Foggy London and Snowy Sweden 112805

Hello, friends and family--
I am currently in Heathrow airport. It is huge! I took the underground (aka Tube) here. The train system here is so nice and simple. The airport, however, is another story. OK, so you know how in the US, you check in then there are signs directing you where to go…. Well, it is a bit interesting on that note. Then do you know how you know which gate you go to from check in. Well, it is 5:40 p.m. I start boarding at 6:15 p.m. and my gate is still not listed. Actually, it is not empty. It does list, "Please wait."
Thoughts on London:
Positives:
It is truly an interesting point in the world. It is not a melting pot. There are so many interesting and distinct cultures here.
The city itself is lovely.
The tube can get you anywhere (but it does close fairly early. I think 1 a.m.).
There is so much history.
The people are pretty nice.
The city is making quite an effort to clean itself up. All over you see street workers cleaning the streets.
The people are not as racist as in the US. They are more accepting of other cultures. Oh, and the black people are much different here than in the States. They even look different.
I saw a "Smart" RX-8. I'm still not quite sure what it was.
Getting anywhere in Europe is easy from here.
They already have clean diesel!
Negatives:
It is so expensive!
The food is pretty bland. The Indian is good though!
It is cold.
Some of the people are rude and hate Americans.
Smoking! Everywhere! They are getting better about controlling it though.
OK… So, now I'm in Sweden. It is truly beautiful here. My hotel is absolutely fabulous!-- think Ikea + the Ritz + Nautical = the Hotel J Nacka Strand. It is right on the water too.
So far, here is my preliminary list for Sweden:
Positives:
Things make sense here. Everything seems to be fairly practical.
The people are pretty.
The city is gorgeous!
Believe it or not, the language is not that hard to understand (to read anyway). Think German Jar Jar Binks-style (Don't tell Jerry I said that!).
It is snowing… It really makes it feel like Christmas.
I'm definitely getting a workout! Walking up and down the mountain back and forth to work. (Up hill both ways in the snow! Seriously!)
They have these great cookies for Christmas. They are like thin ginger snaps.
EVERYONE speaks English… and fairly well.
The city has never burnt down or been bombed, so most of the history is still intact.
Negatives:
Cold, cold, cold
I still haven't been out much. I just got here of course. Anyway, I'd better get to work. I have lots to do!
Cheers!
Amanda