First Couple of Days

Welp, It's the first week, and only the second day since I landed in the UK. Since then, I have been frustrated with some of the people, some of the food, and some of the street signs. In all, though, it has been awesome.

When I first got off the plan I was greeted by a long haired man that called himself Job. (first weird thing) No one in the states is named Job. But anyway, he was really helpful in getting me into my place and he drove me around for like 5 hrs to get groceries and look at different cell phone options. (I still haven't taken care of that yet, I will tomorrow) But none-the-less he was helpful.

I have also met the guy that I am supposed to be training with until my "real" coach gets back from France on Tuesday. This dude is named Nick. This guys was not the most friendly. My mom, and others tell me that it may just be culture, but I'm telling you that the guy was being an arsehole (excuse my language. He was training this "model"/sprinter that was just as welcoming. Neither one of those dudes are on my good list. My thoughts were confirmed when several other athletes told me about how odd Nick was and one even said he may be bipolar lol. He, nor his athlete, ruined my day, but it upset me that they would act that way.

After meeting those two boneheads yesterday I came back to my room sooo tired. I tried to keep my eyes open but eventually passed out at 8 O'clock local time. I woke up near 1 am in the morning and watched some cartoons online and then went back to bed around 3 am. Amazingly I wasn't tired any today. (probably because I slept in until like 1pm). I'm eventually going to get my time zone issue under control.

The workout went well and afterward I hung out with some guys that I met. They were pretty cool guys, quite the opposite from Nick and his boy. They invited me to watch the European Cup tomorrow and go to something on Sunday once some people get back the U23 championships. So things are starting to move forward a little bit.

I walked into town today, and it was amazing to see 200 year old buildings and houses. I mean some of the doors on these houses were like 5 feet high and I think people actually live in them lol. Others were more modern (you can see for yourself in the link below)

I got mad at the signs today because I, of course, got lost several times. At least I know all the nooks and crannies of the city now. I also was frustrated by the food today. I had to try the burgers here, just because I wanted to compare. They were awful. AWFUL! and the fries were pathetic. That's one thing I will miss, even though I don't eat many at home. I feel like they may have different cows over here or something lol.

In all it has been a pretty productive day and I aim to top it tomorrow. I really can't wait until things really start rolling and I have meets, and consistent training group.

By the way, during my one political discussion today I realized that the entire world is watching American politics, and they have already made up their mind of who they would prefer, and his name rhymes with Barrack Obama.

First Week Photos

Purpose

This Blog is a log of my travels this summer as I pursure my dreams of becoming an Olympian. It will be chalked full of photos, videos, and commentary on my experiences. I hope to update it at least once and week.... anyway, enjoy!

Preparation

I haven't left yet and I already feel homesick. Today I said my farewells to me family and friends. The person that I am going to miss the most is the person that most people overlook. The elderly... they get a bad rap. I said goodbye to my grandmother today, who is suffering from Alzheimer's. Right now she's unable to do anything for herself. It's remarkable that, she was the same person that I remember in my memories, and the one that I pray for every night, but after more than 10-12 years with the disease, I am reminded of the strength that runs through my veins.

My brother and I have been hanging out all day and I think about when I was bigger than he was. He's grown up right under my eyes and I know that even though we had our disputes, we are still very much connected. (except for his eating habits).

I'm off to a new place for a couple of months to pursue my dreams. Dreams, that I couldn't have even imagined a few short years ago. It is hard to imagine how a scrawny little black boy, from dirt could actually be blessed by God. I used to think that God only cared for the well-off, yet here I am. What makes me proud is the support that I have had from my family and friends. Even people I don't even know very well. I couldn't thank them enough.

I know that I am rambling, but it's to be expected. I have many things running through my head 24hrs before departure. There is one quotation that embodies my outlook on this blessing and my blessings in general. It is from Luke, Luke 12:48, "to whom much is given, much is expected."

Preparation Photos