If you read the titles, then you will have a slight idea of where I went and where this post is going.
Did you read it now? Good stuff, so I really don't need to state right here that I was just in Lille, France. What's that? Not Paris? Go look at a map if you don't know where Lille is, but I'll give you a hint; it's North and it's not all that far from Calais.
I went with Tony, Melissa (from Orangeville) and Tony's friend Anna. We were supposed to go last weekend but the car was in the shop so we postponed. Which worked out for the best in the long run, as it meant we actually stayed for an evening instead of just driving there and back on the same day.
This trip also meant that I was finally on a ferry. No Chi-Cheemaun for moi, as I've never been on that despite living on the BPen. Of course, there was nothing special about being on a ferry - it was a boat! But since I do love them so, I was mildly annoyed at the world for being dark both trips and being too cold (I was of the frame of mind that I would not need a sweater in France, so therefore I brought none. I was right about France, but I was wrong about the ferry!)
We had a bit of an adventure getting to the ferry. Traffic in London decided that it was going to be absolutely horrendous, so Melissa and I had a dash to Stratford instead of being picked up - of course, if we had been smart from the beginning, and if I had known that someone was going to jump on the tube line at Mile End, thus prompting me to use the Jubilee Line instead of the Central Line.... we could have just met at Stratford from the beginning. But you see, I did not expect to be using the Jubilee Line and switching back onto Central at Stratford station, or perhaps I might have thought of that brilliant plan. Espcially since Melissa was working with Stratford being her nearest tube station for the day... but I will get back to the point.
Traffic was horrific. Forty minutes after Tony and Anna leave to come get us in Wanstead, I messaged Tony to call him slow - boy was I wrong! Normally it takes 20 minutes to get from Stratford to Wanstead.. but 40 minutes in, and Tony and Anna have barely even moved within Wanstead. So off dashed Melissa and I and we made it to Stratford... fortunately I SOMEWHAT know the area, so with Tony and I having a lovely conversation where we confused the hell out of each other, Melissa and I jump into the car and off we go.
Despite driving like a bat of a hell (and that is an understatement), we arrived late for the ferry. Luck was on our side, however, as the ferry hadn't left yet either. We were the second last car on the ferry. So, after brief hiatus where we all just sat like zombies on the ferry, we arrive in Calais! With next to no gas in the car tank, as we hadn't had time to stop on the race for the ferry.
Thus began the hunt for a gas station that was open 24/7. We found one quickly... that was closed. The next was just diesel. We did find one though, running on empty. And someone else was stranded there, as the were 47p (I forget what the money is called with euros!) short of being able to pay for their gas. So Tony gave them some change and off they went.
Exhaustion was setting in by this point as it had been quite the adrenaline rush up until this point of the trip. This neccissitated a rest at a rest station, where we admired the sky. Apparnetly I am the only person who has really been able to see stars on a somewhat regular basis! But to compare: the stars in France felt a lot closer to the ground than they do in Ontario. And since it is a new continent, the stars are in different places. We found the Big Dipper, near the horizon! And I found Cassiopia quickly, and I am quite sure that I finally fround Pegasus and Adromeda, which are rather hard to find in Ontario but Natalya and I were looking for them.
Finally, we arrive at the hotel, exhausted. Except for me, apparently. I was unable to sleep. Keep in mind, I was up around 5ish Friday morning, had walked all around downtown London Friday during the day, but no, I was still not tired out. I ended up in a bit of a laughing fit, fortunately Tony was up for a while too and didn't mind chatting with me although I could not stop laughing. Eventually he drifted off to sleep and there I was, still wide awake. I think I slept for maybe 2.5 hours that night? Cause I was awake by 5:45 again.
I have came to the conclusion that my body really hates me, as it just will not sleep when it needs to. C'est la vie....
Lille
I have finally reached a point where I can talk about Lille! What a trip getting there.
I have to say, I really adored downtown Lille. The buildings were so ornate, and I must say, France knows how to do doors. The doorways in Lille were gorgeous. Unfortunately, I was too exhausted to really be in much of a photographic mood (plus I get a bit camera-shy when there are too many people with me) so I did not take a SINGLE picture of any of the doors that I loved. Next time I go to France I will take pictures of doors.
We hit up the tourist centre, which was fortunately easy to find and very central. We had to do this as we all forgot to look up what we wanted to DO while in Lille. I had a vague idea of what I'd seen online but couldn't recall anything. So off we went, and the exterior of the Tourist Centre was beautiful. I also forgot to take a photo of this, too.
So, armed with a guide and a map, we set off to discover Lille. I made my demand of where to go - I wanted to check out one of the parks, as it was supposed to have a little grotto with a waterfall. Leave it to me to go to a brand new country... and ignore all the "culture" and bee-line it directly for the "nature". What can I say! That's just what I do.
Just for the record, I pick great places to go. It was such a quaint little park, and the grotto felt like it was right out of a story-book. This was amplified by there being a puppet theater in the park, and there was a little cottage on it's own little island right near the waterfall. I was really missing Natalya and Payton while in this park of France, I kept thinking about how much they would have loved it. We all loved it there though, and this is pretty much the only spot on the trip where I took a lot of photos.
On our way to the park though, we stopped at the Citadal. What a fortress! It even had a little drawbridge (it was easy to miss that it was a draw-bridge, but Tony noticed; thank goodness, and it was the part that sealed the deal for me on liking it!)
After the park, we went for lunch. I have to say, this was definitely the worst time I've had since coming to England. Anyone who has ever been to a restaurant with me knows that chances are, there's only one or two things on the menu that I'm going to eat. But then, those who have been with me within the last few years know that I'm getting better and will try a few new things.
It is very hard when you can't read the menu. Tony was helping Melissa figure out what she wanted, and while I was able to pick out a few words and was trying to ask what the meal was, I hadn't found what I wanted. The waiter came over, and Tony said that yes we were ready to order. I wasn't. Not at all. So Tony ended up ordering something for me, and since I've ate with Tony and know distinctly that I've talked about the BIG NOs for me.... I figure it would be ok.
I have never been so wrong.
Now, think to yourself: what is the sort of meal that I will say "NO" to very quickly?
How many of you went "soggy"? If you were thinking things like chili, stu, soups, lasagnas.... you would be correct. I do not like soggy food, in particular meat.
So three guesses what my meal looked like?
Soggy meat. As soon as it was put on the table, cue the panic attack that had almost began when our orders were taken, but now began once I saw what it was. Tony had just said sausage of some sort, and while I HATE sausage with a passion, I was willing to try whatever this was.
Until I saw that it was sliced into small pieces, and was mixed in with who knows what, and it sort of looked like a mix of stew and pasta. Except there was no pasta.
Being a trooper, and starved, and having a panic attack about upsetting everyone by not eating, and by pissing off the restaurant by not eating... I tried a bite.
And almost threw it up. I cannot do soggy food. I choked down the fries afterwards and could barely manage that, and I was unable to finish the Diet Coke I had (because I was not allowed to order the drink I WANTED to have because Tony had ordered me something that CAME with a certain drink... and when have I ever ordered POP while out for a meal? Never. But during my panic when the orders were being taken, and then the humiliation of annoying the waitor, I ended up just pointed to diet coke and that was what I had. I drank about 3/4s of the glass and the bubbles were also making me feel ill.
So, I sat through the meal with my hands clenched and resisting the urge to get up and leave and walk around while they all ate, since that is what I typically do when I am having a panic attack. Of course, exhaustion from having no sleep really set in, and I was trying not to burst out crying, so I felt even worse for being so obviously not in a good mood.
Now, here's the really kicker: Know what the meat was? Intestines. That's right. I knew it was something weird while we waited for the food, but I didn't want to know what kind of meat it was, as I can handle trying weird meat (I'm quite sure at some point I've even tried Ox Tongue in Toronto). But yes, the soggy meat was intestine made into a sausage. The funny part, is that the TYPE of meat it was was NOT the reason why I couldn't eat the damn meal!
It took me an hour or two before I got out of that one. Especially since it was the longest meal ever for me, as it took Tony and Anna eons to drink their wine and then eat the cheese platter they ordered after their meal, plus coffee and desserts...... I was just not in a good state and was pretty much a mute for a while. Oh well!
We then headed off to see an art museum. The area outside of the art museum, the building and whatnot, was sooooo pretty. The art was really nice too, but it was almost all reglious art and I NEVER stick around staring at photos of Jesus being crucified; it's simply not my type of art. I think the style is gorgeous, but the subject matter is just not for moi.
By this point, Tony is starting to feel really ill. He hadn't been feeling the best the day before, and it was getting worse by afternoon. I decided he was my sick little puppy so I spent a lot of time in the art museum just sitting with him. Poor puppy.
After the art museum, it was time to head out to make it back to the ferry on time. We made it there without having to rush, although Tony was in a looooot of pain. We managed to catch an early ferry home, which was lovely. Melissa and Anna explored the ferry this trip, since we weren't all zombies, and they were my little errand runners when I needed something as I was acting out the role of a pillow so that Tony could just sleep.
We arrived in Dover (and yes, I saw the white cliffs of Dover, but since it was dark out both times we were there, I have no pictures of them) and we were tempted to just stay the night there for Tony's sake, but Tony was feeling marginally better and was more alert (I take full credit for this as I am just an awesome pillow) so we made the drive back to London.
And now, here I am, writing a gigantic post on just one day!
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Friday, September 25, 2009
A few Reasons why I love London
I just thought I would make a list of all the reasons why I am loving life in London so far:
1. Today I was in the area, so I stopped in to the British Museum. With the SOLE purpose of looking at the Rosetta Stone. I walked in, I looked at it for a few minutes, and I left. Did not even glance anywhere else in the museum. (For those of you who are probably thinking I am quite obsessed with the Rosetta Stone, I really can't help but feel this huge sense of awe when I see it... it's no different than a work or art or music.... everything BEHIND the Rosetta Stone just amazes me)
2. Beautiful Parks. For those who ever may come to see me, if I take you to a park, it is going to be Regent's Park to go see Queen Mary's gardens... gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous.
3. Pick an atmosphere, and you can find it in London.
4. Pick a store and you can find it in London.
5. A lot of men wear business suits on the tube. More guys should wear them.
6. The tube. It's so fast to get everywhere.
7. Lots of water. That's right, there are lots of fountains and whatnot, and the Thames.
8. Pubs. Lots of them.
9. The history (for me, this mostly means what I've read in literature.... I'm just always in awe when I'm in some parts of London... for example... today I was walking in Regent's Park, looked at a HUGE tree, went "I wonder how many authors I've read have walked RIGHT here" and then felt a huge sense of awe.)
10. The Architecture. Even all the nude statues. I just love how the older buildings look in London.
Today it really hit that I was ACTUALLY living in London. It sunk in when I was at the British Museum, as I sat on the stairs near the huge columns after going in to look at the Rosetta Stone. I actually felt a little overwhelmed that I am actually living a life I want to live, and I almost burst out crying. How pathetic, but true. I was watching everyone at the musuem rushing around, and I'd thought to myself "this is SO nice... I just walked in, saw what I wanted to see... and don't have to worry to try to see everything.. can just chill on this step" and since I couldn't do that if I wasn't living here, it really just hit me.
I've just spent so much time over the years not letting myself do what I wanted to, because I either didn't have the time to commit, or the money, or I was just scared for some reason or another. Yet I managed to get myself to England. I actually let myself.
Good for me eh?
1. Today I was in the area, so I stopped in to the British Museum. With the SOLE purpose of looking at the Rosetta Stone. I walked in, I looked at it for a few minutes, and I left. Did not even glance anywhere else in the museum. (For those of you who are probably thinking I am quite obsessed with the Rosetta Stone, I really can't help but feel this huge sense of awe when I see it... it's no different than a work or art or music.... everything BEHIND the Rosetta Stone just amazes me)
2. Beautiful Parks. For those who ever may come to see me, if I take you to a park, it is going to be Regent's Park to go see Queen Mary's gardens... gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous.
3. Pick an atmosphere, and you can find it in London.
4. Pick a store and you can find it in London.
5. A lot of men wear business suits on the tube. More guys should wear them.
6. The tube. It's so fast to get everywhere.
7. Lots of water. That's right, there are lots of fountains and whatnot, and the Thames.
8. Pubs. Lots of them.
9. The history (for me, this mostly means what I've read in literature.... I'm just always in awe when I'm in some parts of London... for example... today I was walking in Regent's Park, looked at a HUGE tree, went "I wonder how many authors I've read have walked RIGHT here" and then felt a huge sense of awe.)
10. The Architecture. Even all the nude statues. I just love how the older buildings look in London.
Today it really hit that I was ACTUALLY living in London. It sunk in when I was at the British Museum, as I sat on the stairs near the huge columns after going in to look at the Rosetta Stone. I actually felt a little overwhelmed that I am actually living a life I want to live, and I almost burst out crying. How pathetic, but true. I was watching everyone at the musuem rushing around, and I'd thought to myself "this is SO nice... I just walked in, saw what I wanted to see... and don't have to worry to try to see everything.. can just chill on this step" and since I couldn't do that if I wasn't living here, it really just hit me.
I've just spent so much time over the years not letting myself do what I wanted to, because I either didn't have the time to commit, or the money, or I was just scared for some reason or another. Yet I managed to get myself to England. I actually let myself.
Good for me eh?
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Reconnections, Woodford and Water
***NOTE: I figured out how to change the settings, so you can leave comments now! A few of you let me know that you couldn't, well, now you can! At least to let me know if you read it so that I don't repeat myself to you??****
This update may be a little delayed, as most everyone has seen my photos on facebook, but nevertheless, write I shall!
It's nearing a month now that I've been in London. Not there yet, but closer. 3 weeks! It seems like a lot longer, really, I'm quite comfortable living in this city. I like it much more than I ever did Toronto. I can get from where I live to downtown London in about half an hour, but I live far enough away from anything touristy and big that where I live feels like a small town. Sort of like Wiarton except smaller, but it's like Wiarton because it's got a few really busy roads (one of which is right outside my window!) that always has people driving by. And it's so pretty. I know I know, anyone from the GBA is going "It can't be prettier than the Bruce!" and while that's true for scenic beauty, London has another charm entirely, and I haven't found that in Ontario. The closest would be at the Elora Gorge, the village there is close. There are a lot of buildings here, and while they are all close together they still maintain a neat charm since the buildings are all so old. And Londoners from what I've gathered pay a lot more attention to their gardens.
This past week I've taught all week. Which means I've made £625 before any of my money gets taken away. 4 out of 5 days was with the same Year 1 class. They were a challenge but I really liked them. By the end of the day, my throat was usually pretty sore from having to yell for them all day long. They just don't have the slightest idea how to sit quietly. Not that I blame them, mind you, it's only their second week in proper school and most of their time has been spent without their actual teacher! The class and I worked out a routine though, by the end of the week they were definitely showing improvement in the skills we were working on (lining up quietly, and making good choices on where to sit and who to sit next to). Next week I'm going to be so disoriented, I've got work lined up for Tuesday (Monday is a holiday for Eid) and will have to take a new bus. Well. I COULD take the same tube/bus route I've been taking for the past week (Friday-Friday I've been taking the same bus route so I know where I'm going... the two schools were really close) and I COULD walk a lot further, but I think it's time I try out Leytonstone Station instead of Woodford Station. Worst comes to worst, I'll miss the school, end up near Ainslie, and walk backwards. hahahaha. It's really gotten to be a habit walking to the schools, as I'm comfortable enough with that area that I do what I always do when I'm walking in a known area: don't even pay attention to where I'm walking as my feet take me there alllll on their own!
From the pictures on facebook, I'm sure everyone here knows that I went to the ocean. Sea, really. I went to Bradwell-on-Sea, and it was a spur of the moment trip as we were in the "area" although it took Tony and I two hours to drive there. hahaha. I'd never been to the coast at all, so while it wasn't a huge vastness of water (it was more like a bay, as we could see England across from us still) I was quite excited. It was different from being at Georgian Bay, as the beach was covered in shells. Being the child that I am, I was collecting shells for Natalya and Payton, along with a few for myself. The few rocks that I took home were quite interesting too. What can I say, I was just too excited to be there. I'm really glad that I've gotten back in touch with Tony (well, that he got back in touch with me) because it's really nice having someone who's known me well for years be around. And as I've told him lots of times, I'm taking advantage of him having a car ;) hahahha. I'm so very nice. It was just really nice to be walking along the shore with a friend who is quite fine with me being whoever it is that I am, as I didn't feel embarassed at all collecting shells or making him help me look for particular kinds.
Or take pictures. I, not planning on going to the coast, had neglected to bring my camera. Thank goodness, Tony had brought his. So either I directed on some photos that were more snap-shots and I didn't care, or I just took the camera and snapped away. If you've been out somewhere with me where I've been playing with my camera, then you know how that goes. If you haven't, count yourself lucky. It can make a five minute walk take a lot longer. Not that I care, but if you aren't interested then it's QUITE the journey. Fortunately I tend to befriend people who don't care, and those who I think do.. well, that would be why you haven't seen me playing with my camrea! I try to spare some of you :P
It was just really fascinating to see how different a salt-water coast is from a fresh-water one. It was crabs we could find, not crayfish. Tony found some really tiny ones running around in the water, but the water ended up a bit too murky to find them again and take their picture. I was sad, but they were the neatest things. We then found a big one that was quite dead on the coast. Not being afraid of dead things if they aren't decomposing and full of maggots (really now, I enjoy biology, I've dissected enough dead things!) I insisted on taking pictures of that too. And the jellyfish. At first we weren't sure if they were jellyfish, as the one we found sort of made us think more of a breastimplant, although my FIRST statement was "jellyfish!" but we couldn't find any tentacles on it. The second one that we saw, however, confirmed that my gut instinct had been right. This was because the gonads (it'll look like an outline of a four-leaf-clover) were clearly visible. I was SO excited.
Before I could get out the camera to snap a shot... Tony had flipped it over onto it's back to look for tentacles!! THE HORROR! I was so upset, because then the top was covered in shell fragments and was unfit for photographing. What a guilt trip I laid on, but I forgave my friend. We did find a third one were you could see the gonads, but it wasn't perfectly circular and the gonads weren't as clear. We took a picture of it anyway.
I just really love to be near the water.
The next day, Tony took me along for a flying lesson! Talk about doing something I didn't really think I'd ever be doing, but I found myself up in a four-seater plane! With my friend flying it! I never would have pictured myself doing that, but do it I did. The view was amazing, although we only flew around the area. We were below the clouds, but it was the most surreal feeling for me sometimes looking at the clouds and going "wow, we are CLOSE to those!" In some ways, it was more surreal than looking down on the clouds (which is what I spend as much time as possible doing on big planes) because I was still looking UP at the clouds they way I am used to... except that in this plane, they were oh so very much closer. I tried taking pictures, but it wasn't overly successful as it wasn't a bright enough day outside; on automatic the camera always wanted to use the flash, and on manual they were too blurry. Regardless, it was fun watching cars and farm machinery and cattle moving around when they were so tiny. Even getting pushed around by the wind was entertaining for me, cause man did our little plane get bullied by the wind a few times. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the time up there, and I'm very glad that my friend was kind enough to invite me along!
The last thing I've done within the past week now, has been the Protocol Boat Cruise. It was just a boat cruise along the Thames for those of us with Protocol. It was rather cold but I enjoyed. I spent as much time as I could outside on the deck to see the sites, and when I had finally retired inside due to numbness, I didn't seem content to dance and kept hanging over the one rail to look out the window better to see what I could see.
The view of Big Ben from the Thames was amazing! And all the colours at night that lit up most of the buildings and bridges - it made me think of Niagra Falls in some ways. I had forgotten how pretty the Thames was at night, because the time I was walking along it with Siggy I was in a rather miserable mood! I think being on a boat helped, seriously, if you want to keep me happy, take me out on the water. Always makes for a happy Lindsey. It was a bit amusing on the boat though - I was there with my flatmate and one of our neighbours and her boyfriend, and I KNEW I knew more people on the boat... but for the life of me, I did not see any of them! Seriously now, it's a boat. With a limited capacity. You would THINK that you would see the people you knew, but alas, I did not.
On a final note, for any Ontarians who think they've seen a big slug or snail in Ontario, you are COMPLETELY WRONG. London's got the big ones. I saw a slug the other morning (cursed my camera for being in my room on the floor!) that was as big as one of my fingers. No joke. Despite getting rained on, I stopped and stared at the slimy thing for at least a minute, I just could not believe how big it was. I've also seen a few snails that would easily put any of our snails to shame. Just so you know.
Until next time, ladies and germs!
This update may be a little delayed, as most everyone has seen my photos on facebook, but nevertheless, write I shall!
It's nearing a month now that I've been in London. Not there yet, but closer. 3 weeks! It seems like a lot longer, really, I'm quite comfortable living in this city. I like it much more than I ever did Toronto. I can get from where I live to downtown London in about half an hour, but I live far enough away from anything touristy and big that where I live feels like a small town. Sort of like Wiarton except smaller, but it's like Wiarton because it's got a few really busy roads (one of which is right outside my window!) that always has people driving by. And it's so pretty. I know I know, anyone from the GBA is going "It can't be prettier than the Bruce!" and while that's true for scenic beauty, London has another charm entirely, and I haven't found that in Ontario. The closest would be at the Elora Gorge, the village there is close. There are a lot of buildings here, and while they are all close together they still maintain a neat charm since the buildings are all so old. And Londoners from what I've gathered pay a lot more attention to their gardens.
This past week I've taught all week. Which means I've made £625 before any of my money gets taken away. 4 out of 5 days was with the same Year 1 class. They were a challenge but I really liked them. By the end of the day, my throat was usually pretty sore from having to yell for them all day long. They just don't have the slightest idea how to sit quietly. Not that I blame them, mind you, it's only their second week in proper school and most of their time has been spent without their actual teacher! The class and I worked out a routine though, by the end of the week they were definitely showing improvement in the skills we were working on (lining up quietly, and making good choices on where to sit and who to sit next to). Next week I'm going to be so disoriented, I've got work lined up for Tuesday (Monday is a holiday for Eid) and will have to take a new bus. Well. I COULD take the same tube/bus route I've been taking for the past week (Friday-Friday I've been taking the same bus route so I know where I'm going... the two schools were really close) and I COULD walk a lot further, but I think it's time I try out Leytonstone Station instead of Woodford Station. Worst comes to worst, I'll miss the school, end up near Ainslie, and walk backwards. hahahaha. It's really gotten to be a habit walking to the schools, as I'm comfortable enough with that area that I do what I always do when I'm walking in a known area: don't even pay attention to where I'm walking as my feet take me there alllll on their own!
From the pictures on facebook, I'm sure everyone here knows that I went to the ocean. Sea, really. I went to Bradwell-on-Sea, and it was a spur of the moment trip as we were in the "area" although it took Tony and I two hours to drive there. hahaha. I'd never been to the coast at all, so while it wasn't a huge vastness of water (it was more like a bay, as we could see England across from us still) I was quite excited. It was different from being at Georgian Bay, as the beach was covered in shells. Being the child that I am, I was collecting shells for Natalya and Payton, along with a few for myself. The few rocks that I took home were quite interesting too. What can I say, I was just too excited to be there. I'm really glad that I've gotten back in touch with Tony (well, that he got back in touch with me) because it's really nice having someone who's known me well for years be around. And as I've told him lots of times, I'm taking advantage of him having a car ;) hahahha. I'm so very nice. It was just really nice to be walking along the shore with a friend who is quite fine with me being whoever it is that I am, as I didn't feel embarassed at all collecting shells or making him help me look for particular kinds.
Or take pictures. I, not planning on going to the coast, had neglected to bring my camera. Thank goodness, Tony had brought his. So either I directed on some photos that were more snap-shots and I didn't care, or I just took the camera and snapped away. If you've been out somewhere with me where I've been playing with my camera, then you know how that goes. If you haven't, count yourself lucky. It can make a five minute walk take a lot longer. Not that I care, but if you aren't interested then it's QUITE the journey. Fortunately I tend to befriend people who don't care, and those who I think do.. well, that would be why you haven't seen me playing with my camrea! I try to spare some of you :P
It was just really fascinating to see how different a salt-water coast is from a fresh-water one. It was crabs we could find, not crayfish. Tony found some really tiny ones running around in the water, but the water ended up a bit too murky to find them again and take their picture. I was sad, but they were the neatest things. We then found a big one that was quite dead on the coast. Not being afraid of dead things if they aren't decomposing and full of maggots (really now, I enjoy biology, I've dissected enough dead things!) I insisted on taking pictures of that too. And the jellyfish. At first we weren't sure if they were jellyfish, as the one we found sort of made us think more of a breastimplant, although my FIRST statement was "jellyfish!" but we couldn't find any tentacles on it. The second one that we saw, however, confirmed that my gut instinct had been right. This was because the gonads (it'll look like an outline of a four-leaf-clover) were clearly visible. I was SO excited.
Before I could get out the camera to snap a shot... Tony had flipped it over onto it's back to look for tentacles!! THE HORROR! I was so upset, because then the top was covered in shell fragments and was unfit for photographing. What a guilt trip I laid on, but I forgave my friend. We did find a third one were you could see the gonads, but it wasn't perfectly circular and the gonads weren't as clear. We took a picture of it anyway.
I just really love to be near the water.
The next day, Tony took me along for a flying lesson! Talk about doing something I didn't really think I'd ever be doing, but I found myself up in a four-seater plane! With my friend flying it! I never would have pictured myself doing that, but do it I did. The view was amazing, although we only flew around the area. We were below the clouds, but it was the most surreal feeling for me sometimes looking at the clouds and going "wow, we are CLOSE to those!" In some ways, it was more surreal than looking down on the clouds (which is what I spend as much time as possible doing on big planes) because I was still looking UP at the clouds they way I am used to... except that in this plane, they were oh so very much closer. I tried taking pictures, but it wasn't overly successful as it wasn't a bright enough day outside; on automatic the camera always wanted to use the flash, and on manual they were too blurry. Regardless, it was fun watching cars and farm machinery and cattle moving around when they were so tiny. Even getting pushed around by the wind was entertaining for me, cause man did our little plane get bullied by the wind a few times. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the time up there, and I'm very glad that my friend was kind enough to invite me along!
The last thing I've done within the past week now, has been the Protocol Boat Cruise. It was just a boat cruise along the Thames for those of us with Protocol. It was rather cold but I enjoyed. I spent as much time as I could outside on the deck to see the sites, and when I had finally retired inside due to numbness, I didn't seem content to dance and kept hanging over the one rail to look out the window better to see what I could see.
The view of Big Ben from the Thames was amazing! And all the colours at night that lit up most of the buildings and bridges - it made me think of Niagra Falls in some ways. I had forgotten how pretty the Thames was at night, because the time I was walking along it with Siggy I was in a rather miserable mood! I think being on a boat helped, seriously, if you want to keep me happy, take me out on the water. Always makes for a happy Lindsey. It was a bit amusing on the boat though - I was there with my flatmate and one of our neighbours and her boyfriend, and I KNEW I knew more people on the boat... but for the life of me, I did not see any of them! Seriously now, it's a boat. With a limited capacity. You would THINK that you would see the people you knew, but alas, I did not.
On a final note, for any Ontarians who think they've seen a big slug or snail in Ontario, you are COMPLETELY WRONG. London's got the big ones. I saw a slug the other morning (cursed my camera for being in my room on the floor!) that was as big as one of my fingers. No joke. Despite getting rained on, I stopped and stared at the slimy thing for at least a minute, I just could not believe how big it was. I've also seen a few snails that would easily put any of our snails to shame. Just so you know.
Until next time, ladies and germs!
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Feet and Hostels
Hello children! I know it's been a while, but unfortunately I just haven't had much net access. But fear not, I'm back! And have loads to write about, and I'll probably leave something out.
The Second Day - Hostel and Notting Hill
Well, I did not make this clear in my first post, but I was not overly keen on my hostel. The day I checked in, they told me I'd be in one room for a night, but then would have to switch the next day to a new room cause of how things were booked. This wouldn't be so bad, except that I had to drag my suitcase up four flights of stairs. It didn't wear me out too much the first day, seeing as I dashed off right away, but still.
The way to describe the hostel? Most of the toilets did NOT have sinks to wash in. You had to go into the shower rooms, which were almost always locked with someone using the shower. I was rather disgusted. That, and their organization, were the only things I had against this hostel. However, if you know me, those are both AMPLE reasons for me to dislike being somewhere.
The first morning arrived, and I wrote my blog and did other things to pass the time until around 12pm, which gave the hostel an hour after check-out to get the rooms cleaned and whatnot. But I had wanted to leave, so I go to ask where my second room would be... to be told that I won't be able to put my stuff into my room until after 2pm. What the hell, I said I wanted to go out for the day and really didn't think I should have to spend all day here with my things. I was then told that I could bring all my stuff downstairs and leave it in the storage room. So I drag all my things down four flights of stairs. To then have to drag them back up two flights of stairs that evening to my next room. I was NOT impressed. This wasn't something that was my doing, so I really shouldn't have to be dragging my luggage around so much. I wasn't impressed, especially since my bags were so heavy and my feet were destroyed.
Anyway, between the lugging of the luggage, I met up with Melissa and we went to check out the Notting Hill Carnival. I think if we had had more energy it really would have been lovely, as it was just a whole bunch of people and I guess the best comparison is Caribbana, although I've never gone to it.
I was amused with the crowds, although Melissa isn't too keen on crowds so it wasn't too pleasant for her. I enjoyed drinking alcohol in the middle of the street right near the police, as that is just unheard of in Canada and I found it QUITE exciting. We bought silly souvenirs, which I'm sure most of you saw the photo of me with the bunny ears.
Feet Drama
Monday, my third day, was my attempt at going to Kensington Gardens. It was quite lovely and I want to go back, but that day... oh my poor feet. I had destroyed them with the shoes and they were in so much pain that I had to give up early and retire back to the hostel. Which drove me insane. I did not do so well being stuck in the hostel! I began my search for a home then.
Wanstead
After a bunch of scams about housing (oh they are so obvious when you know the common characteristics) I got grumpy and remembered about an agency called Arrive Homes that was recommended by Protocol. I emailed them and outlined what I was looking for, and I got a text Monday evening asking to meet to see about a room in a house.
So, Tuesday morning up I get and take off for Snaresbrook Station. I met Phil, the guy showing me the house, and went to check it out. It was super close to the tube station, and the area really looks more like a small town than being a part of (Greater) London. Seriously, once I go for a walk and take pics of the area, you will all go "what?! That's London?" and my answer will be "why yes, it is!". There's a big park area which is quite lovely, and the shops are all within easy walking distance. Including at least two bakeries, a butchers, a grocers, plus grocery store and pharmacy. Really, everything you need daily is within easy grasp.
Hermon Hill House
There's a lot of stairs. The house itself is rather small, as we have one living room (which doubles for dining), a small kitchen, and a bathroom. It's not too bad though, the kitchen looks nice so I'm good. My room, however, is huge. I have two large windows that open easily (although each time I open them I am terrified that it is going to fall on top of me!), which opens onto a balcony! Not one that you can really stand/sit on, although you COULD if you really wanted to. But I could get some little tables out there and have my own garden in the spring if I want to. I'm quite happy with it.
My flatmates are quite lovely too. There's Lucy, who is also with Protocol and is from Alberta. There's also Catherine, and our unofficial flatmate Charlie (poor Charlie, he gets put to work here all the time already, haha). Catherine's Irish and she has a full-time teaching job since she did her schooling here. There is also Queen, who is a vocalist from LA but she may not be around for too long before she goes back to the USA.
Our Local
Our local pub is called Cuckfields. I have only been there a few times, the first time just for drinks with Lucy and Christine (who is from the other House near us which is full of Canadian and Irish folk). I had a strawberry cider and oh my was it delicious. There are at least two resident cats at the pub, and I feel mighty sorry for how much the poor things get approved by everyone! They of course ignore all attentions (or they acknowledge and refuse to comply).
I think so far the best time we had there was when Lucy, Catherine, Charlie and I went for dinner. We ended up playing Monopoly. That's right. A full game of Monopoly in a pub! Apparently people kept looking and watching us sat there playing a board game (really, they were on a shelf right near our table, it was bound to happen) but we didn't take too much notice of it. Poor Charlie got wiped out right quick, but I followed suit a while later (that's right, for any of you who have EVER attempted to get me to sit through a full game... I ACTUALLY managed it for once!). Catherine, who started out losing, cleared us all out! It was rather amusing and we quite enjoyed ourselves.
Teaching
That's right, I've already taught a day. I taught at a school near Whitechapel station (ok, so I give locations based on tube stations, so just look up the tube stations and you can figure out roughly where I am in London all the time). I was teaching year 4 in the morning and year 6 in the afternoon. It was mostly a very good day! The teachers who heard it was my first day were all surprised and said they would have never guessed (probably because various people definitely witnessed me making the classes line up correctly and enter the classroom correctly, haha). Both classes were lovely children, and we had a relaxed day as it is their Induction week and they aren't really doing much actual coursework. So I taught various lessons that I came up with out of thin air and it went quite well.
Not the last half hour, mind you. The year 6s had a TA in the classroom the whole afternoon, and she stepped out to use the loo for a few minutes. And naturally that is when all chaos ensued, mostly instigated by one group of boys. I took their names down and informed the class how sorry I was that I would have to let their teacher know how disrespectful they were for the last part of the day, as they had been QUITE lovely until then. Of course, I had to make sure that I let the class know that it wasn't ALL of them, that some of them had remained lovely all day, but that there were enough of them that it wasn't JUST a few students either. I didn't crack though, so yay for me.
One of the boys (who hadn't really been being that out of control) came up and apologized to me. It was so sweet, I was very touched. The miracle of the day, however, was that I didn't break out crying because of my feet. As I mentioned earlier, I had destroyed my feet at the beginning of my time in London. They had gotten better, and Tuesday morning (marking one week of living in Hermon Hill) I went out to break in my new teaching shoes. And COMPLETELY cut up the back of my feet, way worse than the last time.
And I had to teach in heels. Wedge ones, mind you, but still. Oh was it sore, but fortunately they weren't really hitting the other spots that were badly cut, so I survived.
And that, my dears, has been the rest of my time summarized quickly. I spent a lot of time at Protocol, I hit up the British Museum again, Lucy and I went to go pay an outrageous price to see a movie in Leicester Square, which we refused to do and ended up going to comedy night for cheap (after being approached by a creepy man in a trench coat who pulled something out ot the coat... turned out he was just being silly and was actually just giving away free vouchers to get in to the comedy half-price.... no joke either, hah). The comics were all quite hilarious, so we were impressed. What else did I do? Oh, I discovered that I really like the one chain food place called Pret a Mange. Not the cheapest but not too bad either, and I ACTUALLY like the sandwiches. I have yet to eat proper fast food. Did I mention in my last post that I had my delicious portobello mushroom burger that I've been craving since I was here with Siggy? Well I did.
The Second Day - Hostel and Notting Hill
Well, I did not make this clear in my first post, but I was not overly keen on my hostel. The day I checked in, they told me I'd be in one room for a night, but then would have to switch the next day to a new room cause of how things were booked. This wouldn't be so bad, except that I had to drag my suitcase up four flights of stairs. It didn't wear me out too much the first day, seeing as I dashed off right away, but still.
The way to describe the hostel? Most of the toilets did NOT have sinks to wash in. You had to go into the shower rooms, which were almost always locked with someone using the shower. I was rather disgusted. That, and their organization, were the only things I had against this hostel. However, if you know me, those are both AMPLE reasons for me to dislike being somewhere.
The first morning arrived, and I wrote my blog and did other things to pass the time until around 12pm, which gave the hostel an hour after check-out to get the rooms cleaned and whatnot. But I had wanted to leave, so I go to ask where my second room would be... to be told that I won't be able to put my stuff into my room until after 2pm. What the hell, I said I wanted to go out for the day and really didn't think I should have to spend all day here with my things. I was then told that I could bring all my stuff downstairs and leave it in the storage room. So I drag all my things down four flights of stairs. To then have to drag them back up two flights of stairs that evening to my next room. I was NOT impressed. This wasn't something that was my doing, so I really shouldn't have to be dragging my luggage around so much. I wasn't impressed, especially since my bags were so heavy and my feet were destroyed.
Anyway, between the lugging of the luggage, I met up with Melissa and we went to check out the Notting Hill Carnival. I think if we had had more energy it really would have been lovely, as it was just a whole bunch of people and I guess the best comparison is Caribbana, although I've never gone to it.
I was amused with the crowds, although Melissa isn't too keen on crowds so it wasn't too pleasant for her. I enjoyed drinking alcohol in the middle of the street right near the police, as that is just unheard of in Canada and I found it QUITE exciting. We bought silly souvenirs, which I'm sure most of you saw the photo of me with the bunny ears.
Feet Drama
Monday, my third day, was my attempt at going to Kensington Gardens. It was quite lovely and I want to go back, but that day... oh my poor feet. I had destroyed them with the shoes and they were in so much pain that I had to give up early and retire back to the hostel. Which drove me insane. I did not do so well being stuck in the hostel! I began my search for a home then.
Wanstead
After a bunch of scams about housing (oh they are so obvious when you know the common characteristics) I got grumpy and remembered about an agency called Arrive Homes that was recommended by Protocol. I emailed them and outlined what I was looking for, and I got a text Monday evening asking to meet to see about a room in a house.
So, Tuesday morning up I get and take off for Snaresbrook Station. I met Phil, the guy showing me the house, and went to check it out. It was super close to the tube station, and the area really looks more like a small town than being a part of (Greater) London. Seriously, once I go for a walk and take pics of the area, you will all go "what?! That's London?" and my answer will be "why yes, it is!". There's a big park area which is quite lovely, and the shops are all within easy walking distance. Including at least two bakeries, a butchers, a grocers, plus grocery store and pharmacy. Really, everything you need daily is within easy grasp.
Hermon Hill House
There's a lot of stairs. The house itself is rather small, as we have one living room (which doubles for dining), a small kitchen, and a bathroom. It's not too bad though, the kitchen looks nice so I'm good. My room, however, is huge. I have two large windows that open easily (although each time I open them I am terrified that it is going to fall on top of me!), which opens onto a balcony! Not one that you can really stand/sit on, although you COULD if you really wanted to. But I could get some little tables out there and have my own garden in the spring if I want to. I'm quite happy with it.
My flatmates are quite lovely too. There's Lucy, who is also with Protocol and is from Alberta. There's also Catherine, and our unofficial flatmate Charlie (poor Charlie, he gets put to work here all the time already, haha). Catherine's Irish and she has a full-time teaching job since she did her schooling here. There is also Queen, who is a vocalist from LA but she may not be around for too long before she goes back to the USA.
Our Local
Our local pub is called Cuckfields. I have only been there a few times, the first time just for drinks with Lucy and Christine (who is from the other House near us which is full of Canadian and Irish folk). I had a strawberry cider and oh my was it delicious. There are at least two resident cats at the pub, and I feel mighty sorry for how much the poor things get approved by everyone! They of course ignore all attentions (or they acknowledge and refuse to comply).
I think so far the best time we had there was when Lucy, Catherine, Charlie and I went for dinner. We ended up playing Monopoly. That's right. A full game of Monopoly in a pub! Apparently people kept looking and watching us sat there playing a board game (really, they were on a shelf right near our table, it was bound to happen) but we didn't take too much notice of it. Poor Charlie got wiped out right quick, but I followed suit a while later (that's right, for any of you who have EVER attempted to get me to sit through a full game... I ACTUALLY managed it for once!). Catherine, who started out losing, cleared us all out! It was rather amusing and we quite enjoyed ourselves.
Teaching
That's right, I've already taught a day. I taught at a school near Whitechapel station (ok, so I give locations based on tube stations, so just look up the tube stations and you can figure out roughly where I am in London all the time). I was teaching year 4 in the morning and year 6 in the afternoon. It was mostly a very good day! The teachers who heard it was my first day were all surprised and said they would have never guessed (probably because various people definitely witnessed me making the classes line up correctly and enter the classroom correctly, haha). Both classes were lovely children, and we had a relaxed day as it is their Induction week and they aren't really doing much actual coursework. So I taught various lessons that I came up with out of thin air and it went quite well.
Not the last half hour, mind you. The year 6s had a TA in the classroom the whole afternoon, and she stepped out to use the loo for a few minutes. And naturally that is when all chaos ensued, mostly instigated by one group of boys. I took their names down and informed the class how sorry I was that I would have to let their teacher know how disrespectful they were for the last part of the day, as they had been QUITE lovely until then. Of course, I had to make sure that I let the class know that it wasn't ALL of them, that some of them had remained lovely all day, but that there were enough of them that it wasn't JUST a few students either. I didn't crack though, so yay for me.
One of the boys (who hadn't really been being that out of control) came up and apologized to me. It was so sweet, I was very touched. The miracle of the day, however, was that I didn't break out crying because of my feet. As I mentioned earlier, I had destroyed my feet at the beginning of my time in London. They had gotten better, and Tuesday morning (marking one week of living in Hermon Hill) I went out to break in my new teaching shoes. And COMPLETELY cut up the back of my feet, way worse than the last time.
And I had to teach in heels. Wedge ones, mind you, but still. Oh was it sore, but fortunately they weren't really hitting the other spots that were badly cut, so I survived.
And that, my dears, has been the rest of my time summarized quickly. I spent a lot of time at Protocol, I hit up the British Museum again, Lucy and I went to go pay an outrageous price to see a movie in Leicester Square, which we refused to do and ended up going to comedy night for cheap (after being approached by a creepy man in a trench coat who pulled something out ot the coat... turned out he was just being silly and was actually just giving away free vouchers to get in to the comedy half-price.... no joke either, hah). The comics were all quite hilarious, so we were impressed. What else did I do? Oh, I discovered that I really like the one chain food place called Pret a Mange. Not the cheapest but not too bad either, and I ACTUALLY like the sandwiches. I have yet to eat proper fast food. Did I mention in my last post that I had my delicious portobello mushroom burger that I've been craving since I was here with Siggy? Well I did.
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