. Despite the fact that Israel is an important part of our foreign policy.

With American elections slowly coming to a close, it is important to realize how lucky we are to have our voices heard not only for our choice of President, but the propositions within our own state.

Too often we underestimate the power a ballot holds. I’ve heard too many people say that they are not voting because all they have is a choice between two evils. People around the world are looking at the US elections with great enthusiasm and passion.

As Americans reaping the benefits of living in a country as great as ours, we should all take the time to vote. Because the reality is, none of the candidates are evil. They both have a plan to help this country, and are taking the time to promote these plans.  As American citizens we should be taking the small amount of time it takes to cast a ballot and have our voices be heard, while putting this action in perspective. People around the world can see the importance and impact of our elections. Why can’t we?

I’ve read many entries on how to attract a man on several blogs including this one and they seem like great pointers…until I scroll down to the bottom and read the comment section. It seems as though the flirting and points that are given seem like more work and frustration for many of you who are doing or trying the techniques offered to you; the 5 second eye-flirt, the smile, the starting a conversation, etc, etc.

But how do these techniques differ from abroad? Are they helpful? Well I can give you my experience..

My experience has been…it’s not needed. While in Korea, I believe I’ve been asked out and pursued by Korean men without having to initiate anything. You can pretty much ask any black woman who has been in Korea for a good length of time and they will tell you the exact same thing. I remember jokingly telling my friend that Korea will soon by the Italy of Asia. I could simply be waiting on the metro train and a Korean man will come up to me to say “Hi, how are you?” (I use to think they were only practicing their English with me) “You are very beautiful, can I have your number.” I mentioned before on this blog, that I was really surprised that Korean men were stepping up their game and getting out of the “I’m shy” box. This also has a lot to do with the fact that many of their teachers are foreigners so they are exposed to different kinds of beauty besides their own and Caucasians.

The same happened when I was in Thailand…I mentioned it before in a previous post where I came across some French men during my tour who kept calling me “Bella” and “Beyonce”,lol. Again, I didn’t initiate anything. I simply was a beautiful woman passing by. Even the locals in Thailand were calling me and a friend of mine who came along, beautiful.

Currently I am living in Italy and I only have a few days left. Let’s just say I don’t need to wink, do 5 second eye-flirts or any of that is suggested. I am simply just a woman. I look nice, I smile, and that’s it. One morning , I was heading towards the bus stop when an Italian man was working outside doing construction started singing loudly, when I looked over, he had the biggest smile on his face, while singing to me and then said “Buongiorno bellissima!” I thought it was cute and hilarious. Moments before him when I bought my ticket, the man who was selling them to me kept saying “bellissima, bellissima…you, me…coffee”,lol. That’s the only English he knew, but knew enough to ask me out for coffee. I declined, the man was old enough to be my father,lol. There are more stories that I have here in Italy, too many to go over. Which is a good thing.

I know lately in the BWIR blog forms that the topic of invisibility has come up. I want to say to young black girls and women, that where you are currently are in this world, is not the world. There is a whole world outside of your school, your city, your area that does not think you are invisible.

In case you had any doubt in your mind as a black woman…YOU ARE DESIRABLE!  Don’t worry yourself about men who are not responding to your flirts. Simply do what a woman is suppose to do; look good, smile, and go about your business. Let the men do the work, it’s easier that way and less frustrating on your part. Whether men are approaching you or not, believe that there is a man who is memorized by you, because men are always checking out women.

I know another issue that has come up is that men are too “shy” to approach you. I understand that, but is that really your problem? Do you really know who is too shy to approach you? Remember you are an irresistible woman and an irresistible woman doesn’t have time or energy to be upset with someone who hasn’t approached them.

If it is in your nature to naturally flirt, then by all means, do so. Do what works for you. If you are not into that, but prefer to socialize, then put yourself in a socialized setting where talking will be required, but whatever you do, don’t get frustrated!

I remember a line from Tyra Banks in one of the seasons of Top Model, where she told her contestants… “Every hall way is a runway”. In other words in every opportunity that you can find, practice walking down the runway to perfect your walk. The same goes whenever you go out, even if it is to the grocery store to look your best and be that irresistible woman.

The here is a tip I will give you ladies; be an irresistible woman in your own right. Every woman can be irresistible. Whether it’s the twinkle in your eye, the way you walk, the way you smile, the way you interact with others, you can only be you. I’ve come across many beautiful black women who are irresistible in their own right.

Want more? Follow Citrina at @JQAbroad on twitter and her blog www.jamericanqueenabroad.blogspot.com

But as usual, my perfect image of how something should be was shattered. And I’m happy it was. When I first arrived at Athens for my educational field trip, I can’t say I was impressed. I saw dark alleys, cracked sidewalks, and graffiti. Everything I thought Greece wasn’t.

But the next morning I was excited for what was to come. After seeing major ancient buildings like the Acropolis and the Parthenon, it was hard to believe that I was so far from home, but so happy. The chance to see pillar styles and locations within the bible allowed me to really appreciate the extensive opportunity I had been given.

However, as you all know, Greece hasn’t been doing so well lately. According to CNN, Greece’s National debt, put at €300 billion ($413.6 billion), is bigger than the country’s economy. So that along with an unemployment rate of 24.5% (according to Eurostat) does not mean the Greeks are living without a care.

And walking through the streets of Athens, this was apparent.  There were stray dogs everywhere, because their owners could no longer afford to take care of them. There were markdowns along all of the windows of the stores. Even walking around the city to find somewhere to eat was like walking through the commission booths at the mall. In the streets people were trying to sell anything they could: roses, balls, toys- anything that could help them get some extra money.

Movies are all about portraying fantasy. The best looking people, the most amazing landscapes, and surreal experiences. Going on this trip it was naive of me to expect a fantasy instead of reality. But I’m glad I came, because I learned a lot about history and life:)

Streets of Athens:

I went to other places in Greece too:

]]> http://www.beyondblackwhite.com/week-greece/feed/ 13 http://www.beyondblackwhite.com/nialas-19th-birthday-bash-in-london/ http://www.beyondblackwhite.com/nialas-19th-birthday-bash-in-london/#comments Sat, 22 Sep 2012 01:32:01 +0000 Niala Charles http://www.beyondblackwhite.com/?p=10852 This is where I realized that the British dance A LOT differently than Americans. For a good hour, My friends and I were under the impression we were in a gay club. Because if we had been back in the states, guys would already be trying to grab us from behind. In the US, if I guy isn’t dancing with a girl, he will just hang out on the outskirts until he finds one. But here, guys had no problem dancing with each other.

(Read more...)

]]> My mom always told me as you get older you get less excited for your birthday. As a kid I never believed her. I was always excited for the next milestone. 10, 13, 16, each time I reached a new age it’s like I expected my life to instantly be different. But this year as my birthday was approaching, I felt more anxious about what was going to happen, because I knew my life would be extremely different. I was going to be with people I barely knew, in a city I could hardly envision. My focus was less on my birthday, and more on the different changes that would be going on in my life.

But as I started adjusting to my new environment and making new friends, I realized that this year my birthday would be whatever I decided to make it. When else would I be able to say I celebrated my birthday in London!? I could barely believe it.

I’ve never been much of a planner, but I decided this year I was going to make sure this birthday was memorable. But it ended up being better than I could EVER imagine.

I decided that my birthday would be a two day celebration. Thursday we would all go out, and Friday, we would have a girl’s night. I mean why not?? My last day of school was a Thursday, and I had to go to a mandatory field trip on Friday afternoon (my actual birthday.) I was about to have a complete birthday experience.

Thursday we decided to go to a nearby bar, and then go to a pub/bar/dance club.  But like I said- I’ve never been much of a planner. After taking the tube to go across London we finally ended up finding the pub we had been looking for. But when we got there, we realized that that there was actually no dance floor. FALSE ADVERTISEMENT.

After walking down random blocks for about 30 minutes we finally found what seemed to be a decent club without a guest list. Which in London, is very hard to find. Especially when you’re with guys.

This is where I realized that the British dance A LOT differently than Americans. For a good hour, My friends and I were under the impression we were in a gay club. Because if we had been back in the states, guys would already be trying to grab us from behind.  In the US, if I guy isn’t dancing with a girl, he will just hang out on the outskirts until he finds one. But here, guys had no problem dancing with each other.

But in  reality, the British are just a lot less explicit than Americans. I didn’t see girls bent over in a 90 degree angle, or guys touching girls in places they shouldn’t be. Which was quite refreshing.  Here guys will twirl you, dance with you face to face, or GASP! Have a conversation with you.

Me and my friend met some new friends who brought us to the VIP section:

And I had a great time dancing the night away:

But Friday was an EXPERIENCE. After staying out late Thursday night, and having to wake up at 8 am to go to the Salisbury Cathedral and Stonehenge. I was exhausted. But as my official birthday, and last day of celebration, a girls gotta do what a girl’s gotta do

Salisbury Cathedral:

Earlier that week I made reservations to one of the most famous clubs in London.  Apparently a One Direction member celebrated their birthday there a week prior, so the place was getting a lot of press. I was going with about 15 other girls, so I knew we were going to have a good time. But it ended up WAY better than I could imagine!

We walked up to the club and got the ultimate VIP treatment. The manager of the club took us to the front of the line, and sat us at a table where we received table service, and three rounds of drinks for all sixteen of us. Did I mention this was all FREE!? We didn’t even pay to get in, and I couldn’t even tell you what the bar looked like, because we never had to go up to it.

Of course, I had to take a birthday night pic

Some of the girls:

This was the best birthday I have ever had, because it was totally unexpected. I still cannot believe this is the life I’m living, and I am cherishing every moment of it. But now I have a new problem. How will my 20^th even come close to my 19^th? Luckily I’m just going to focus on the present

But I must admit,  the week leading up to my trip, I felt everything but excitement. I felt nervous and scared for what lay ahead of me.

But as I sit here on the couch with my feet aching, it’s hard to believe how much I have been through in just one week. And the blisters on my feet prove it.

When I first got out of the airplane, it was easy to see and hear the immense amount of culture that lay within the city, and all the aspects of it that I would be able to discover. I was in a city where I’d be able to experience a diverse amount of cultures while communicating in the language I had spoken my whole life. What can be better than that!?!

So of course you can imagine my excitement when I took a look outside the coach, and saw that in addition to that I’d be living here for the next 3 months:

While walking down streets like this daily:

A lot of people assume that because the Americans and British both share English as a common language, they are almost identical in terms of culture. But this couldn’t be any more wrong.  Here are five differences that I already need to get accustomed to:

1. Any sort of combo is an American thing: Imagine my disbelief when I went to Subway and ordered a sandwich, chips, drink, and cookie, only to find out that I had to pay for all of these Items separately. Not to mention the fact that I learned that I wouldn’t be getting salt and vinegar or avocadoes, because that too was only an American thing.
2. Sadly, the dollar is worth nothing here: And that doesn’t mean that it is made up for with cheaper prices. Every time I buy something here, I need to remember that I’m really paying double. Including that Subway sandwich, hahaha.
3. Apparently cold drinks are also uncommon here: I went to a café and ordered orange juice, and was pleasantly surprised when I saw the waiter squeezing the oranges for my drink in front of me. But when I asked him to put ice in it (because it was lukewarm) he had no idea what I was talking about.  The same thing happens when I ask for ice in my water. Funny right?
4. Here going to a club isn’t synonymous with outfits made exclusively out of spandex: THANK GOD. Because with a derriere like mine, I can’t be bothered with pulling down my dress all night. Here they dress in a sexy/classy way when they hit the town. It isn’t odd to wear a cute dress with tights or something that is leaving something to the imagination. And this means the guys treat you a lot better when you go out. Shocking concept, right??
5. The guys here no how to dress. It isn’t strange to see men (and teens) wearing a nice shirt, tucked in to a nice pair of jeans or pants with nice shoes to complete the look. Here that is what it means to have ‘swag’ .  Which if I must say, is very nice to look at

Right now I am completely content with my life, and I am excited for all of the experiences that await me here.  Every day I have to pinch myself to make sure my life is real.

*** I just celebrated my 19^th Birthday here, which was an experience all in itself. So much so, that it needs its own article So cheers until next time!

When I first reached into  my campus mailbox back in October I was so nervous. I had applied to study abroad in London for the Fall semester of my sophomore year, and I had no idea whether the paper that lay in the envelope would be an acceptance or denial. Once I read the word, “Congratulations!” I was ecstatic.  I was finally going to be able to go out of the country, travel Europe, and meet some amazing people. But even with this excitement, I had one worry:  “WHAT THE HECK AM I GOING TO DO WITH MY HAIR!?!”

All I could think about was how much of a hassle my hair was. If I went with it as is, I’d have to not only find someone to apply my “creamy crack”, but also forego all the tireless research that occurs when I have to go to a new stylist.  I started thinking of why I always put so much emphasis on how my hair looked.

I realized that to me, my hair has always been more than something that grew on my head. It was how I viewed myself, and how I thought others would view me. Ever since I was little, I always dodged questions about my hair from my peers. I grew up in a predominantly white community, and I always thought that if I told them the truth, it would be a source of ridicule or some huge abnormality that others would see. I didn’t want to answer why my hair was still dry when I came out of the shower or why I wasn’t jumping the bandwagon on the highlight trend.

I liked my hair how everyone else’s was- straight. Even with my relaxer, I would leave extra time to do my hair every morning, and I wouldn’t leave the house unless it was perfect. This meant passing a straightener over it to smooth out any dents and curl the ends under, or styling it to create a French braid, poof, or high bun.  Sitting in class, it felt GOOD to get compliments on my hair by my white counterparts. Even if they didn’t know how much work it took.

In High School I even remember one of my white friends asking:

“Why doesn’t  (insert black girl’s name here) look like yours?”

“Well easy,” another said. “Niala has good hair!”

I couldn’t believe my ears. I definitely didn’t  take it as a compliment. So the only way my hair looked good, was if I maintained it like this ALL the time? What did that even mean?

I just finished my first year in college, and maintaining my hair was very difficult. Without a car, I could barely travel anywhere to get my hair done. And the city where my college was had exactly ZERO options. So more than half of the time, my hair wasn’t the way I liked.

Now that I am going to London, the same issues are arising, but on a larger scale. Imagine searching a foreign country for the perfect person to do your hair!?! Because I am going to London for three and a half months, I don’t have time for trial and error.

I told my hairstylist about this dilemma, and she said I had two options: Either a full weave or braids. And to me, both options seemed pretty undesirable.  With a weave, I’d have to learn how to upkeep it, and get it maintained. I had always had an issue with braids. I  always thought that if I had braids I would look too “ethnic.” I wasn’t looking to make some political statement with my hair, and I didn’t think that braids should be seen as one.

On top of this, both options were expensive: 300+ for a weave, and 200+ for braids.  Preparing to leave the country was already expensive. And now, I’d have to factor my hair into the equation.

I realized all the effort I was going through to think of something to do with my hair is dumb. I mean geez, I’m going out of the country for the first time! Our hair concerns triumph over more important issues too often. Look at Gabby Douglas. She couldn’t just be seen as an Olympian, but an Olympian with bad hair. Are you kidding me?

I’m not exactly the next president of the natural hair movement, but I do realize that I can’t always exhaust my time worrying about my hair. I don’t plan on going natural anytime soon, but I do want a low maintenance style when I go to London. And you know what? Braids aren’t so bad… If Solange can rock them, why can’t I?

*** What do you guys think? How do you feel about the term bad hair? Has your hair ever stopped you from doing anything?

(Chris here. Give a welcome to Niala Charles, our official BB&W international traveling intern. She’ll be reporting on her experiences while on her stint to London, so…say hello!)

(sound may be low, but I trust you’ll know what to do.)