On the world financial market, the US Dollar is the barometer for ascribing value. It's the constant against which one can define the value of the gold, coal or Yen you have stashed under the bed. The exchange rate of USD to GBP dictated the amount of Pounds the aggressively eager, Pakistani man pushed under the thin slit in the thick perspex window at the Bureaux de Change, just outside of Leicester Square. This was an ever so simple transaction to understand. I expected how much i was to receive due to the rate displayed on the A-Frame board out on the sidewalk and i surmised the numerical total by reading the numbers printed large on the banknotes. What is a little harder to understand is what is the actual 'real' value of 1 Pound. What it actually gets you on the High Streets and how much is needed to maintain the lifestyle i've come to enjoy and expect.
It's not simply a situation of something that costs 1 Dollar in New York will set you back .616256856 Pound in London. Certain things are just cheaper in the UK and other items cost more. (for example, after walking around looking for one for 45 min, i just paid 6.95 Pounds for a fresh fruit smoothie - that's 11.28 US Dollars!) I guess it's a product of the old "Supply equals Demand" rule.
The only way to appreciate and understand the street value of the currency of the country one is in, is through time and experience. Hang around, spend a shitload of money and you'll start to get it. Expensive but thorough.
It's exactly the same for simply living in a place as well. Only through making the conscious decision to learn it's inherent current and historical values and worth, can you understand how to enjoy being there. Surrender to the Goddamn town, rather than trying to force it into your own preconceived comfort value system. Only then will you be able to comprehend and coexist with its customs and restrictions.
Last time i was in London, i neither aware nor would have listened if you explained this. I couldn't fit in to a place that placed a higher value on things that i didn't consider remotely worthy. Perhaps now ive grown and can adapt.
Perhaps this time i'll be able to supply what this town demands and be demanding of its supply.
