Hilary In London

Back in London

2007-09-16T11:39:00.000+01:00

Hiya

It has been months and months and months since I last wrote. After a very quick decision I am back in England for another year. Year 2 is starting off fantasically! Better apartment, School is so much better, meeting new people and seeing my favourite old ones! And in about a month I'll finally no longer be in a long distance relationship. For those who don't know, Nathan is moving to England (still fingers crossed on the VISA but I'll sneak him in no matter what!)

School has been so much easier - it is wonderful walking around saying hello to everyone and feeling like a seasoned vet. I know the school now, and feel a lot more confident there! I'm also trying to get involved more with extra curricular activities - hoping to help with prefix and on a committee for a new project called Leading in Learning.

I've been having a great time out of school as well - Last night I went to a Swedish Crayfish
party. Ariana and I walked in and we were given the job of making chocolate balls, which required a little bit of guessing (the directions were in Swedish, and we were 2.5ing the recipe) and some dirty work. I did get to use my random Swedish; who knew that my knowledge of the Swedish word for oatmeal would ever be useful!)
The people were wonderful, and the party reaffirmed why I love Scandinavians. Their traditions are fantastic! The meal was delicious, and in between there was singing and speeches (where you had to talk about the opposite sex, cherishing how they enrich our lives) and even noise makers. Vanessa and Emily (the hosts) really outdid themselves. Everyone was instantly comfortable with one another. It was a fab night and hopefully will be repeated with the next Swedish festivity!

Michael's wedding is in 2 weeks and I still have to plan my toast! I'm sure it is going to be a great weekend with all sorts of cousins! Nathan and I are thinking of spending a few days away when he first gets here (it coincides with my first half term holiday). We are thinking Amsterdam. I'll keep you updated!

Greece 2007: The Odyssey

2007-03-11T13:33:00.000Z

Though we didn't spend 20 years traveling around the Greek Islands trying to make it back home, Greece was an adventure! It all started with the rain. We arrived in Athens on the Saturday and decided that we would head to Santorini the next day. Got up at 6am, made it to the port in good time, only to discover that the ferries have all been docked due to stormy weather. Hmm... After humming and haaaing we go see the Acropolis, walk around a bit, have some yummy food, and then headed back to the port. Wanting to get out of Athens, there was a rumour that the boat to Naxos might leave that evening. So we bought our tickets and headed to the boat. Five hours later, after many delayed announcements, the boat left. Now the big flaw in our plan was that we had not arranged for a place to stay that night. With our new 3am arrival time, this seemed to be even more of an issue. Walking down the dock, heading to the main part of Naxos, a taxi slowed, though we ignored him (as he was yelling in Greek and he didn't sound too pleasant). Our heads did turn when we head the familar words of 'Which hotel are you staying at?'. The passenger was Australian, and after telling him our story he offered us to come to his villa and see if they had a room. The driver had plans of his own, and brought us to this dark ally, opened up a house (which we still believe was his house...) and tried to get us to pay him for a room. It is a common scheme in Greece - sometimes it is deals that the taxi drivers have with hotels, that they get some commission for customers - and they will refuse to take you to the hotel that you had already booked. Greg, the Australian, told us to stay in the car, and he argued with the driver that we were going to the hotel with him... Luckily, he got back in the car and took us to the villa!
We left the next day for Santorini, with a new travel friend (and another place to stay - hopefully - at the next place he booked!). It was beautiful arriving into Santorini - the white buildings make the cliffs appear as if they are snowcapped (I have now put a link to my web album on this site). We decided to rent a car - and put faith that I still remembered how to drive standard. The guy who brought the car over parked it down on a hill, very close to the car infront. We must have sat there for 10mins before I attempted backing up. I taught myself how to start with the handbreak - and taught Dave how to talk like Nathan so he could calm me down "It's ok, you are just flustered, take a breath, you can do this!" Without hitting anything, we were off! It was really nice to have a car for exploring the Island. I really got into driving, and actually now might consider getting a standard car in the future. We drove up to the highest point, and actually up into the clouds, walked around villages, went to both the black and red sand beach - except it was way too cold to even think about swimming.

February is off season so we basically had the Island to ourselves, and the locals of course. We ended up finding this restaurant, where we spent two nights. The first night it was just Dave, Greg and I - and the owners. They kept bringing us wine, and even let us have some of the special wine that they drink for themselves. We went back the next night, after seeing a beautiful sunset, and chatted to them about how tourists have changed the island for the better. Two more tourists came in looking for bread to take back to their rooms, but instead they were convinced to stay by the owners and ourselves. The evening took a different turn - wine was flowing, the owners and their friend taught us Greek dances, and they even broke dishes!!

Greece was fantastic! We met another Canadian when we went back to Athens - the people there are just so friendly and hospitable! As long as you stay away from the taxis. I am now settled in my new place. It is really small, especially compared to my last one, but there is a door in my room that leads to the garden. There is a little bench, and the flowers are starting to blossom! That's right, after two days of snow, it is now spring time. Looking forward to Rachel's visit in less than 3 weeks, and St. Patty's day next weekend.

Snow Days!

2007-02-08T15:26:00.000Z

So here it is - probably the only day I'll ever get off because of snow. I took some pictures around 2pm. Now to be fair, there was a lot more snow on the street this morning. But it is all melting now. So, you might ask, what do you do on snow days? Well, number one: go back to bed and sleep in! Number two: update the blog that you haven't touched in months. Number three: pack for Greece!
I guess I will start with a brief, very brief, recount of Nathan's visit. It was incredible! Seeing him standing there at the airport, a moment that will be forever frozen in my mind. Our trip to Eastern Europe was amazing. Prague was beautiful for Christmas - wandering around the streets, eating rollos (that is what we call them...), drinking mulled wine in the square, the communist museum, malostranska, running into Lauren and Adele during the changing of the guard, the best black light production of Cats (and running into Jess and her boyfriend)... Next was Vienna, where I got sick. It was cold and couldn't compare to Prague. It was very grand though, and beautiful when the sun came out. Went to museums and art galleries and had coffee and cakes!
After Vienna was Bratislava - and unlike the movie Eurotrip, we were not treated like kings and queens. Budapest for New Years! Buda to Pest, Buda Buda Pest. Budapest has crazy roofs, and the neatest Church that we saw. Went through a labyrinth (where Italians were filling up on the wine from the fountain). Followed crowds to New Years celebrations, with their own fireworks (and were almost blown up by more Italians trying to light a bottle firework in their hands). Champagne on the streets and bringing in 2007! Best New Years ever! Terror museum and the most lush Synagogue I've ever seen.
The overnight train to Krakow was terrifying! Police banging on the doors, searching every inch of the train, toilet (aka hole in the train...), freezing! All worth it when we finally slept and got out in Krakow. Would have liked to spend more time there - hardly saw the Jewish district. But found the best restaurant ever! Had some cherry vodka and international drunk dialing! Next day was Auschwitz, which was completely emotional and hard to describe still. You get chills just walking around. I bought a star of david necklace the day before, which seemed to almost keep me safe.
Then it was pretty much home time! A trip of a lifetime. Memories that would fill up pages.

So more news. I was forced to decide if I wanted to stay next year or not, and after long and hard deliberations, I am coming home. So I'll be back in August 2007. Then, a couple days later, I was told that the landlord is selling the house, so I have to find a new place to live. With all this drama and stress I am so glad that in 2 days I'll be on my way to Greece!! We know where we want to go, and have a place to stay the first night we are in Athens. I feel like we are going to have quite a few adventures though!!!
I'll take lots of pictures and will blog when I get back!!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

2006-12-10T14:05:00.000Z

Dave and I went shopping yesterday on Oxford Street and Carnaby Street. There are Christmas lights and chandeliers, and even "Welcome to Oxford Street" in lights! It is beginning to feel more like Christmas - Christmas songs on the radio (though no Bryan Adams yet - I guess I'll have to have my fill of 'Something about Christmas Time' at home or on my ipod. The houses are beginning to put up their lights - there are some crazy displays we pass on our voyage to and from school. I bought a new jacket yesterday - also making it feel more like winter. Though there is no snow. Unless there is snow in Prague it will be my first green christmas. I'm starting to prepare myself for that now. I was very ok with not being in Ottawa when I saw the temperature was -13C. It was a chilly 7C for me.

Yesterday was really fun! Dave and I had a great time before he heads off back to Brampton to spend the holidays. I had heard about this play 'Love Song' (thanks to Brian McKinney!) starring Neve Campbell, Michael McKean, Cillian Murphy and Kirsten Johnston. I found out that there were tickets on sale at Leicester square - so we met there and got tickets for the show that night! We then, as I said, went shopping along Carnaby and Oxford. Couldn't resist the coat! We then headed to a pub where we had been before we went to see 'Blood Brothers' and spent a few hours chatting and having pub food! Back in Leicester Square there was a winter carnival complete with tea cups, games and bumper cars. We couldn't resist!

I don't remember bumper cars being that fun! Great times gunning it around the course, although I have bruises on my knees now. Dave was laughing at another girl and I when we both apologized for bumping into each other. He reminded me that that was the point of the game! We wandered to Trafalgar Square and hung out with the lions then off to see 'Love Song'. We were both disappointed that Kirsten Johnston was out that night (the part would have been perfect for her), but nonetheless it was a fab performance. You can see where the stage is heading and how they are starting to modernize it. Music was used to change scenes and there was even an opening, then a screen came down and the title presented just as you would see at the movies. There was even that mobile phone opening about reminding that mobiles should be switched off. Though they did not have to say anything, just had about 10 phones going off. I really enjoyed the story - a bizarre twist on a love story, but I really liked how it ended and what they did with it.

'Love Song' was not the only play I saw this week - I also saw the school production! The kids had put on a pantomime of 'Aladdin'. It was very nice to see the effort and hard work that went into it, and they were so sweet up on stage! I must admit that for a performing arts school, well, Nepean put on much better shows. But it was great fun either way. Some of the teachers went for a drink before hand - and even had some mulled wine at the show. The next two days were 'Raising Achievement' (aka parent/form tutor interviews). Kris called in sick (the actual form tutor that I help out with) so I was actually in charge of conducting the interviews. There is enough information to fill up the 15mins, and I had the head of y7 with me for most of the first day. So now one more week until Nathan gets here and 7 1/2 teaching days! Very excited for the holidays, though I know that I'll be a little homesick at points. I guess Nathan will have to deal with me waking him up early in the morning on christmas day!

Adventures in Roma!

2006-11-26T16:29:00.000Z

It has been a long week - I think Roma, though amazing, really tired me out for the rest of the week. It was well worth it!
I left at 3am, thanks to my roommate who so nicely offered to drive me to the airport! Stanstead is the hardest airport to get to. I was nervous, but that all changed when I got into line to go through security. I was going to Rome and even if I had forgotten my mark scheme at school, which I was going to do in the airport, I didn't care anymore, I was going to Rome! I arrived in the morning, jumped on the bus to get to the center of town and try to find my hostel. Oh, I should talk about the flight. All normal until we were about to land. Seeing the city from up above - miniture versions of the monuments and buildings - the perfect symmetry of St. Peters and the Vatican, and a model sized colosseum.
It all seemed too easy, I thought the language difference would be harder to nagivate. On the bus, staring out the window, I was in awe of my surroundings. The palm trees, pink buildings, run down buildings and graffiti. In some ways I was reminded of a South American city, the outskirts of Rome are filled with poverty, but then closer to the city this Miami (or what I imagine Miami might be like) feel came over me. The incredible part of Rome is the history. Ruins and intact buildings from thousands and thousands of years ago - making all myth feel real.
I wandered down to the Forum area after dropping my things off at the hostel. It wasn't really until I headed into the Colosseum on a guided tour that the beauty of the building hit. I found out where the word arena came from and who the first referees were. Everything can be linked back to Rome. It really is the beginning of life as we know it. The tour also included the Palatine Hills, which I hardly knew about until. The guide was bubbly, very close to being annoying, but very knowledgable. The knowledgable side won out so she will be remembered fondly. She poured water on the stones to show their true colours, told stories and hypothesized how she felt the history had evolved. After the tour I ended up just wandering for hours. I hit all the spots I wanted too - Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon were the highlights. The Trevi fountain really is beautiful. After only a few hours of sleep I was exhausted by 7pm. I went back to the hostel and climbed into bed, thinking that I should just have a really good sleep and wake up early the next morning. That didn't happen. It was then when Caitlin and Caitlin walked into my life! Two girls from the US, both doing a sememster abroad. They invited me to join them for some drinks and then a visit to the Spanish Steps. We had drinks in the hostel room - playing a very fun travel drinking game (using Caitlin's 'Let's Go Europe' travel guide). We met up with some others from the hostel and went down to the Spanish Steps. There we befriended some locals who were drinking wine from a glass jug (very Italian I thought) and playing guitar and drums. We joined them in singing and dancing and I guess you could say we did as the Romans! I went to bed a lot later than the 7pm that I initially thought.

I did manage to wake up early enough and managed to still make the most of my last day! I went to the Vatican City, deciding that I would see the Pope's address from the library window. I thought there would be more people there and I didn't want to miss it, so I figured that I would go inside after. That turned into the only mistake that I made all weekend - well, maybe not the only mistake - I did try and use the bus system. Did I tell you that rowdy bunches of boys (football fans? Wow, I wrote that without even thinking soccer... Oh dear, they are turning me...) were throwing eggs and kicking the buses? While they were moving, albeit very slowly... So I waited and waited and waited... Felt a little left out cause I didn't have banners or matching t-shirts like most people. Seeing the Pope was less than dramatic, at least for me. It did feel strange - cheering a man in this little window... I guess I just don't understand. I was impressed with the amount of languages that he could speak!

The rest of the day was spent wandering again. I didn't think that I would see everything I wanted, but I guess getting lost has its advantages! I would stumble onto the sites or Piazzas (I went to a lot of them!) that I had read about. I managed to be at the top of one of the Hills, in La Traverse area, for sunset. It was beautiful! I'm glad I did this on my own - boosted my confidence, allowed me to see the things I wanted to in such a short amount of time, and I met some new people! The flight home was one of the worst flights I've ever been on. I thought we were going to crash on the landing. But I made it safe and sound! I was glad to hold a UK passport, for as long as a line it was for the EU, it went really quickly with about 9 custom people. The non EU had 3. It must have taken them forever! It was a wonderful trip, and even though I'm not impressed with my photos, I'll remember it for always!

One last thing - yesterday Dave and I went to see 'Little Shop of Horrors' - what a fantastic performance! It was this tiny theatre off the West End - but the production was just so fun and they did such a good job!

Until next time! Missing you all...

Photographers in Paris

2006-11-08T20:08:00.000Z

I've been delaying writing my blog on Paris and my Mom's visit cause there is just so much to write about. Also I've been waiting for my Mom's account of the events to remind myself of all the details. Alas I decided to go ahead and at least start. This may be a two parter - we'll see how far I get!
My mom arrived on the Saturday and after a quick tour of the apartment we got on the move. I don't think we stopped until she actually left. After a tour of Watford (it didn't take too long) and a bite to eat (I think it is an official rule that you need to go to a pub and have a pint and fish n chips as soon as possible when one arrives in London. This is a rule that I support in every way.) we headed into London. Very decisively - that is our story and we are sticking to it; mom and I together, of course we were decisive... - we decided to get tickets for 'The 39 Steps" that night. With hours to spare we wandered - wandering is not the same thing as getting lost right? - until we got to the area where my dad lived and my mom worked. She showed me the park where they met. No wonder they fell in love. I could almost see them talking that fateful night: a bonfire blazing, locked away secretely in the square, and mom wearing her yellow coat. We almost went into London House, but didn't dare. 'The 39 Steps' was wonderful - very fun and a great play to see. The play even made reference to uncle Bob, the police commissioner! Oh, I guess Bob really was our uncle that night!

The next morning we headed off to Billingshurst to visit auntie Peggy and her family. It was so nice to see her, and meet (or meet them when I wasn't 5) Bridget and her kids. They have a very fun family, and with one of the kids in the middle of a work drama, it made for a memorable day. It was nice to have a home cooked meal. Peggy really is incredible. Her strength is something that most could only strive towards. After a lovely visit we quickly rushed out to get the next train back to the city where we were going to (cousin) Bridget and Paul's house to sleep that night.

The next morning we headed off to Waterloo station on our journey, under the channel, to Paris. We knew we were in Paris when the taxi went the wrong way down a narrow one way street! We checked in and then headed to wander around Montremarte. It was beautiful! And we soon got used to walking up and down the bazillion steps. After winding through the streets, and beginning our photo taking spree. Our main trip that day was to the Sacre-Coeur. We decided to head up to the dome - got our tickets and without any warning started up the tiny staircase. There was no way of knowing how far up you were or how long you had left. The trip up was well worth it! Not only did it entertain us for hours with the beautiful views, but it also sheltered us in the rainstorm that passed over the city. The rainstorm provided more amazing shots - such as the first photo that is shown here. Hours later we headed down.

We went for dinner at, maybe not a 5* restaurant, but certainly a memorable place. The accordian man provided much entertainment! Day one ended - there were many smiles, new sights to gaze at, and lots of pictures (and we hadn't even been to one bridge yet!). It was going to be a great trip.

To Be Continued...

Belgium and their beer

2006-10-29T10:58:00.000Z

It's been way too long since I've posted, and now I have to think back before Paris and my last week of school and remember Belgium. Though the beauty and fun we had doesn't make it hard to do. I went to Belgium for the weekend with some of the other international teachers who I met through the agency. I didn't know them that well before this, but I thought I'd take the opportunity when they asked. I'm glad I did! We went on a tour, specifically a beer festival tour in this little town. But that comes later. We were picked up at 6am - for some too early (as 2 missed the bus, but they were persistant and both ended up taking a train, a ferry and another train to come meet up with us.) Some were still drunk on the bus there - a night of hard drinking to prepare for the festival I guess. The way there was uneventful - though I did meet some of the others and ended up chatting to them. We arrived, finally, in Oostende (where we were to stay that night) and in festival spirits we were met by drunken men dressed in lederhosen, singing and playing instruments on the street. I think they had seen us arriving and decided to come out and serenade us with their version of 'Sweet Caroline'. We had a couple of hours to explore the town and have something to eat until the bus came to take us to the festival. A girl from Australia and I ended up wandering the streets, trying to find postcards and chocolates, and then settled in for probably the best lazagna I've ever had! The beer was delicious as well (I do love Belgian beer). Mmm, I still dream of the rich, creamy, melt in your mouth goodness... Then off to the festival!
No one told us that it was a dress up party. People were there in groups, either with matching shirts that they had made, or with wigs and fantastic hats! Even without our own costumes we managed to have our own fun. And some were given hats and wigs by other patrons. This wasn't a beer tasting festival where people sat around sampling Belgian beer in their proper glasses - though the cherry beer did prove to be a big hit. I only had one glass of it, and it was nice, but too much would definitely equal a bad hangover. We found out that the men who serenaded us were also the main entertainment that night! Their four songs were fantastic, but got a little repetitive a couple hours later. The night was filled with drinking, I never, dancing and then more dancing! It really was a night to remember - and then a smell to remember all the next day as one person (at least) did throw up on the bus. We did try the traditional Chaiton tradition of singing away puke smell, and it did work, especially after the disaster that was trying to open the vent at the top of the bus.

We arrived in Brugge around lunch time so headed off and had some Belgian waffles! Even without maple syrup they were delicious! Brugge is just the sweetest town. It is a UNESCO world heritage site as a tribute to a medival town. The serene canal (and the bridge where a couple can stand in the middle and ask the patron of love to grant eternal happiness and bliss...) The top picture is of the old hospital - used up until the 1970s. After finally managing to find the carriages, we ended up taking a horse and carriage ride throughout the city. The driver sported a Canadian pin on his hat, which he almost emotionally told the story of how the Canadians had protected the city against the Germans in WWII. I gather he had found out first hand from a vetran who had taken a ride in his buggy. A proud moment for us!

The ride back to London was rowdier than the ride there - people connecting and chatting (and more singing!) Driving up to the ferry, or I guess just before that, up to immigration, we watched hords of people who lined the sides of the road. At night, or whenever they can, they will try and hang on to a bus or truck (without being seen) to get into England. This makes the immigration officers mean I think. We were all hasselled at the boarder - even those of us with British or European passports. Even before I spoke (so she had no idea of my accent), the officer was pressing me about how I have a British passport. Luckily I did remember the name of the village where my mom was born and I was let through. We made it home in good time - watched the Manchurian Candidate on the last leg of the journey, but missed the last 5 minutes! So now I still need to know what happens in the end.
So last thoughts. Belgium = a place I'd definitely go to again!

Thanksgiving in London - Chicken Curry

2006-10-08T22:57:00.000+01:00

It is thanksgiving weekend - and like all my fellow Canadians I have been dreaming of changing leaves, crisp days, gords of all shapes and sizes, turkey dinner with all the fixings and pumpkin pie. The leaves do change colour before they fall, but so far all I have seen is brown leaves (and most are still green now). 4 Canadians did sit around and at least acknowledge that it was thanksgiving. I had a late start on Saturday - met up with Jemma and tried to find bushey station (which should be just a couple minutes away...) alas, almost an hour later, after somehow ending up on the M25, going the wrong way, we finally arrived at a tube station. As we approached all the other passangers seemed to be heading away from the station, not into it. A nice service man informed us that this station was not open today. So we spend another little while trying to catch a bus that would take us to a station that was open. Finally, many minutes later, we were on a train heading into London. Poor Jemma got off at her stop just to find out that that stop too was closed. I took a little pit stop and met up with Andrew for a coffee before heading to Dave and Ariana's for dinner. It was nice to see Andrew - I haven't seen him since I first arrived, and doesn't look like our schedules will match for a while still. So arrived at Dave and Ariana's and met one of Dave's friends (a maple leaf fan - but I am glad to say that I schooled him in hockey talk. His only reply was (surprise, surprise): we beat you in the playoffs. I tried to get him to be more original in his insults and try to find something else to say - alas, nothing. He just found new ways to say the same thing. Oh maple leaf fans. At least get some originality.)
Ariana made chicken curry for dinner! Mmmm, and nan bread. I'll have pumpkin pie again soon enough. It was a nice little dinner party and we then headed off to piccadilly and found a pub that was open until later than 11pm! Luckily we didn't miss our train back and then had a little slumber party. This morning, we headed off and met Jemma at Camden Market. What a great place to be on a Sunday! The street was alive with all sorts of stalls and different types of people. I loved walking through the actual market - almost laid out like a labyrinth. There was just too much to look at, but I think we did a pretty good job of finding nice merchandise. I got a watch (which I need like nothing else since there is no clock in my classroom), a bag that is a bit bigger than my purse so that I bring a book on the tube, and this cozy sweater! Not even a hoody - but I did see one that I loved, resisted the temptation.
Tomorrow is an inset day - so although we don't have it completely off it will be a nice change in pace. Not really sure what the plan of the day is - the itinerary says: Faculty time. Who really knows what that means. Next weekend is my trip to Belgium! I was looking at the actual towns that we will be visiting today. The one with the beer festival is a town called 'Diksmuide' and then we are heading to Brugge the next day. Brugge seems incredible! It is a world heritage site - a medival city perserved to the best of their ability. I am so excited to be able to spend some time wandering around there. I'll take lots of pictures - don't you worry!
Time for bed! Hope you all enjoyed your thanksgiving - and make sure you eat some pumpkin pie for me.

Open Evening

2006-09-30T20:41:00.000+01:00

I think I had too much fun last night - or at least too much of something. The ladies came over and had some wine and bonding conversation before heading out to meet up with the PE and dance teachers. A word to the wise - it is hard to prove your own dance skills when there are dance teachers standing next to you! It was very entertaining watching them though - and nice to see people outside of school. I still haven't decided if I like cueing up for cabs or trying to hail one - the benches in line do help when you are having problems standing up! So today was a quiet day - it had to be anyway because I had to wait for the internet guy to come and fix whatever was wrong with our connection. He was very fast and efficient! Hopefully now there will be no more signal
problems and I'll be on-line when I want to.
You know something is wrong with your head when the X-factor is moving you to tears. The x-factor is the British, original version, of American Idol - not sure if the X-factor is a spin-off of the idol shows or if it has just morphed into something else. The three judges (the famous Simon, Sharon Osbourne and this Louie guy) each take a category after the auditions - Under 25s, Over 25s or Groups. I'm cheering for 16 year old Sean - the most nervous looking candidate, who even has completely won over Simon.

This week I got to learn the wonder of Open Evening. Every year the schools put on an open house for parents of year 6s in hopes that they will choose their school. It is not much of a competition in Borehamwood, for it is the closest school for most. In some places, such as St. Albins, open evenings are a huge deal. Students then apply to the school, there are even interviews - quite the process. The number of students in the school translates into the amount of money the school receives. All faculties set up rooms in the Upper Campus (which meant that the English department, who is only stationed in the lower campus, had to transport everything to the upper site). It was a crazy couple of hours. The students were let out of school after 3rd period and then the teachers spent from after a staff lunch (about 2pm) until 5:30 transforming the school and the rooms to impress potential students. Parents and children would wander into the room - the walls were covered with posters, students work, anything that would give them an idea of what we achieve. All the books we read and any anthologies were also available for them to browse through. Katie supplied us with chocolate, skittles, jelly kids and juice to keep us going. The most memorable part of the evening was actually when we got to go around the school looking at what we actually offer. There is a huge difference between the two sites. We mostly house the core subjects. The upper site has all the cool rooms! Did you know that we have a course on small animal care? Or a complete dt section, which graphics has been placed into. We also have a complete music studio - with mini sound studios. Katie was telling me about how many of the schools have become specialty schools - we are an arts school. Where you get millions of pounds to use in your field. This is why they are building a whole new dance studio. There is also a media studies room, and a photography course and black room. Who knew! Gives the school a whole new light. It really is an up and coming school - quickly improving (and even quicker when considering that some are being expelled. Side note, I heard on Friday that two of the three boys are being expelled.) Friday was a write off -- the kids were way too wound up, and those who had been helping with open evening were obviously very tired - along with all the teachers!

Miss you all so very much!
I have started a web album - picasaweb.google.com/hchaiton I'll put more pictures on soon!

Marking One Month

2006-09-24T10:36:00.000+01:00

Yesterday marked my one month anniversary of being in England. Though I feel quite settled, and have felt as though I belong here - I still had a hard time believing it had been a month. Time flies. If this month went by that quickly, the others are sure to go even faster. There is so much to look forward to, so much that I am still excited about - but still completely overwhelming, especially with teaching.
This past week has been calmer than others - getting control of some classes, and no huge incidents. Friday night was the first night in a while that I stayed home with nothing that I needed to do for the next day. It was very nice! I had downloaded the season premier of Grey's Anatomy (they are just about to start season 2 here, so I need my fix of season 3 somehow!) and relaxed. It also meant that I was refreshed and ready to go on Saturday.
I met Dave down near Westminister - our plan was to go inside today. We ended up spending almost 3 hours looking around inside. It was a much different experience than when I was 16 (but I guess you can say that about most experiences) - I wasn't completely spell bound, well, maybe a little. I feel like I appreciated what was inside more than I did before. I remember being just in awe walking around - where as yesterday the history of the Abbey was what got me. It is a shrine to the past. A shrine to what has made England so unique. The royalty mixed with war vetrans, politicians and artists. We found one tomb that dated back to 1082. 900 years before I was born. There is also a memorial to General Woolfe - a little Canadian tribute. That was the turning point in Canadian history, it is what made Canada primarily English. And it is there, captured in time, at Westminster Abbey.
We ended up staying for the Evensong - it is a short service which is mostly sung by the Westminster boys choir. We sat in the pews just feet away from the choir. The voices and the acoustics in the Abbey are just incredible. Their voices echoed, filling the Abbey and taking over your senses.
We went back to Dave and Ariana's house to have some dinner and pick up Ariana. We probably should have left a little bit earlier - but who knew that the tube was going to stop running on the line we needed. After quite an adventure trying to get there in time - being told that someone's life was 'over' after we beat them to a cab, and the cab drivers manouvering through London Traffic, we did make it to the theatre. Had we been able to get into the doors where we were dropped off we would have even made it on time. Running around the block to get to the other side of the building made us a little late - the show had just started when we got in. It didn't take away from it at all though. 'Wicked' was incredible! It was a show - the costumes, the music, the dancing, the sets - though the story is weak at times (as Ariana said, there is no explanation of how Elpheba became the wicked witch of the west, and her sister the wicked witch of the east) it was fantastic! I had low expectations coming into it - since I put the book down halfway through (or as I found out, just before the 1st act ended). The main ideas of the book are there, but much has been cut out, making it a more simple story. It worked better this way. The friendship between Glinda and Elpheba, the love interest (played by Adam Garcia - the cute Australian lead from Coyote Ugly!), the links to the Wizard of Oz. I am glad I didn't know the ending - though now I am curious to read the end of the book.
There was so much excitement in the building. People clapped when characters came on for the first time (though it made more sense when we found out who everyone was. The wicked witch of the west/Elpheba is Indina Menzel - the orginal Elpheba on Broadway (she won a tony for her performance in NY)- the actress who orginated the role. It was like being able to see Sarah Brightman in Phantom - even though the character wasn't designed for her - it is her who will be known for the role for all time.) It was a spectacle. The show gave you goosebumps - It was a truly deserved standing ovation!

Some culture, some partying!

2006-09-16T10:36:00.000+01:00

It's been quite the week. Survived my second week of school - getting quite the reputation. I have been involved in 5 people getting suspended, and it looks like 2 of them might go permanently. These are kids with big files - it is not the first time that they have been in trouble. The upper management talked about expelling another one of the students but they don't want to get rid of him just yet because "the next education he would receive would probably be in jail." I sat through a meeting with one student, his parents, the head of inclusion and the deputy head (aka the vice principal). It was an eye opener. Watching the mother cry and cry, and the father looking so ashamed. They have no idea what to do with him. But that is pretty rare - there are many other parents (such as the one they don't want to expel) who couldn't care less about their children. It is so hard to say, but without those key players in the classroom, I actually felt like I was getting through at times. One girl came to me after school to ask if there was anything she could do in the classroom - she had to wait until 4:30 to get picked up and she chose to use that time to come help me. It was really nice! There ended up being 5 of them, her younger siblings and a friend. So they decorated the classroom - I gave them chocolate as thanks.
So I have been doing more than just teaching. Not during the week, when I sometimes go to bed at 7pm. Last weekend was our staff party! We got there a little late, but made up quickly for that. There was a lot of dancing, a lot of drinking (especially by some - it was so funny to see the upper management team in a, uhm, whole new light.) It was nice to meet some new people, and confirm friendships. The next day I went into London. I managed to get in in time to go see 'The Boyfriend' (a musical) that was playing at the open air theatre in Regent's Park. The second photo is of the theatre. It is quite the social occasion. There is a bar, and bbq, where people flock to before and during the show. The show was spectacular! It was well performed, you could tell that the actors were having the time of their life. Even a fox came and watched it for a little while - lay down and everything!

It disrupted the performance a little(people started pointing and laughing, especially when it sat down to 'watch'), but in a way added to the outdoor feel. The sun was out, and a little in my eyes, but i would rather a sunny day to watch an outdoor performance then a rainy one.
That night I went to Dave and Ariana's house for some dinner and to see the new place! It is beautiful! Not the best of areas, but very near a tube stop, has a balconey and a private garden that they can look out on, but can't figure out how to get in.

It was also a pretty exciting week for planning. I don't know if I have already said, but Dave, Ariana and I are going to see 'Wicked' next weekend! And then when Nathan comes we have tickets to 'Spamalot' - and the same night I booked that I decided that I needed a weekend away sometime. So Nov. 18th (that weekend) I'm heading to Rome!!

Last night I found my club. I knew it was out there some place, a club that was made for me. From the first time I layed my eyes on the place, even from the outside I knew that it was going to change my life. We went out to Reflex last night - this is the first picture in the blog. It is an all 80's bar!! It is decorated 80's, they play 80's (there are rubric cubes as disco balls!), it isn't too dark, not even too loud, a revolving dance floor!! The list just goes on and on. I thought it would be an early night - until I actually stepped in and saw the greatness! I was out with Anita and her roommate and at Reflex a guy came up to Anita and asked if her friend (me) was a teacher? Turns out that a few of the global education staff hang out there on a regular basis! So we ended up hanging out with them, dancing up a storm! The wonderment of this place, and how I knew that it was created for me, is when the original 'Alice' song came on -- Alice, Alice who the *!#% is Alice? I don't think I have heard that version since Chile in 1996.

Heading into London today. So I should probably go and start getting ready! Oh, I should probably just mention Krispy Kremes - does any first year teacher good! Angharad, you rock!

Going to meet Dave to roam the streets of London, and maybe check out this Thames Festival!
Cheers!

It is almost Friday!

2006-09-07T19:35:00.000+01:00

Almost Friday! Almost been a teacher for a whole week - and I am exausted! I think the reason it is harder to teach in England is well, a couple reasons. First, the standarized manner of the circulum makes it harder to use marks in your benefit. Kids in Canada get so stressed about doing well, and getting any marks, and since you make up the year, you get to mark as you please. There isn't that much that I can do here - pop quizzes are completely unknown - as are tests that are not national exams. Second - they are so used to breaking teachers that they test new teachers (and I'm learning that first hand!) Third - they are completely seperated by skill level once they get to year 9 -- and it almost seems like teachers just label the lower level group, thinking that they just cannot do anything that requires thinking. Or anything that requires writing. I asked my bottom set of year 10s (the second lowest skill level - they are very, uhm, challenging) to write down any sentence or just words in response to a poem. I was told that that may have been too challenging for them - maybe they could draw a picture instead. I'm all for multiple intelligence - but I didn't even ask them to write a paragraph, just words... they could have written: Violent, mad, crazy, wierd, insane, screwed up... but no, that's too difficult...

The school is fantastic though! There is so much support - I have 3 classes that, uh, give me headaches everyday. They are testing me - and there are some key players that are known around the school. After my first day I was so upset with how it went - the head of learning (basically she deals with all the challenging students) - asked who I had and then sighed, 'Ah, so you have the Matthew and Marcus syndrome.' I hadn't even met my year 10s yet. Last year the head of the English department had them and she can't even give me advice of what to do with them. I've been talking to the behaviourist specialist - so far his strategies allow me to work with those who are willing to do the work. The others are still screaming, jumping out windows, and today, trying to burn the activity I'd given them on the overhead projector. They are lovely!

Tomorrow I have a full day - no breaks besides from lunch and morning break. I'm going to be so tired! But we have a staff party tomorrow night - should be a good time!
Even with the exaustion and frustration - it is still wonderful! It can only make me stronger, and I am learning new skills, new tricks, everyday. And meeting wonderful people. The department is so friendly - I really get along with a couple of they especially!

Back to lesson planning! I'm heading into London again this weekend - I wonder what adventures await me!

All growing Up!

2006-09-03T18:15:00.000+01:00

Tomorrow is the first day of school. I can't remember the last time I was this nervous! It makes me wonder how much of the confidence that my teachers exerted was a massive cover up for wanting to throw up in the bathroom. But I guess not all of them moved across the atlantic, to an entirely new education system, with 'difficult' students and only 2 days to prepare. The inset days (or pd days as we would call them) were overwhelming. There was not enough information the first day - a guest speaker, very motivating though - and the second day there was just so much information thrown at me that I hardly knew what to do with it all. I think I covered up my weak knewws quite well (practice for Monday). I really have no idea what to expect. But I figure if this year is a complete disaster then my career can only get better! Hopefully not all the students will be lighting fires and stabbing each other with razors.

My Internet has been really shotty the past couple of days. Only coming on for 10 mins at a time, or just not working for hours at a time. It is especially hard on the weekends when there is a point where the time difference doesn't mean staying up really late or waking up really early. Soon I'll be able to see your face again.

Yesterday I went into London and met up with Dave and Ariana. We had our usual London adventures - it seems to be becoming a tradition to just jump on the first double decker we see. This time it initially led us to the greatest store of all - Selfridges. We had to run out of the clothing department after I dipped into money I shouldn't be using to buy the most wonderful coat of all time. I felt very British (or very Mary Tyler Mooe) walking down the streets of London. I am now going to be on a mission for scarves - they are my new obsession. I am actually getting into the styles here - for some reason in Lodong I rather enjoy the skirt/pant look. It is different for some reason. The articles seem to belong together - instead of just wearing both a skirt and pants. Maybe I will come back all stylish. We then visited the outside of Canada House - tried to see if we knew all the provincial flags. Dave won the game hands down.
We crossed the Thames and found this Philharmonic Orchestra display were you could sit on these boxees and hear what it would sound like to be playing that instrument. Back packer, children, adults of all kinds sit around and play musical chairs. It is cooler than it sounds, especially once you actually start moving around and hear the differences.

The night was spent, for a while, at the Generator. It is what I imagine Portugal's hostels are like. There are some teachers staying at this hostel and we were invited to come join the festivities. There was an 'Old School' theme - so there were togas and marshmallows (you don't want to know what they did with the marshmellows - no chubby bunny that is for sure!), they tied balls to -uhm- body parts and threw them. And there was even an appearance by Blue and some Jello wrestling. It was quite something - what? I'm not so sure! But it was nice to see some of the other teachers again. I think they may make getting together a regular thing!

Time to get back to seating plans! I miss you all and I'm thinking about you all the time!
Wish me luck!
Oh - Favourite new British word of the day: Bullocks!
Favourite new way of saying 'sounds good': Rover (dave and ariana - I'm going to make that stick!

New Address!

2006-08-28T18:38:00.000+01:00

Here is my new home -- it is the house on the left of the picture, the pinkish looking one. That front bay window is my bedroom. I have always wanted a window like this, and I think it is what sold me on the place. If it only had a ledge where I could write or read (like on that show from years ago with all the Billy Bobs and Susy Annes - the name of the show is completely escaping me! Rach, you remember it don't you??) I'm feeling a lot more settled. My clothes are thanking me for not keeping them squished in the suitcase! There is so much to explore from here on in. Not only do I have the rest of London to discover but I have two more towns - both Watford, the city I am living in, and Borehamwood, the town where my school is located. Tomorrow I'll do some exploring! Today is about settling in and feeling like I am home.

There is so much to tell about the past few days. I have been to places that I remember so clearly, and have seen places that I have never been before. Most of them I need to go back and enjoy more! I have walked around the theatre district - but unfortunately now there are movie theatres as well. We saw 4 movies theatres in 6 blocks. Most are disguised as theatres except there are huge ODEON signs in bright neon lights. Fortunately they still do not take away from the atmosphere. Notting Hill was fabulous! The carnival was filled with sounds and smells coming at you in each and every direction. There were people everywhere - some blowing whistles, some horns, some dancing to the music and most just drinking on the street.

Covent Gardens was nicer than I remembered. We were there at closing, so did not get to see many of the stalls. There was one open who had all these famous poems hand written on paper that one could hang up on a wall. I couldn't believe it when I saw it, but there was the poem: When I am Old I will wear purple. How it got among Frost and Keats?

Thursday and Friday are my first days at school (before the students arrive). Should be nerve racking! Hopefully I'll find my way there ok!

Piccadilly Circus

2006-08-25T00:26:00.000+01:00

My Mother talked about how it was standing on Oxford St. knowing that this was it, she was free to do what she wished. For me it was piccadilly circus. Walking up the steps of the piccadilly station onto the street was what did it for me. I knew that I had made the right decision. It was everything I remembered and more about what drew me here. I walked for an hour and a half - in a bit of a daze, smiling uncontrollably.
I met Ariana and Dave at their hostel - took a double decker (so much fun! felt completely out of control and that we were going to hit all the taxis that we saw...) ended up just past Oxford Circus and found a pub - had some beer and some fish and chips and great conversation.
Tomorrow is the orientation day and I need to get some rest. This weekend is the Notting Hill festival and moving day - should be busy and very fun!

The Atlantic Was Born Today...

2006-08-23T09:02:00.000+01:00

I've been up for however many hours and should be sleeping right now but my mind is too busy spinning. The flight was good - Ice Age 2, not my favorite movie, nor even a good plane movie! I met some people in the airport in Montreal who lived in my residence first year - and I don't think I've seen them since! Who knew that 5 years later we would be on the same flight moving to the same country. We exchanged emails so hopefully this time around we'll be better at keeping in touch.

I'm feeling a little lazy/allergic/tired so I may take it easy today and be more of a tourist tomorrow. I have some flats to see tonight so I may have a home of my own soon. It will be nice to have a place to unpack and a bed to sleep in!

I went for a walk today just around Andrew's flat - there are a lot of KFCs! The conjoined houses, the underground signs, the double decker buses - the East side is obviously different from downtown, but with the same familiar trademarks.
More later, when my brain has been re-juiced!

Dancing in Lake Huron

2006-08-14T18:11:00.000+01:00

Just came back from Toronto and Lake Huron - had a fantastic time! Thanks again Erin and Mike - it was exactly what I needed before beginning my last week in Ottawa.
I now have a week to finish packing - well, I guess you need to start packing before you can finish. The airline scare and the 20kg limit have eliminated almost everything I own. And probably, if I could afford it, I'd leave with just a hand bag to carry essentials and then buy everything when I get there. I've been warned that Londoners may not appreciate the hoodie and puffy black vest: I think it is them who have never lived!
Saying goodbye seems like such daunting task - It is exausting even thinking about the emotional goodbyes. Seems so much easier just to pick up and go without telling a soul (don't worry, you all know when my flight is!) I'm starting to understand eloping. How do you tell someone how much they mean to you as you step onto an airplane and fly 5213.83km away from them? So here is my goodbye. Know that I love you all, and that I'll always be a westboro girl (yes - the westboro sweater is coming with me! And I can't leave behind my Sens hat) and you all mean so much to me and I'll miss you all - more than words can say. Drop me an email, I'll try and blog it up with pictures and maybe even send out a mass email every once in a while.
I'll be coming home next year...