A day in Paris

7/16/2011

Yes, that’s right -- one day in Paris.

My traveling buddy for this trip was Lorena.  We booked a day trip to Paris on the Eurostar.  We left from St. Pancras station at 7:30 am.  As we boarded the train, I found my seat was next to a blond man.  We immediately recognized that the other was American.  What was most surprising was that we both, as well as the group of girls in front of him, were from Georgia.  :)  It was nice to find some ‘neighbors’.  

We had a nice train ride.  The only part of the ride that was not fun was the ear popping pressure changes...much like when you change altitudes climbing a mountain or in a plane.  The weird part was that it happened before we went under the English Channel.  Going through the ‘Chunnel’ was cool.  Dark, but cool!

We hit the ground running -- once we made it an ATM for some Euros and headed for the metro station.  Our plan was to start at The Louvre, since it was raining and we wanted the best weather we could find for out door pictures.

Let me just say, the Paris underground is the most confusing thing I have encountered on this whole trip.  It has nothing to do with the fact that it was written in French (that’s just a matter of matching up the right words).  The problem was that the entrances are not marked well at all.  Lorena and I were able to make to point A to point B without too much confusion and without getting majorly lost.

We made it to the Louvre and took some pictures, only to discover the queue for tickets was too long to wait in.  We took another route and found another place to buy tickets.  The queue was still long, but not nearly as long as the one at the main entrance.

We decided to hit just a few things -- the Mona Lisa, the Venus Damilo, and the Napoleon Apartments.  The building itself was a work of art.  The architecture, painted ceilings, floors, everything was just beautiful!  I could spend a couple of days exploring in there alone.

We left the Louvre and could see the Arc de Triumph.  It didn’t look THAT far away, so we decided to walk.  worst. decision. ever.  It was if the Arc kept moving farther away the longer we walked!  The surroundings on the walk made it much better!

We stopped at a cafe in a park for some crepes with nutella!  They were delicious!  Even if the waiter asked if Lorena and I were married.  0_0  We made a joke of that for the rest of the trip.

We finally made it the arc and took some pictures.  We then made our way to the Eiffel Tower.  We found a tube station -- which were not always marked well...we ended up walking under the arc thinking we were headed to a metro station.  

We left the station and looked up --- there it was!!!!!  We walked around the bottom of the tower, considered climbing it for a second, but quickly determined that neither of us were up to the climb or the queue.  We settled for a snack and then some pictures.

Throughout the day we encountered teens holding clipboards wanting you to sign a paper.  We found out later this was a scam to try to make you pay them a Euro when you sign.  We never signed any of them.  One girl spotted Lorena and I while we were snacking.  Shoved her clipboard in my face.  I told her no.  She then spotted my bag of M&Ms.  She the started repeating phrase, “Have one for me, please!” and kept poking the bag.  I, once again, told her ‘NO!”  She did not let up in her poking and whining in broken English.  I had two M&Ms in my hand and put one of those in hers.  She looked at her hand and then at me and said with disgust, “Only one!!”  She then proceeded to throw the M&M at me and say other things in French.  By the time I looked down at the candy and then back up, she was gone. 

Shortly after, a pigeon with a stumpy leg, whom I christened Stubbs McGee, landed next to us.  I was throwing him dorito crumbs, which he eagerly ate up.  Out of nowhere, a young french boy ran up and kicked poor Stubbs McGee!!!  WHAT IS WRONG WITH THESE FRENCH KIDS!!!

As Lorena and I took a million pictures in front of the Eiffel Tower, we were bombarded with men peddling their Eiffel Tower keychains and nicknacks.  I think we turned down 20 or so different people in 5 minutes time.

We caught a bus to track down our last destination, Notre Dame.  Rainy Paris by bus was much nicer than our long walk earlier.  However, by the time we made it to Notre Dame it was closed.  The queue would have been too long anyway.  I got pictures and saw it up close..that’s enough for me.

We then made our way to a tube station.  Lorena asked a waiter a small restaurant how to get to the tubes.  He answered in French then Spanish!  LOL!  Good thing she can speak both.

We made it to the station without a hitch and enjoyed the last of our snacks.  We rested for the first bit of the train ride, but went to get something to drink in the buffet car.  We hung out there until we went back into the ‘Chunnel’.

We made it back ‘home’ to London around 11pm -- and boy was it good to be ‘home’!  I missed London!  We were right next door to King’s Cross, so Lorena had to have her picture taken at platform 9 and 3/4.  We then went to McDonald’s for our first real meal of the day....quarter pounders and fries!!!  :)

8 out of 10 cats

7/14/2011

I got accomplish one of the things on my bucket list --- attend a taping of a BBC show.

If you refer to my Birthday Magic -- almost post, you will find I was thwarted in my efforts to attend Mock the Week.  A positive result of that was that I was given 6 priority tickets to a taping of a different show.

I was emailed a list of shows, dates, times, and locations and determined, after looking up some clips online, that 8 out 10 Cats was the show for me.  

Roni, Molly, Lorena, and Amy joined me for the show.  

The tubes were a nightmare, so Roni, Molly, and Lorena were already in the queue.  Thank goodness priority tickets ensure you get into the show.  As we finally made our way to the ticket guys, we all found it funny that both of the guys remembered me from the previous week.  

I made the girls stop for more pictures with the TARDIS and with some of the other things outside the entrance of the BBC.  They all decided to have a picture with the TARDIS too....I’m telling you -- when you catch the Doctor Who fever, there is no going back!

We ended up in the front row of the studio seats and it was FREEZING!!  This is the very first time I have been inside a building in London and needed my sweater and my coat!

The basic format of the show is that two teams of celebrities (with a team captain each) ‘compete’ to determine the top stories of the week.  They are posed a question then discuss what they think the answer is -- hilarity ensues.  It is hosted by Jimmy Carr and Molly was estatic to find that Jedward was one set of guests on the panel.  I had no idea who these crazy Irish kids with crazy hair and ‘kewl’ clothes were....I know now.  Words cannot describe these two, you will have to Google and you tube them.  They were an interesting addition to the show -- namely because some of the best bits of the show were the other guests and host reacting to what they said.

It was two hours straight of laughing.  The show already has aired and was condensed to 22 minutes.  

After the show, Molly and Amy were able to get pictures with the elusive Jedward as they told everyone about their new show in Sweden and that they were going to another show taping.

We went to Notting Hill and found a cheap kebob place for dinner.  We went for some delicious frozen yogurt for dessert!

8 out of 10 cats

7/14/2011

I got accomplish one of the things on my bucket list --- attend a taping of a BBC show.

If you refer to my Birthday Magic -- almost post, you will find I was thwarted in my efforts to attend Mock the Week.  A positive result of that was that I was given 6 priority tickets to a taping of a different show.

I was emailed a list of shows, dates, times, and locations and determined, after looking up some clips online, that 8 out 10 Cats was the show for me.  

Roni, Molly, Lorena, and Amy joined me for the show.  

The tubes were a nightmare, so Roni, Molly, and Lorena were already in the queue.  Thank goodness priority tickets ensure you get into the show.  As we finally made our way to the ticket guys, we all found it funny that both of the guys remembered me from the previous week.  

I made the girls stop for more pictures with the TARDIS and with some of the other things outside the entrance of the BBC.  They all decided to have a picture with the TARDIS too....I’m telling you -- when you catch the Doctor Who fever, there is no going back!

We ended up in the front row of the studio seats and it was FREEZING!!  This is the very first time I have been inside a building in London and needed my sweater and my coat!

The basic format of the show is that two teams of celebrities (with a team captain each) ‘compete’ to determine the top stories of the week.  They are posed a question then discuss what they think the answer is -- hilarity ensues.  It is hosted by Jimmy Carr and Molly was estatic to find that Jedward was one set of guests on the panel.  I had no idea who these crazy Irish kids with crazy hair and ‘kewl’ clothes were....I know now.  Words cannot describe these two, you will have to Google and you tube them.  They were an interesting addition to the show -- namely because some of the best bits of the show were the other guests and host reacting to what they said.

It was two hours straight of laughing.  The show already has aired and was condensed to 22 minutes.  

After the show, Molly and Amy were able to get pictures with the elusive Jedward as they told everyone about their new show in Sweden and that they were going to another show taping.

We went to Notting Hill and found a cheap kebob place for dinner.  We went for some delicious frozen yogurt for dessert!

Shakespeare's Globe

7/12/2011


I just had the opportunity to do something that people have done since 1599....I saw a play at The Globe.


Just a little history for ya folks, but it's not the 'real' Globe.  It burned to the ground in 1613 (it was made of wood) rebuilt and opened again in1614 then closed again in 1642.  In 1997 it was rebuilt again 230 meters or so from the original site.


We paid £5 for standing tickets and were able to be the first few people in the queue.  This enabled us to stand (yes, stand) on the very front of the stage.  I have NEVER experienced theatre like this before.


We saw Doctor Faustus which was not written by Shakespeare, but rather one of his contemporaries Christopher Marlowe.  It was written in the time of Shakespeare and is one of the few to have survived.


I discovered as we waited in the queue, that Arthur Darvill, Rory on Doctor Who, was playing the part of Mephistopheles.  This news only made me more excited for the play to begin.


The cast was fabulous.  The minstrels were wonderful.  (There was live music and the band members wore period costumes.)  The audience, me included, was spat on with spit takes, drenched with water, and hit with costumes as they swung them in your face.  It was incredible!  They ended the whole thing with a dance number!


We did sit on the ground during intermission for a bit.  BUT, the standing is well worth it!


After the show, we went to the pub that is attached to the Globe.  There I was able to get an autograph and picture with Mr. Rory -- Arthur Darvill!


It's just another one of those 'once in a lifetime experiences' that seem to be happening on this trip!  I don't want them to stop!

David Tennant, David Tennant!!!! Did I mention, David Tennant?

7/8/2011

Birthday magic was with me today.  I met up with the Winant girls for a bite a pub.  We had a good time, but it was quite hot and I was really wanting something low key – well, something mind-numbing anyway.  Roni and I decided to brave the British Cinema!

Going to the cinema is a bit more expensive than it is in the States…and that’s saying something!  Roni and I found a “cheap” theater.  (By cheap, I mean a whole £2 less.)  We decided to see Source Code and were asked if we would like the front or the back.  I recommended the back.  After climbing 4 floors we finally found our theater.  We were shown to our seat by and usher.  (Yes, we were assigned seats.)

There were SO many commercials before the movie began, more so than in the States.  Then there were preview – which I generally like, but was a bit ready for the movie to begin by the end of it.  The movie was quite good and just what I needed.

I love movies because, for just a couple of hours, nothing else matters in the world.  You are completely absorbed in a different reality and think of nothing else.

We were in

Leicester Square

, so I want to check and see if Much Ado About Nothing had finished up yet or not.  By the crowd that had already formed, I determined that it had not.  Patient Roni stayed with me as we waited for 20 minutes for David and Catherine to come out for autographs. 

I devised a plan – David needed to give me a birthday present, so a picture with him would do.  J  My first try was not the best

Me – “David!  It’s my birthday”

DT – “Oh!  Well, Happy Birthday to you!”

He  continues to sign autographs and talk to others. 

Me – “David, could I have a birthday picture with you?”

He doesn’t hear me.

The girl in front of me gets and autograph and a picture.

Me, more loudly – “David, could I have a birthday picture with you?”

DT – “Do you think you can get over here?”

The nice fans move aside for me to get closer.

PICTURE!!!!!!!!!

David then runs off and I have a small moment where I need to compose myself…..it took a while.

I had two or three sets of people stop and ask, ‘What’s going on?’  All I could do was show them my picture. 

Bless belated birthday magic!

Birthday MAGIC -- well, almost

So, I worked for the first time ever on my birthday this year.  Being a teacher, I am off in the summer, so never worry about working on my bday.  When I was younger and worked retail in the summer, I would always ask for the day off.  This year was a bit different.

The Winant girls and I were planning on celebrating together at a pub with some karaoke.  (Imagine that!)  However, I was having a conversation with one of my co-workers while we were riding the lift (elevator).  He mentioned that he was going to a taping of Mock the Week.  I responded with, “That’s one of the things I would like to do on this trip, attending a taping of a BBC program.”  He then said, “Well, I have an extra ticket!!  Would you like to come?”  Of course I said yes and re-arranged plans with the girls.

I mentioned at lunch with the staff that it was my birthday.  My supervisor said, “Well, you kept that quiet!”  I was surprised a couple of hours later with a card and a gift.  My supervisor handed it to me and said, “So, sorry about that!”  (He was referring to the way it was wrapped.)  It was so sweet of them all!!!

I headed off to the BBC studios with my colleague.  We met up with his wife and one of her friends.  We got in the queue (line), got our wristbands, went through security and headed inside the BBC building.  Before we made it in, I spied a TARDIS….a proper TARDIS!  So, I HAD to have a picture.  The holding area for audience members was quite nice.  It had a gift shop (complete with Doctor Who merchandise and a Dalek!), seating, a café, and tons of screens filled with BBC promos. 

Unfortunately, we were a bit later than we had planned to be.  Our tickets were not “sure things” and we had to wait.  It came down to only one of us would be allowed in, so the group let me go.  Unfortunately – again, I and two others were left without enough room to get a seat.  L  By that point, the group I was with had assumed I got in and left.  I didn’t have their phone numbers to call them – it wouldn’t have done me any good any way because my phone died before I could get in touch with any of the other Winants. 

It was a long, cold, rainy, tube/train ride home.  Boo hoo.

Even though the birthday magic fizzled on my actual birthday, it came back with happy times later.  But, that my dear friends, is for another blog!

My job at Providence Row

Sorry for such a delay in postings – I have been so very busy.

This past week was my last week teaching Enlgish at Providence Row.  The men that came in have seemed to enjoy themselves are learning a little too.  J  It was quite an experiencing planning for a group of 8 men who are limited with their English proficiency.  Let alone the fact that I speak “American” – “Southerner American” – and not “English”.  (There has been some debate in class about this.) 

As I was working in the kitchen one day, one of the students came up and said, “Oh hhello, Djessika!”  He then turned to his buddy and said, “She is my teacher.  My Amedican teacher!  She teaches me Amedican!”  -- this was also the same student who said I didn’t speak ‘normal’.

My days at Providence Row are filled with a number of things.  Sometimes I work in the kitchen, sometimes I manage the internet service, sometimes I working reception, and sometimes I teach.  The afternoons are a bit different.  I have been running a training program called CSCS.  (PR offers a service to the clients to practice the test for CSCS certification.  This certification allows the clients to work on construction sites.)  I also help clients with CVs (resumes) and help them search for available jobs. 

I am actually coordinating the planning of an event for the end of July.  I had the job of naming it.  I came up with M.O.R.E.  (Meaningful Occupations Reaching Everyone)  The girls on the team loved it.  I think my supervisor liked it too…he just said, “Wow.  We’ve never called it anything like this before.”  LOL  We will have offer some food and drinks and allow for the clients taking part in Meaningful Occupations services to showcase what they have been doing.  (Music, art, English class, etc.)

It has been a great experience thus far and I expect it to continue!

A Fabulous Fourth in London

The 4th of July is always filled with fun, family, food and fireworks.  This year was slightly different.

London does not have big celebrations to honor America's independence from...well, them.  Random pubs held hot dog eating contests, free drinks for American's, specials on ribs, etc.  Alas, there were no fireworks to be found.

A small groups of us Winant's ended up getting together and made homemade pizza.  I bought a chocolate fudge brownie cheesecake and we feasted!

It was nice to spend the evening with some fellow country-women and share a meal together.  I did miss the fireworks.

I did get the chance to Skype with my sis, brother-in-law, and nephews.  The boys loved watching themselves on screen.  LOL!!  It was dark outside for me and I had to explain time-zones to Max.  He's so silly.  Wesley kept asking, "Are you at London?"  They both sang "On Top of Spaghetti" and "Happy Birthday" for me.  :)

Shows, sights, sniffles, and sleep

Friday - Sunday
7/1-3/2011

In an effort to keep this post in less than epic proportions, I will only hit the highlights of the weekend.

National Gallery -- I saw paintings older than the US.  Most of them were of Lords and Ladies or of biblical scenes.  My favorite was the small collection of Van Gogh.  I noticed there was a draw and learn session if I waited around for 30 minutes...so I did.  I met a lovely French woman named Jeorgina.  We talked about my volunteering and her studies (she's working to be a teacher).  We talked about how the American school systems were set up and how they differed from the UK.  We sat together during the learn and draw.  The learn and draw was excellent.  One woman spoke of Van Gogh and explained the origins of the picture.  Another woman talked about the painting artistically and gave us some hints on how to draw it -- using only pencil.  Then we had around 45 minutes to draw!   I will post mine soon.

DAVID TENNANT -- I mean -- Much Ado About Nothing --
I FINALLY got a ticket to see Much Ado.  It. Was. FANTASTIC!  The entire cast was brilliant.  It was funny.  It was dramatic.  It was simply, well done.  I sneaked a few pictures.  Catherine Tate is wonderful.  BUT the crowning jewel of the evening was seeing David Tennant!  He connects with his audience like no other stage person I have seen.  During his monologues a Benedict, he would look out into the audience (all three levels) and make eye contact with them.  ME INCLUDED!!  :)  I think we stood and applauded for a solid 5 minutes.  The cast came out for four separate curtain calls.
After the show, I went behind the theater to attempt and autograph.  I succeeded!!  David not only signed my program but told me, in his lovely Scottish, "You're so very, very welcome," when I thanked him for signing it.  I would love to see it again, but will definitely go back to try to get a proper picture with him.

The Woman in Black --
Roni posted on FB that she had planned to go see this show called the Woman in Black.  I looked up tickets and found a front row seat for 27 pounds, so I decided to book it and go.  Although we both were a few minutes late because we were totally lost, we managed to get to the theater and saw the show.  It too was fantastic!!  It had a cast of only two people...and one more, but it was just so good!  It was almost like a ghost story.  It made the entire audience scream and jump out of their chairs on several occasions.  (This was promptly followed by giggles from the audience for reacting in such a way.)  I would highly recommend this show to anyone that has a chance to see it.

King's Cross --
Fun, but a bit disappointing.  It is nothing like the movie, but that have a little cheesy platform 9 and 3/4 where tourists can take pictures....which Roni and I did with out a second thought.

Lion King and the Globe --
EPIC FAIL for Lorena and I.  But we are booking for the next few weeks during the week day.

Tower of London --
WOW...I had no idea it was so huge!  There is a little city within the walls of the Tower.  Lorena and I joined up with a guided group.  Our Warbler was great, but we broke off about 30 minutes into it.  I loved his stories and the information he was giving, but we spied the line for the crown jewels.  We both wanted to see those, so we opted for that.  We saw the jewels and soaked in the glistening beauty.  We then roamed a bit through the courtyard and found things were starting to close.  (We had a later start than we first had set out for.)  We were able to visit the small chapel where Ann Boleyn was buried.  We also were able to walk much the of perimeter on top of the wall.

My allergies have started to act up and effected some of my progress on all of these days.  I am also suffering from some major lack of sleep -- which I did my best to catch up on this weekend as well.

"There's NO time! There's NEVER any time!"

I have been trying to cram as much London in as I can after “work”.  Unfortunately, everything closes so early!  Most ‘tourist’ sites close around 5....I get off around 4:30.  Even many shops close up fairly early.  I would have never thought that this would be the case.  I seem to find myself rushing to run small errands everyday.  

Relying on public transit is also a bit tricky and a brand new thing for me.  I have to leave my home-stay around an hour or so early just to, hopefully, get to my placement on time.  Depending on what I want to do and what is going on, I can take two tubes and a train, take a train and a tube, or a train and walk for 5 minutes.  Of course the walk to the station is around 5-10 minutes from my home-stay.  

I am so used to hopping in my car, driving wherever I need to, and going home.  Not to mention putting purchases in your car instead of carrying them around with you.  Let me just tell you, carrying groceries on a train and walking all over tarnation and back will make you REALLY think about what you purchase.  

(Inner monologue:  ‘Do I really need this....I’ll have to carry it on the train.  I was thinking about going somewhere else after this.’)

I plan on doing a bit more exploring this weekend!  My list of things I want to do is very long...I have a lot of work to do!

Providence Row -- week in review

6/27-30/2011

Week 2 at Providence Row:

I definitely feel much more like a helper and much less helpless.  I worked in the kitchen both Monday and Wednesday.  I ran the dishwasher and served food.  

I also taught the English class on Tuesday and Thursday this week.  Since I am ESOL certified, I am filling in until the new teacher starts.  One of the men looked at me on Tuesday and said, “I see you in kitchen, at internet, at front, now here!  What you do?  You everywhere!”  This same man also told me to slow down because I don’t talk normal, I talk “American.”  When he says American, he does it in a very nasally voice.  For the most part, the guys have been very appreciative and take the class seriously.  

After lunch, I either work with the CSCS training, help out with filing, or plan for English.  We had a staff training session on Wednesday.  It was interesting to see that a training workshop is not too different from the training workshops I have taken part of in my job.  I guess some things are not effected by cultural differences.  :)

Next week seems that it will be much of the same, but only time will tell!

Saturday Recap -- just in time for the next Saturday

Saturday!

To start my first official day off, I went on a quest to obtain tickets for Much Ado About Nothing.  At 10am they hold a lottery for 20 best seats for 10quid (10 pounds).  I got my ticket and waited until they called out the ‘winning’ numbers at 10:30.  I, unfortunately, was not one of the lucky ones this time.  :(  BUT I have a few more weeks to give it a shot!  Besides, David Tennant will be very sad if I don’t come to see it!  

I found myself quite hungry and went off to Leicester Square to find something to eat. I settled on a cafe that had WiFi access.  I stayed there for quite some time, using my iPhone to update my FB and check email.  I also had my top-up phone out to answer text messages from the Winant girls.  I alternated between the two for quite some time.  As I was preparing to leave, a small group of people started to surround me.  One of the men had a tube map and was approaching from my left.  The rest of the group was on my right.  An older lady was directly on my right.  The man on my left started asking, “Excuse me, do you know how to...”  He never finished the sentence; however, because at that moment the manager came over and inserted himself between me and the group.  In a thick Irish accent, he yelled at the group and made them leave the cafe.    I had no idea what was going on and was a bit confused and shaken. The manager then turned to me and asked, “Are you ok, love?”  I nodded.  He then proceeded to explain that he had not seen this particular group of Romanians for quite some time, but they were attempting to steal my phone.  They use one of the group to distract the victim’s attention one direction, while the group is on the other side, ready to take whatever they are trying to steal.  I was dumbfounded!  I sincerely thanked the manager and felt it was time to leave.

After my little adventure, I decided to go to other parts of London and explore while waiting to meet up with the other Winant girls.  I ventured to the London eye and got a few good pictures.  I decided not to ride it as of yet because of the long lines and for the fact that I can purchase tickets much cheaper online.  (London may even offer a City Pass -- this quite helpful in New York.)

I wandered around Waterloo station and found my first Doctor Who billboard.  I was a little surprised that I have not seen more.  I found myself in need of a toilet.  (You don’t say restroom...it’s toilet or loo.)  I also had my first experience with a pay toilet.  Yes, I said PAY toilet.  I had to pay 30p to use the loo.  I looked through my change and found I did have 30p by using 20p and two 5p.  As I walked down the stairs, I saw a sign that specified that to use the toilet you needed 30p.  BUT, you needed to have either three 10p or a 20p and a 10p.  I stepped out of line and rummaged through my change once again.  I did not have a 10p coin.  Thankfully, a nice Scottish woman offered me a 10p coin.  We then discussed the pay toilets and how they are unnecessary.  “It’s all about making more money for each cabinet,” she explained.  “Different cabinets charge.  They just want to get more money of out people.”

I used the tube and headed toward London Bridge.  I was a little disappointed.  It’s just a regular old bridge.  I took a seat on one of the coping stones from the original bridge.  I know this because a little plaque on the coping stone told me so.  It also told me that most of the original London Bridge is now in Arizona.  They shipped the stones to America and constructed the bridge there in the 1960’s.   LOL!  

I visited a little souvenir shop and bought a few little things.  I spoke to a sweet lady at an ice cream stand when I asked for directions to South Bank.  She told me about the Indian family that was sitting close by and how they found a cell phone, had contacted the person it belonged to, and had waited there for 30 minutes to return it.  :)  Bless her, she sent me in the wrong direction, but I figured it out before I went too far.

I had heard from the girls and we were meeting at Tower Bridge.  I decided to take a bus since there was a stop close by.  I was looking at the bus map (frankly, they are quite confusing) and an older couple asked me where I was headed.  (Apparently, when I am confused, strangers can read it all over my face!)  I, for once, was at the right stop for the right bus at the right time!  I had a lovely chat with the woman about London and her grandchildren and what to do while I was here.  They ended up needing the same bus and made sure I was headed the right direction when we got off the bus.

I met up with Lorena, Carolyn, and Molly and we chatted while we took in the views at the Tower of London and Tower Bridge.  Lorena, like me, was wanting to take some pictures.  (It was GORGEOUS today.)  We walked to the bus stop to head toward Big Ben.  

We walked from Trafalgar Square to Big Ben to Westminster Abbey.  Lorena and I stopped several times for photo ops.  We ended up laying around on the grass in front of Westminster Abbey.  It was just beautiful.  The grass was cool, the sun was shining, and a slight breeze was blowing.  We would have stayed there all afternoon and evening....except for the fact we would need some sort of shelter.  LOL

Good blogs come to those who wait!

I know it does not seem like it, but I HAVE been keeping up with a daily documentation of my adventures.  I will put the date of the adventure at the beginning of the blog if it is a "catch-up" blog.  I do not have Internet that works on my Mac at my home-stay and have to tote the thing with me to a free wifi hotspot to submit it.  It is much easier for me to type on my personal computer than my host's, so I am in the pickle that I am in.

If you have read the previous post, you know that I am doing laundry today, so I did not bring my Mac with me because I was already burdened with a Conan-bag full of clothes.  Hopefully, I can work things out for tomorrow!  -- I also have more pics to share!

Cheers!

My country for a Downey Ball!

Clothes dryers are not something everyone has in England.  Most people line dry their clothes.  The trouble with this is that it has been cold and rainy nearly every evening.  So I find myself surrounded with clothes laying on every surface in the attempt to dry.  My jeans took two days to dry.

Not only does it take longer to dry, but the clothes are then dry and stiff.  I am not sure if line-drying outside would help this or not. 

At home I typically wash my clothes with liquid detergent and add fabric softener to the wash.  Sometimes I even do an extra rinse cycle.  Then all of my clothes visit the dryer.  Some I take out and hang to dry, but every article of clothing makes at least a pit stop in the dryer.

I have been doing this for so long I forgot why I started in the first place -- my skin is the DEVIL!  That is to say, I have very sensitive skin.  All of this was recommended by a dermatologist to help with rashes and skin irritation.  (Not because I so terribly picky.)  I literally just forgot how finicky my skin can be!

After a couple of weeks of walking in jeans and shirts that have been washed with washing powder, no fabric softener, and then air dried, I find myself covered in irritated patches of skin.  (Basically anywhere my skin has rubbed consistently against the clothing. 

Clothes from home I have not yet washed or worn are now my most prized possessions!  I have rationed them about as far as I can. 

I plan on finding some liquid detergent, fabric softener, and a washer/dryer today.  I packed my Conan bag full of my dirty clothes and my clean clothes that have been washed and dried here.  Operation -- soft clothes is in full swing (after work, that is!)

Two for the price of one

The past couple of days at PR have been pretty good.  I worked the Internet room both mornings.  The clients have to come in and sign up for 45 minute sessions.  They can come in and check facebook, email, watch you tube, look for job listings, etc.  We do monitor for any naughty behaviour, but, thankfully, I have not encountered any.

Ella and I have eaten lunch at small Greek sandwich shop the past two days.  It is delicious.  I got a tuna melt pressed baguette yesterday and some lasagne today.  Quite delicious both days!

PR was super short on staff yesterday, so Ella and I ran the CSCS training.  Basically, we put a program on the computer and monitor the progress of the clients.  They read the information on the screen, have the option to listen to different words in their own language, and then have to take a quiz at the end.  We did not have anyone for this training, but ended up helping a couple of clients with job searches and CVs (resumes).

This afternoon, I have spent my time planning for to teach the English class for next Tuesday.  The previous English teacher’s last day was Thursday and the replacement cannot start for a couple of weeks.  SO – is has be left to Miss B!  The way I figure it, the 10 men that I will need to instruct should not be too different than my 5^th graders, right?   Right?  J  Another volunteer will be helping me, so that’s good. 

I was so thankful to get a call from Rebecca yesterday.  Seven of us got together for a free dance/play/thing that was held near the Tower Bridge.  The writer was inspired to create this dance/play/thing because his 14 year old nephew was killed by gang activity a few years ago.  It was pretty good, a little strange in places, but overall had a good message.  The rain held off and it turned out to be a nice evening out – a little cold, maybe, but nice.

Molly, Ella, Rebecca, Roni and I ended up going to local pub for a bite to eat.  Curry was the special for the night, so that’s what we ended up getting.  We also opted for desert – Rebecca and I needed some ‘comfort food’.  J  We’re both missing our Southern roots.

I am off for now.  I think Ella, Rebecca and I are going to wander around brick lane and look at some shops.  I also think Molly and I are going to try to get lottery tickets for Much Ado About Nothing tomorrow morning.  I MUST MEET/SEE DAVID TENNANT!!!!

I don't know

I am currently sitting at my 'hot desk' at PR.  (A hot desk is a desk that really doesn't belong to one person in particular, rather, it is first come first serve.)  I am using the computer and the Internet here -- with permission-- to update my blog and FB.

My American buddy, Ella was not in today, so I had to go it alone.  We had planned to do laundry at a laundrette, so I brought my things.  I may go ahead and get that accomplished.  I mean, the home-stay has a washer, just no dryer.  :(  I don't like how my clothes feel without fabric softener and tumble drying.  BUT I don't want to pay too much just for a dryer.  Eh, I'll figure it out.

I worked reception today.  It was good.  I just felt as if I was not much help at all.  I manned the post (getting the client their mail) and the cell phone charging area.  The charging area is harder than it looks.  It's not too bad if the client has a charger.  You just give them their number and mark their charger.  If they don't have a charger, you have to try to find one that fits from about 2 dozen different chargers.  OR you run into problems with 50% of the have a Nokia phone and the center only has 2 Nokia chargers. 

I did get to see how they process the clients as they come in and learned a bit about what goes on on the front end of things.  I also had a blast just listening to conversations.  :) 

They had leftover sausages, toast, beans, and potatoes from breakfast so I had myself a proper English breakfast for lunch!  I went upstairs with the other PR workers and the 'Sisters'.  (There are several nuns from the Sisters of Mercy who have worked with this organization for 40 years or more.)  We all had a chat about all things British and London.  They then started asking me questions.  It's times like this when my southern accent sticks out like a sore thumb.  Here we are, all having a lovely chat and then my twang comes in.  lol

I worked reception again in the afternoon.  Partly because so many people are out sick I couldn't meet with them and partly because they needed more coverage.  Although, I don't think I was of much help as of yet.

Well, I am off to determine if I am going to launder my things somewhere or just take them back to the home-stay.

Cheers!

British cashier wanted, Americans need not apply...

I have worked with money or as a cashier in many of my previous jobs.  I feel that I am a fairly reliable cashier and do pretty well with handing money -- American money that is.

British money, or change rather, is quite confusing.  Instead of 'ones' they have coins.  The are around the size of a nickle, but three times as thick and are a golden color.  1pence or 1p looks a lot like a penny, but then there is 2p -- the are copper colored, thin, and about the size of a half dollar.  The 5p looks a lot like a dime, but a bit smaller.  The 10p is close to the size of 2p but silver.  The 20p resembles a nickle, but hexagonal.  The 50p is not too far from our half dollar -- same size, shape, and color.  But then there are £2 coins.  It looks like a coin inside a coin...silver on the inside, golden £1 piece color on the outside.  Notes or bills come in £5, £10, £20 and so on.

I keep forgetting that the "change" actually has more worth than the change I typically have on me.

I stopped in a corner market today and had to pay £2.09.  (You don't say 2.09, you say 2 pounds nine.)  I couldn't figure out what I had!  The nice lady at the register ended up picking up the 10p coin and giving me 1p back. LOL

I have come to the conclusion that I would not do well as a cashier in London.

Would you like coffee or tea?

6/21/2011

Tuesday morning did not go as swimmingly as the rest thus far.  I over slept -- not by much, but still felt rushed.  It took 30 minutes for me to get into the toilet as well.  I mean, I'm sure that I might have got in sooner if I had asked, BUT I already feel as if I am imposing enough.  Besides, 8 people sharing one bathroom is not something I have become accustomed to as of yet.  I realized, as I was getting ready, that I had not washed all the conditioner out of my hair the night before.  --sigh--

I dashed out the door and got on the train then the two tubes.  I was only 5 minutes late, but I don't think there is a "late" here.  As long as I am there for the 9:45 briefing, I think I will be fine.

I worked in the kitchen at Providence Row (PR) during the morning session.  (In the mornings, the clients can come in for showers, breakfast, and to use computers.  They also provide other services like charging cell phones and function as a c/o address.)  A free breakfast consists of coffee or tea and toast with jam or marmalade.  The full breakfast (50p -- 50 pence) has all of that plus hot food like sausage, hasbrowns, eggs - cereal, juice, and biscuits for the tea.  They end up with a tray full of food and what ends up being served is dependent upon what has been donated.  This morning it was hashbrowns, beef patties, beans, boiled eggs, and a choice between cornflakes and shredded wheat.  (The clients like the cornflakes the best.)

I have found that British coffee is very different from the coffee my Daddy drinks.  I have always been curious as to what makes a good cup of coffee -- I am not a coffee drinker, so I would have no idea.  I do know that my father would probably not be too keen to try some of the stuff I served.  Most Brits drink instant coffee.  This means you take a spoonful of coffee crystals and mix it into a cup of hot water.  >_<   Yuck!!  Some of the clients wanted it "strong".  This would mean I would give them two spoonfuls of coffee crystals.  The tea, on the other hand, was delicious!!!!  I had three cups of it!  I apparently like mine with sugar and milk. 

Thankfully, Ella had brought a foot long sub and shared it with me for lunch.  I was starving.  I also had an apple with me and I devoured it too. 

The afternoon was pretty slow.  They keep telling me that it is not normally this slow -- maybe all the clients are afraid of the Americans.  :)

I decided to take the scenic route home, since it was absolutely gorgeous outside.  I took the DLR part of the way and saw where they are building the sites for the Olympics next year.  I took some pictures that I will post on my FB as soon as I can.  I then took a bus from Stratford.  I have realized taking the train and the tubes limit your ability to really take in the sights around you.  I scored a seat on the top level of a double-decker bus.  There are TONS of street shops all the way through the main roads.  I passed several churches that I may go visit if I have time.  I was a little too anxious and got off a stop too early, but ended up not having to walk too far.

I made it home just in time to catch a local ice cream truck milling through the neighborhood.  I went inside to get the girls to buy them an ice cream.  Aleiya was asleep, but Leila helped me pick something out for her and she got herself something.  :) 

I still cannot get reliable Internet access at my home-stay.  It's a bit frustrating, but it won't kill me to be without FB whenever I want.

Do you need some help, love?

I took the trains today during 'rush hour'.  The trains and tubes were crazy crowded!  I had to wait for three different trains for the central line tube on because there were so many people crammed in the cars the doors would barely close!  Thankfully, each time I got off one train, the platform I needed was the one directly in front of me so there was no running up and down stairs chasing after trains.  (That could be a horrific combination!)

I used the map I was given in orientation and ended up going the wrong way...oops!  Thankfully a nice scottish bloke recognized the confused look and my face and offered me some help!  

"Do you need some help, love?"

"Yes, I'm a bit lost."

"Oh you have a map, brilliant!"

He proceeded to show me where I was and where I needed to be.  With a "cheers", he was off and I was on my way.

I was in the general area of where I needed to be, but the map had me taking a left instead of a right on the road directly in front of my placement.  I asked the help of a road worker.  He was kind enough to help, but the map confused him as much as it did me.  A couple of other workers walked up and started adding their two cents in.  It was so funny!  They were getting upset at each other because one would suggest one way and the other would shoot it down.  "Are you mental, that's not the right way!"  LOL!! They finally figured out there right way just as Ella called me.  I thanked them and set off toward my placement.  -- Good thing I was early!

Ella and I walked in together and waited for Steve, our supervisor.  Today consisted of meeting everyone, listening to what they do, drinking tea, and filling out some paper work.  -- Basically, much like other first-day-on-the-job scenarios.  Steve has some neat plans for us, but this week will consist mainly of getting to know the place and shadowing others.

I will work in the kitchen tomorrow morning during breakfast and I am excited about that!  It seems that we will be kind of like a fill-in for many different areas.  Steve also wants us to come up with our own little workshop type meetings that we will have with some of the clients.  We will even organize an event for the end of our placement that will help promote the charity!  

We got lunch at a small Indian restaurant...which came highly recommended by a couple of British chaps leaving the restaurant as we were browsing the menu.  "Go in, it's fantastic!"  :)

Steve gave me directions on how to get to the record store, Rough Trade East, where I am currently using their WiFi.  They have actual records!  I haven't seen those in a while!

I'm headed out to catch the train home!  Hopefully, I can update tomorrow and not have to wait so long between posts.