"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.

The Queen says "Hi"

6/19/2011

Sunday started with a bang!  Ella, one of the other Winants, showed me around Oxford Circus.  There are tons of shops and stores and we were in desperate need of a few things.  I had to stop by the apple store for a converter for my Mac, plus -- I love the apple store and wanted to visit.  (I wish they had a stamp book or punch card for apple stores.  I would be very far into the collection at this point!)

We got there around 10:30 am and found that many stores did not open until 11:00 or even later.  The apple store didn't open until 12!  We were both hungry and decided to stop in to a small cafe' that was serving breakfast and coffee.  I got the most delicious bagel with cream cheese and smoked salmon.

There are tons of street vendors for food and other tourist-y items.  I ended up buying two scarves and a cute bag at one of them.

Ella and I went to several stores in search of different items.  One store we entered was called Boots.  It is basically a three story Walgreens/CVS.  Everything was pretty reasonably priced, so I was pretty pleased.  Not to mention, riding on escalators is always fun!

Ella and I had planned on meeting up with the other girls in Trafalgar Square for West End Live.  Several shows would send their actors out to perform musical numbers from the shows running.  Ella decided to go back to her room...especially since her oyster does not cover the Tube system.  I caught the   tube and went in search of the group.

We all bought little top-off phones, but none of us are used to using them.  This meant that it took a bit to finally communicate.  During this time of finding the group, I walked up to the theater district to see where Much Ado About Nothing was playing -- I REALLY want to see this show.  (David Tennant, need I say more.)  Molly, one of the Winant girls, called me to tell me they were headed toward Buckingham Palace.  I left to join them.

The walk to Buckingham Palace was beautiful.  All the old buildings, the brick streets, double decker busses, English accents wafting in the air....the weather was cooperating as well!  The poles lining the roadway to the palace were decked with golden ropes and royal crowns!  I'm not sure if they are always this way or if it was a left over decoration from the wedding.  Some of the poles were missing their crown embellishments.  This left me wondering if they had fallen off or if they were stolen.  0_0

I finally made it to the palace and it was amazing to finally see it in person!  The guards were finishing up chaining, so I got to see them, but not take a picture.  I will go back to document that.  I found the girls relaxing at the fountain steps and was glad to see them all.  It was liking seeing family!  I am so happy to be having this experience with them.  It is very comforting to have a pocket of people to go to and spend time with.  And these girls are the BEST!

We walked back to the tube station near Trafalgar Square and parted ways in smaller groups.  Molly, Roni, Rebecca, Kyra, and I all went back to Oxford Circus because the girls needed to purchase a few things as well.  I was glad I was there earlier in the day so I could point them in the right direction.  I had to break down and buy some fish and chips -- mainly because I was starving.  I was; however, a bit disappointed with my purchase.  It was not as delicious as I had hoped, but think I can find a place with better eats.

There was a scheduled strike for the public transportation system, so we headed back before it got too late.  The tubes were so crowded!

I made it back to my home for the summer and was greeted with a hug by little Aleia.  She kept me company in my room and asked me about the spots on my arms.  I told her they were freckles -- she had never heard of such a thing.  :)  Gwen fixed the most delicious cod with spinach, rice, and roasted potatoes.  Aleia went to sleep in my lap after dinner as we all watched TV.

I showered and hit the hay.  I tried to call home to tell my Daddo happy fathers day, but had to leave a message instead.  I do miss talking to my family members daily.  I hope I can get something worked out, even if I have to purchase a dongle.

I love your accent!

6/18/2011

It is very strange for me to be the one with an accent.  I have heard the phrase, “I love your accent” so many times on this trip.  lol

It started in NY.  I had a few people comment here and there.  One of the security guards at Rockefeller Plaza even asked me where I was from.  He was amazed I was on my own and all the way from GA.  The rest of the Winants commented on my dialect when we first met. 

Now that I am in London, it has happened more than once a day.  The girl that ran the cash register at the market was in awe.  She just looked and me and kept saying, “I just love how you talk!”  Two of the former Claytons at the meeting today said my voice was like music.  HAHAHAHA!  

The next day, a nice chap named Daniel sat down next to me in Trafalgar Square and talked to me for 10 minutes asking me about the South and "just wanted to hear me talk".

I just think that some of these people have never been introduced to a REAL southern accent.  The ones in hollywood and on television are more often than not fake and extremely exaggerated.  I am more than happy to introduce London to a true Southern accent!  :)

That's so Posh

6/18/2011

Let me first say that I have went around all day today and thought it was Friday.  I lost a day in there somewhere!

I actually navigated myself quite well for the first time I had used the train and tube all on my own!  Not getting turned around or lost yet, but there is still time!

We had our orientation this morning at Canary Warf.  It’s quite posh over there!  :)  We were in the tallest building in board room that has a fantastic view of the river and London.  We were provided lunch complete with tea.  I am LOVING the tea.  

Orientation was good.  We were given some good information, but, like most orientations, they last a bit too long and one gets a little weary from sitting so long.  We met a few Claytons (Londoners who have traveled to volunteer in the States before).  They gave us some great tips on what to do in London.  They were all very nice.

At the end of the session, we were taken to the shopping center downstairs and those of us who needed them got phones.  They were referred to as top-off phones -- in the states we would call them, pay-as-you-go phones.  This will be so helpful when trying to coordinated with my Winant buddies of in case of emergency -- or if I get lost in tranist!  

They then took us to a pub.  That was quite a fun experience!

Pub 101 :

1. When you sit at your table, do not expect someone to come to you to take your order....you go to the bar and order it yourself.  (food or beverage)
2. Items you order will be brought to you, so remember your table number.
3. Pay for your items when you order them.
4. Do not fear drunk Englishmen...they are quite funny.

I left the pub a bit earlier than the rest of the group with one of the other girls to go to the market and pick up a few odds and ends.  Nearly everything was closed.  I mean it was 8 o’clock on a Saturday night!  Not even Dalton, GA does that!  --We will just have to finish tomorrow!

I some how made my way back to my home-stay with no problem!  The girls were happy to see me and I them.  I took a shower and the family fed me pizza and chips (fries).

Tonight Aliyah was fascinated with my hair.  Since I had taken a shower, my hair was still wet.  (You have to imagine her voice in a sweet little Birttish accent.)

“Your hair is black now.”

“It’s just wet.  Lighter hair looks darker when it is wet sometimes.”

“Will it change back?”

“Yes, when it dries.”

“Will you go dry it, please?”

Later she was showing me the barbies in a catalogue.

“I like Barbies.”

“Barbies are nice.”

“I like your hair.”

“I like your hair, too.”

“Your hair is like Barbie hair!”

LOL, she played with my hair for 30 minutes tonight.  :)

Another great day in the UK -- I’m sure tomorrow will be even better!

Planes, trains, and tubes....Oh My!

The flight from JFK to Heathrow went pretty well.  I did not get much sleep; however, but it’s all a part of international flights.  There were several movies to watch on the plane, but I kept nodding off too much to really be able to watch them.  We were given a meal on board this flight which was not too bad.  I had a cesura salad and beef with potatoes, veggies, and gravy.  They gave us a small breakfast of either a cheese danish or lemon cake.  

The flight landed around 8am London time (3am EST) and we went through border patrol with no problem.  We then met up with Carla, our kind of point person with WCV, and had a short orientation.  She handed out our oyster cards (what we use for the trains, tubes (subways), and buses) and told us that we would be taking public transport to the WCV office.  I have to admit, this threw me.  Here I was standing with a laptop bag, duffle bag weighing about 20lbs and a suitcase that weighed 50lbs.  I was freaking out just a bit at the idea of lugging this around all of London.  We then found out that the American intern’s mother was also arriving and was held up in customs.  Carla took three girls on and left the rest of us with the intern.  We ended up waiting about an hour to an hour and a half for the poor mother to finally meet up with us.

Our journey on the underground began, and let me just say, it has been the hardest thing I have yet to do on this trip.  I was already pretty tired from my 3 day whirlwind in NY.  Then we just had a 7 hour flight across the ocean.  I had had about 4 hours of sleep in the past 36 hours and had not had a proper meal since the food we were given at the beginning of the flight.  I then had to drag 80lbs of luggage on and off a train, 2 tubes, and up and down several different flights of stairs.  I then had to drag my things 2 blocks to the WCV office where I had to again drag my items through the building, down more stairs, through a garden, and into a room where we waited for Carla to come take us to our home stays.  I dozed a bit here, but we were given a bit of food to snack on.

A couple of hours later, Carla made it back and took one of the girls and me to our placements.  This involved much dragging of the luggage.  At this point I was so exhausted, I was almost ready to cry,  Praise the Lord, my host came and picked me up in her car from the station.  :)  The room they were setting up for me was not quite ready, so her daughters entertained me for a while. 

They definitely have a house full!  There is Gwen and Ali (mom and dad), Ali’s mother, Gwen’s son Chris (24), Leila (11), and Aliyah (4).  They have been so sweet and have welcomed me into their home.  The first thing Aliyah asked me was, “Are you here to take my trucks?”  I looked at her and said, “What trucks?”  “The one’s have in the garden under that bush.”  (pointing out the window)  “No dear, I would not take your trucks.”   Leila is fascinated with all things American.  She asked me, “So, in America, you say pants instead of trousers, right?”  or  “In America, you say hamburger instead of burger, right?”  :)

They have given me the biggest room in the house -- the front parlor.  I have a bed, two couches, a fireplace, and they even put up a door with a lock.  :)

I fell asleep shortly after 7:30 and did not wake up until 9:30.  Nothing like 14 hours of sleep!

The pitter-patter of little -- oh no!

*Sorry for not posting yesterday...I was a bit too exhausted to type.  :)

Wednesday was absolutely gorgeous in the big apple.  I slept in a little longer than I had intended, but I think it was my body’s way of telling me I was really tired.  I had hoped to try and get some cheap tickets for a show, but the more I thought about it, the less I wanted to spend my fleeting moments left in NY standing in line with no guarantee of getting tickets.  The shows I REALLY wanted to see were nearly impossible to get tickets to.  AND I did not want fork over a large amount of cash right before I go to London.  It’s all good -- I WILL be back soon.

I got ready in my hot room, (one of the german girls likes to turn the air off in the middle of the night) and went to Starbucks for one of the most delicious breakfast sandwiches I have ever had!  The ham, egg and cheddar with a sparkling blackberry juice.  YUM!!  Thanks again to my hoard of gift cards from my students.  It was so gorgeous, I decided to eat my breakfast in Central Park.    

The park was filled with bikes, runners, and strollers.  As I settled on my park bench to enjoy the morning and my food, I noticed a small camera crew and a woman dressed like a news reporter.  I do not think it was a real news crew, but rather a movie or television set up.  Whatever the case, they successfully documented my breakfast.  :)

I then headed toward the subway and found my way to the American Museum of Natural History.  I’ve got to tell you, I was a bit disappointed.  I mean, it was informative and I had a few things I wanted to see, but all in all, it was basically just full of stuffed animals and mannequins.  The Teddy Roosevelt exhibit was closed, which was a major bummer.  On top of that, there were TONS of school groups there.  I have no problem with school groups when I am with them, but was not enjoying the massive amounts of craziness every where I went.  I took that a cue to find the exit and head to my next step.

I decided to make my way to the Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art.  I know it might be hard to believe, but I, once again, got turned around on the subway...again.  About halfway through this ordeal, the extreme pace of the past couple of days finally hit me.  I  changed course and determined the best course of action was a couple of hours of rest.

I went back to the room to rest, try to get my things collected and get ready for orientation at the Church of the Epiphany.  I took my first cab ride ever to get to the church.  YIKES!  I mean, it wasn’t too expensive, but it would be if one relied on that as the only source of transportation.

I finally got to meet my fellow Winants and let me just tell you they are fantastic!  I am so excited to be traveling with this group of gals.  We gained some great insight from some former Winants and their experiences during the meeting.  They even fed us!

Molly, one of the Winants, was staying at the same Hostel as I, so we took the subway together.  We headed toward Times Square.  I then met up with a couple of other Winant girls, Lorena and Ella, for a little snack.  Lorena wanted to head back to Times Square for some photo ops, but my exhausted-ness caught up with me again.  I said my goodnights, went back to my room and passed out on my bed.  :)

All in all, a great day!

Two steps forward and two steps back gets you absolutely nowhere!

I hit the ground running today after spending some of last night planning.  My first order of business was to get ready and gather my things to check out.  (With the way that I booked my room, I had to move rooms one night.)  There are two showers for 12 people.  You might be thinking...Yikes!  two showers for 12 women!  Oh my goodness!! --  What you may or may not have realized is that I am staying in a hostel.  Not a HOTEL, but a HOSTEL.  (Cap-locks for demonstration purposes only.  I promise I am not screaming at you.)  You take one part hostel and two parts New York City and you get -- foreigners.  What I am learning from these people from beyond our borders is that many either shower at night or do not shower at all.  (I have also learned that their Mommas must not have taught them that some clothing is NOT optional as well.)  All this to say, showering was not a problem.

It took me a bit longer to gather my thing and get ready, but if you know me we enough, you are probably not surprised by that statement.  I stowed my valuables in the locker and dropped off my big bag at the luggage storage room and was off!

First order of business:  Jimmy Fallon
Conan O'Brien will always be my number one late night man, but I do enjoy Mr. Fallon immensely.  Stand by tickets are available at 9:00am out side the NBC experience store -- I'm thinking of the nice man from Yonkers who so helpfully answered my question yesterday.  Well, little miss self-confident me thought all it took was one afternoon of riding the subway to have it mastered...WRONG.  I took the wrong train and had to get off and get on the right one.  I finally made it at 9:15.  Luckily, the 'Fallon Girls' were still there and I secured a stand-by not-quite-a-ticket.  I had to come back at 3:15 for the next step in the process.

Almost-ticket secured, I grabbed a quick bite to eat and headed off to try and secure a RUSH ticket for How to Succeed at Business Without Really Trying.  The box office opened at 10am, so I should have a decent place in line if I can get there soon.  This is where I learned that my trusted iPhone was not so trustworthy.  I typed in my locations, --

(Before I get into this, I must tell you that I typically have a great sense of direction.  I mean I get turned around every once in a while, but I figure it out quickly.  I am also very good at reading maps...which is why I do well with my iPhone GPS, for the most part.)

-- looked at my directions, looked around to establish my starting point, double check the next street I should run into, and off I went.  I am trucking it down the block when all of a sudden, I notice that the 45th Street sign that I should have been seeing read 43rd Street.  I had walked the wrong way!!  I checked my phone and sure enough, my little blue dot telling me my current location is nowhere to be found on the path given on my GPS screen.  Rolling my eyes at my stupidity, I turned around and rewalked the block I had just completed.

(Again, I need to clarify...some of these blocks are 5 skyscrapers long.)

I finally found my way to the dot on the map on my GPS.  The trouble was, it was not the right theater.  I checked the information again and even copied and pasted the address from the website into the phone.  It still brought me to the same spot.  A light bulb then went off as I realized I could just read the address and figure out where I was.  I figured out that I was a block away from where I should have been.  I kept walking and found I was still in the wrong place.  I ended up circling the entire block 1.75 times.  I say 1.75 because I did complete that last quarter of a rotation because it finally dawned on me that I should look to the next block behind me.  Sure enough, I turn around and there is a HUGE marque with what I am looking for.  All that made me too late to have a prayer of a RUSH ticket, but I tried it anyway.

With all that behind me, I decided to go to the Empire State Building as a part of my City Pass Ticket Book.  (You should really get this if it is your first trip to NY.)  I find the subway station, find the truing I need, and start walking the direction I think I should walk.  Once again, even though I had checked and rechecked, I had walked the wrong direction again.  Grumbling to myself, I double-backed and headed the right direction.  I happened across and CVS and stopped in to get a bottle of water.  I had the sense to ask the cashier which direction to go.

The ESB is massive!  I had no idea!  It felt a bit like six flags having to walked around roped off line corrals.  Thankfully my little City Pass book let me skip line and get a free audio tour.  I had a little device that I could hold to my ear and listen as Tony the Cab Driver told me about that particular section.  It was very informative and interesting and I liked it!  It was pretty windy up there, but so beautiful!

I then caught the Subway to Battery Park to take the Liberty Cruise line to The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.  (Again, part of the city pass book.)  I was a bit nervous to get on when I got there because it was past 1:00 and I really wanted to leave in time to get to see LNwJF.  Once I boarded the ferry, I decided to stay on the ferry and not get off to see Lady Liberty and Ellis Island up close.  I took some good pics that I would not have had the chance to otherwise.  The boat ride was nice and still learned a few things from the pre-recorded lady on the boat.

I then hustled back to the subway, got on the right train, then started studying the map.  My phone died as soon as I got to the subway station, but had already looked at my options.  I had this brilliant idea to get off one train and go to the next to try and save time.   Surprise, surprise...I was wrong.  I had to get back on the train and was now running behind.  Not to mention, that I had to walk 3 blocks once I left the station.

Thankfully, I walked the right direction and was only a few minutes late to check in.  I was still not guaranteed a seat, only the probability of filling one.  The first group I was with was whittled down to 45.  We then went upstairs and were whittled down again to 28.  I made the cut!!!  I was 25th in line!  :)

The taping was very cool.  The warm-up guy was pretty good, the Roots played a number for us -- with a Susaphone!! -- Steve spoke to us and made us "practice" using the applause sign, lol.  Then Jimmy came out!  I was really excited.  Listen and you might be able to hear me cheer or laugh.  Betty White was the guest and Jimmy played Password with her.  Jeff Gordon was next -- apparently he is doing a voice in cars -- Jeff Gorvettte.  They debuted a new video game -- neither Jimmy or the game guy could play it well.  Then, to end the show, Jimmy came out into the crowd and ran up through the aisles.  I was at the end of the very top row.  Jimmy came by and said, "Thanks for coming out tonight."  I said, "Oh my word, Jimmy you're the greatest."  He said, "Well, thank you!"  Then he hugged me.  Jimmy Fallon that little cutie!

--His suit was really nice.  I guess NICE suits all feel that way, but I think I want everything I own made out of whatever that material was!--

Before I went to the room, I tried in vain for standing room only tickets to The Book of Mormon.  Oh, well.  There's always tomorrow!

New York, New York....what a wonderful town!

I just finished my first week "off".  I use 'off' loosely because that was one crazy week!  I went to Dollywood with the fam on Tuesday and Wednesday trying to squeeze in some togetherness before I took off for worlds unknown.  I spent the entire day Saturday on the roads of Tennessee going to class and back then to Etewoh and back.  The rest of the time was filled with me preparing for my journey to NYC and across the pond.  Whew!

Sunday was again spent with family, but I was not able to enjoy it as much as I would have liked to.  I ended up packing and repacking my suitcase an unmeasurable amount of times.  It was quite ridiculous how much I thought I would be able to pack...I forgot about the 50lb weight limit!  YIKES!

Today FINALLY arrived...the journey has begun.

My sweet parents dropped me off at the airport and my father prayed over me as we all three stood with our arms around each other.  That's when my water works began...I really was not expecting it.

By the by, I HIGHLY recommend flying out of Chattanooga whenever possible.  We ended up running a little late -- it was not MY fault for once.  My flight was for 10:50 and we got there around 10:15.  I was checked in (my bag weighed 49lbs, PRAISE THE LORD) and through security and on the plane by 10:45.

I had just a small layover in Atlanta, but it was enough time for me to grab a $10 sandwich and drink...0_0!!!

The flight to New York went off with out a hitch.  I scored a window seat and got to see the area as we landed.  It really looked and felt totally different than anywhere I have been before.

I spoke to some nice ladies from Alabama as I boarded and left the plane.  They ended up in the same shuttle as me.  Then had a lovely conversation with a couple from Georgia who were celebrating their 25th anniversary.  She is also an elementary school teacher.  :)

I made it to my hostel and the man and the counter, Steve, was so friendly and helpful.  Once I had my luggage stowed and valuables safely locked away, I ventured out in the big city alone.

I am only a couple of blocks from a big hub of activity, Columbus Circle, a subway stop, and Central Park.  I decided to purchase the 7 day unlimited pass since I will be completely dependent on public transit.  I had a slight issue figuring out how to make the card work in the reader *rolls eyes.  I tried to seek help from a lady next to me, but, in true NY-sterotype-fashion, she completely ignored me and kept walking.  A couple of young kids came behind her and showed me what to do.  I then promptly proceeded to miss my stop when I finally boarded the subway.  *sigh...when I'm good, I'm GOOD!  :)  I was quite proud of myself in figuring out how to fix my error.  (Thanks in part to another man I spoke to at LaGuardia.  He gave me some tips on using the subway.  Thanks mystery man who used to own a business in Atlantic Station in ATL.)

I finally made it to Applebee's to get a bite to eat....now, wait before you judge me!  Thanks to some of my parents and students I have a acquired a few Applebee's and Starbucks gift cards.  I figure, why spend money on food if I don't have to, right?  Of course, I HAVE to try a piece of NY pizza or a hot dog.

I really didn't have a plan after I ate, but noticed the Radio City Music Hall marque.  I headed that direction and took some pictures only to see the Rockefeller Plaza just another block down.  This would have been EXTREMELY exciting if Conan were still there, but that's beside the point.  I decided to got to the Top of the Rock and ended up buying a city pass.  I plan on utilizing it to the fullest in my few days here!

I was a bit concerned before coming here that I would be too afraid or nervous to really enjoy this city on my own.  It seems so big and frightening from the outside, but it's really not.  I know I have had only "one short day" in this city, but I love it!

Placement

I now know where I will be working for 7 weeks while living in London.  It is an organization that is called Providence Row.

http://www.providencerow.org.uk/

Basically, this organization helps the homeless in London acquire skills that can help them find jobs to help them, hopefully, get off the street and move into homes of their own.

I could be doing any number of things for this organization.  I could be teaching computer training, teaching creative writing ( I would be more than willing to teach), working as a receptionist, filing paperwork, or even working in the kitchen (those Brits won't know what hit them if they actually let me cook -- I wonder if they would like southern comfort food?).  Regardless of what I will be doing, I will work hard and cannot wait to begin!!!

There and back again

Stressful.  That's how the past few months could be described.  For those who don't know, the most stressful time of year for a 5th grade classroom is the end of the year.  There are so many end of the year events, most of them quite enjoyable, happening it is hard to tell whether you are coming or going.  At the same time, I was completing the last assignments for my gifted certification class -- a teacher's work is never done.

The last little piece to this stress puzzle lies the reason for this blog.  Preparing for my trip to the UK with the Winant Clayton program.  Yes, this has led to some added stresses; however, it is SO worth it.

During our Christmas break, I found myself researching random topics on the internet.  (Most sane people do not enjoy researching nor would they consider this a fun past-time, but I, my friends, am not what many would consider as sane.)  I have printed the application for the Fullbright teacher exchange for the past three years, started filling it out, but never really followed through on the process.  I would always give myself an excuse as to why it would not work and find the deadline passing by me as I dreamed of visiting cultures outside my own.  I somehow stumbled upon the Winant Clayton program's website and was very intrigued.

I dove in head first and started the process of applying and gathering references.  Then waiting for interviews.  Having said interviews then waiting for the results.  When my acceptance came, I was ecstatic!

I now find myself just days away from the trip and experience of a lifetime!  I am so thankful I have been given this opportunity and hope I can get everything finished I need to before I run out of time!