My boss doesn't usually do the schedule until Sunday night (last minute convenience), but I am always in Monday's at 12 so I just get my schedule when I go into work. At the end of my shift on Thursday I said "see you Monday at 12" and he said "I'm not sure yet I will text you Sunday," - knowing that I would be in on Monday as he has said this before only to text me saying "you're in Monday at 12." This week however, was a different message "hi it's me. I have old staff back from Spain and have to give her priority. I have no shifts for you." ??? That was it, nothing more. This was the girl I replaced, I have been there 2 months, covered all the shifts he needs covered and been there to take the shifts when someone quits. I'm always willing to work, dont ask for days off (only for my trip) and never say "I can't work" when someone else can't make it or quits and he gives me the hours. He basically only keeps for his advantage and when it's good for him. He gave me no shifts but the new girl (who has been there 2 weeks) got shifts this week! I'm just wondering and correct me if I am wrong but shouldn't I be "prioritized" over the new girl? How can he give old staff hours - who quit, I might add - and just say to me "sorry she has priority over you?" Makes no sense.
Oh well; when life throws you lemons you just have to make some lemonade. I texted him back "ok see you next year," and have quite enjoyed a week off packing, christmas shopping, girls days, yoga - see I got thrown a lemon and made some nice lemonade :) lol. Besides, I have worked for way worse people then him, he really isn't that bad, just a little confused on where is "priorities" are. Yes, not working really screwed my cash situation but really, what is the point of me getting all worked up and giving myself for an anxiety attack for a situation I knew wouldn't change. No point.
Tonight I am going to my "Yoga Christmas Party." The studio is holding a party for all us yogi's, everything is free...yes even the drinks...so I thought I would check it out (not because of the free drinks), but for something to do as my social circle involves, Dan, my friend Eve and heaps of movies and tv shows on my hard drive lol. It will be nice to get out for a few hours. Then only two days until I head to Greece to meet up with my parents.
I leave here just after midnight on Sunday. A 3.5 hour bus journey to Gatwick, and then 4 hours till my flight and I am on my way. You would think wiht just a few more days I would be more excited...I don't think the fact that I am seeing my parents has sunk in yet lol.
3 more days.
Friday, December 14, 2012
Thursday, November 22, 2012
An Erupting Update!!!
How lucky are you guys! A month with nothing and now 2 posts in one week lol. This isn't going to be a long post its just a bit of an update on something I thought you all might be interested in.
For the many of you who follow me - FB, Twitter, Blogger - and keep up with my statuses, you know that bi-weekly I have been guest blogging for a site called I Walk 4 Love and, for the past 5 weeks I have been doing a Post Card Series - click link if you need to catch up or a first time reader.
My most resent postcard ( last week) was about the Tongariro Crossing in New Zealand and my adventure crossing it. Well, this week it erupted. After its first rumbles in over a century this past August it has decided to rumble again and has erupted (either Tuesday or Wednesday) while, not only hiker were making there way up and over the crossing but a group of school children as well. Read article here.
There are some video's up on YouTube so I thought I would share one with you.
For the many of you who follow me - FB, Twitter, Blogger - and keep up with my statuses, you know that bi-weekly I have been guest blogging for a site called I Walk 4 Love and, for the past 5 weeks I have been doing a Post Card Series - click link if you need to catch up or a first time reader.
My most resent postcard ( last week) was about the Tongariro Crossing in New Zealand and my adventure crossing it. Well, this week it erupted. After its first rumbles in over a century this past August it has decided to rumble again and has erupted (either Tuesday or Wednesday) while, not only hiker were making there way up and over the crossing but a group of school children as well. Read article here.
There are some video's up on YouTube so I thought I would share one with you.
I remember passing those Active Volcanic Hazard Zone signs; we pointed at them making nervous jokes while deep down inside hoping that the volcano would stay asleep during our hike. I remember trying to imagine what would happen if it had erupted while we were there, if we would be safe, if we would have to run fast. Lucky for me the only thing I had to worry about was the Devils Staircase.
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
A Boring Post or Its Begining to Look a Lot Like Christmas
I know, I know, I know. It's been awhile since my last blog; well just a little over a month. I have honestly been waiting for something interesting to happen, as I am sure you don't want to hear about the (still) shitty depressing weather, shit wages and being bored most of the time. I have read back on past posts and it seems that I always had something interesting to write about, even when nothing was happening I still seemed to be able to write an interesting post. Here it is a different story and I really don't want to bore you with...well nothing lol. But, I originally started writing my blogs to keep in touch with those of you back home and thats what I intend to do. So, without further adieu - or excitment for that matter - I give you an update.
Things haven't really changed much. It's getting colder though some days are like a mild spring day and it makes me forget that winter is still upon us. Dan is still working crazy hours, he is exhausted all the time but we seem to be having more days together lately. Our days together don't consist of much entertainment; reading, watching movies, me constantly getting him to be less messy (don't roll your eyes mum I am neat and tidy compared to him). He goes to the gym and I go to yoga, well actually it's Bikram Yoga. It's 90 minutes of compressions and stretches in a room with a temperature of 40 degrees and I love it!!! It's relaxing and has really cut down my stress. We are trying to be good to our bodies as when we are traveling we go head first into the cultural foods and drinks which isn't usually the healthiest diet. We are not drinking (as much - maybe once a week), but because of cutting the sugar of alcohol out of my body I have stashed away leftover halloween candy for my frequent sugar cravings...I swear the candy here is the best tasting of any I have ever had.
There are markets here every Thursday and Saturday but we stay away as it's a temptation for us - well more so me - to spend on things we really don't need. I want to walk to the beach one day to take some pictures but Dan hates the rain - unless it's to go to Thorpe Park - so he will avoid it at all costs, I swear he is a Warlock and will melt if he is exposed to it. I would love to have adventure days with him like Dallas and I always did in L.A. but the weather is so uninviting that staying inside curled up under a blanket with a book or movie is the most welcoming thing on most days.
We did go out Friday night, though it was because Dan had a really stressful day at work and he really wanted some drinks, so we planned to meet at our favourite bar for 12:30 am. Thank god we know people who work ther because he didn't rock up till about 1:30 (drunk). He had fallen asleep on the bus and ended up in Christchurch. It was the last bus so he had to walk all the way back - about half an hour - and then decided he wanted to change so he went home and then came to the bar. I just put my arms around him, I wanted to cry after what he had been through but Dan being Dan just brushed it off like it was nothing. I have no idea what time it was when we left but we had bumped into his mate Luke at the bar and decided to go back to his place for a beer. Next thing I know it's past 5am. "Wow!" I said "I am way too old for these late nights." Dan had fallen asleep on the couch and he is difficult to wake up especially when he is drunk. Luke and I couldn't wake him up, he kept swatting at us and curling up into a little ball. "You can sleep on the couch" Luke offered. My couch days are (mostly) over so I really wanted my bed and was determined to wake him up but to no avail nothing was working. "Wait!" Luke says running to the kitchen quickley and returning with a small bottle of really really really hot, hot sauce. A little dab on the lips and whammy! Dan is upright on the couch, eyes bulging out of his head. He so wasn't happy. He refused to talk to me on the way home he was so angry. He kept moaning and licking his lips. I kept trying to console him but being drunk myself I kept making weird noises in my throat as I attempted to supress my laughter. The last thing I wanted was to laugh at him as he was so mad at me but it was so funny. He could barely walk a straight line, he was groaning, licking his lips and muttering "oh ya baby so fucken funny" and then would stop to vomit. He would continue on walking saying more obsenities at me, licking his lips, vomitting, I would giggle (hysterically) and say ``baby I am so sorry`` ``oh ya I am sure you are. I bet this is funny to you.`` licking his lips and then stopping to vomit again ``no baby it`s not funny`` I would say as the corner of my lips curled and giggles were escaping. I tried putting my arm around him but we would push me away and breath out harshly through his nose as it was now begining to leak. Unfortunately he remembered the hot sauce the 2nd way the next day...oops!!!
I can definitely feel Christmas in the air which is a refreshing feeling. Last year being in Darwin the Christmas feel was pretty much moot. I have spent Chrstimas in warm climates but there were no lights strung up in places, or christmas trees int he windows, no wreaths or holly hanging from lamp posts down the streets...it didn`t feel like the Christmas Season. Here it`s the opposite. In Bournemouth Square there is a German Market whrere portable huts (selling what they sell) are painted in dark burgundy, laden with ivy and strugn with Christmas lights are erected in a strategical manner. Along the centre of the shopping square. A small portable pub of the same colour has also been erected all done up with the ivy and lights is off to the side. There is a wire going across from one lamp post to the other where a mechanical Santa Clause rides a unicycle with presents dangling from it - when I first saw it from a distance I thought it was real. Even in this cold weather, this outside market has the warmest coziest feeling to it...a Christmas feeling, which has made me a little homesick and missing being at home for the holidays. It saddens me and then, I quickly remember that in less then a month I will be meeting up with my parents in Greece and then we will be spending our Christmas in Italy! I am so excited! It won`t be an orphans Christmas this year - though last year was great! But I can`t wait! It will be almost 2 years since I have seen them, the longest I have ever been away from them. I am counting down the days.
We have figured out my visa so we can extend our stay. I am applying for a marriage visa - as our wasn`t a legally recognized ceremony - which will give us another six months and of course our marriage registered . It has taken us over a month to get the information we needed. Everytime we called the UK Home Office, the office always seemd to be empty as an answering service always picked up directing us to an email. I tried emailing before we even called and the reply`s would be...please send your questions to this email. Then that email would say this is the wrong department please send your email to this email address. It was hopeless. We had a couple of simple questions that we needed answered and we couldn`t seem to get them answered. I finally came across this website for immigration lawyers who emailed back within a half hour. Dan called them today and within 5 minutes our questions had been answered saving us money and a trip to the UK Home Office in London! This marriage visa is really good news for us and I feel like a huge weight has been lifted off our shoulders. We can actually relax a little more and not stress about leaving by the end of February :)
Well, that is all for now, I hope you weren`t too bored, I always do try my best to make these as interesting as possible. Until next time, hopefully sooner then later.
eM x
27 DAYS!!!
Things haven't really changed much. It's getting colder though some days are like a mild spring day and it makes me forget that winter is still upon us. Dan is still working crazy hours, he is exhausted all the time but we seem to be having more days together lately. Our days together don't consist of much entertainment; reading, watching movies, me constantly getting him to be less messy (don't roll your eyes mum I am neat and tidy compared to him). He goes to the gym and I go to yoga, well actually it's Bikram Yoga. It's 90 minutes of compressions and stretches in a room with a temperature of 40 degrees and I love it!!! It's relaxing and has really cut down my stress. We are trying to be good to our bodies as when we are traveling we go head first into the cultural foods and drinks which isn't usually the healthiest diet. We are not drinking (as much - maybe once a week), but because of cutting the sugar of alcohol out of my body I have stashed away leftover halloween candy for my frequent sugar cravings...I swear the candy here is the best tasting of any I have ever had.
There are markets here every Thursday and Saturday but we stay away as it's a temptation for us - well more so me - to spend on things we really don't need. I want to walk to the beach one day to take some pictures but Dan hates the rain - unless it's to go to Thorpe Park - so he will avoid it at all costs, I swear he is a Warlock and will melt if he is exposed to it. I would love to have adventure days with him like Dallas and I always did in L.A. but the weather is so uninviting that staying inside curled up under a blanket with a book or movie is the most welcoming thing on most days.
We did go out Friday night, though it was because Dan had a really stressful day at work and he really wanted some drinks, so we planned to meet at our favourite bar for 12:30 am. Thank god we know people who work ther because he didn't rock up till about 1:30 (drunk). He had fallen asleep on the bus and ended up in Christchurch. It was the last bus so he had to walk all the way back - about half an hour - and then decided he wanted to change so he went home and then came to the bar. I just put my arms around him, I wanted to cry after what he had been through but Dan being Dan just brushed it off like it was nothing. I have no idea what time it was when we left but we had bumped into his mate Luke at the bar and decided to go back to his place for a beer. Next thing I know it's past 5am. "Wow!" I said "I am way too old for these late nights." Dan had fallen asleep on the couch and he is difficult to wake up especially when he is drunk. Luke and I couldn't wake him up, he kept swatting at us and curling up into a little ball. "You can sleep on the couch" Luke offered. My couch days are (mostly) over so I really wanted my bed and was determined to wake him up but to no avail nothing was working. "Wait!" Luke says running to the kitchen quickley and returning with a small bottle of really really really hot, hot sauce. A little dab on the lips and whammy! Dan is upright on the couch, eyes bulging out of his head. He so wasn't happy. He refused to talk to me on the way home he was so angry. He kept moaning and licking his lips. I kept trying to console him but being drunk myself I kept making weird noises in my throat as I attempted to supress my laughter. The last thing I wanted was to laugh at him as he was so mad at me but it was so funny. He could barely walk a straight line, he was groaning, licking his lips and muttering "oh ya baby so fucken funny" and then would stop to vomit. He would continue on walking saying more obsenities at me, licking his lips, vomitting, I would giggle (hysterically) and say ``baby I am so sorry`` ``oh ya I am sure you are. I bet this is funny to you.`` licking his lips and then stopping to vomit again ``no baby it`s not funny`` I would say as the corner of my lips curled and giggles were escaping. I tried putting my arm around him but we would push me away and breath out harshly through his nose as it was now begining to leak. Unfortunately he remembered the hot sauce the 2nd way the next day...oops!!!
I can definitely feel Christmas in the air which is a refreshing feeling. Last year being in Darwin the Christmas feel was pretty much moot. I have spent Chrstimas in warm climates but there were no lights strung up in places, or christmas trees int he windows, no wreaths or holly hanging from lamp posts down the streets...it didn`t feel like the Christmas Season. Here it`s the opposite. In Bournemouth Square there is a German Market whrere portable huts (selling what they sell) are painted in dark burgundy, laden with ivy and strugn with Christmas lights are erected in a strategical manner. Along the centre of the shopping square. A small portable pub of the same colour has also been erected all done up with the ivy and lights is off to the side. There is a wire going across from one lamp post to the other where a mechanical Santa Clause rides a unicycle with presents dangling from it - when I first saw it from a distance I thought it was real. Even in this cold weather, this outside market has the warmest coziest feeling to it...a Christmas feeling, which has made me a little homesick and missing being at home for the holidays. It saddens me and then, I quickly remember that in less then a month I will be meeting up with my parents in Greece and then we will be spending our Christmas in Italy! I am so excited! It won`t be an orphans Christmas this year - though last year was great! But I can`t wait! It will be almost 2 years since I have seen them, the longest I have ever been away from them. I am counting down the days.
We have figured out my visa so we can extend our stay. I am applying for a marriage visa - as our wasn`t a legally recognized ceremony - which will give us another six months and of course our marriage registered . It has taken us over a month to get the information we needed. Everytime we called the UK Home Office, the office always seemd to be empty as an answering service always picked up directing us to an email. I tried emailing before we even called and the reply`s would be...please send your questions to this email. Then that email would say this is the wrong department please send your email to this email address. It was hopeless. We had a couple of simple questions that we needed answered and we couldn`t seem to get them answered. I finally came across this website for immigration lawyers who emailed back within a half hour. Dan called them today and within 5 minutes our questions had been answered saving us money and a trip to the UK Home Office in London! This marriage visa is really good news for us and I feel like a huge weight has been lifted off our shoulders. We can actually relax a little more and not stress about leaving by the end of February :)
Well, that is all for now, I hope you weren`t too bored, I always do try my best to make these as interesting as possible. Until next time, hopefully sooner then later.
eM x
27 DAYS!!!
Sunday, October 14, 2012
A Need for Speed!
I hadn't been to a theme park in years so I was a little nervous about getting on rollercoasters. The first one we went on was a backwards one that is in the dark. It was alright; it really wasn't that fun, it was more of just a warm-up ride. The only reason I laughed at all on the ride was because Nemz (Naomi)- who has the loudest laugh which is almost like a cackle and one can't help but laugh when they here here - laughed through the entire thing which made it worth the ride.
After that we headed towards the SAW Rollercoaster. I was hesitant to go as once you get inside the buildings they (usually) have live actors, and as much as I love horror movies I hate being in them myself and refuse to go into haunted theme parks and mazes where I will be in the dark with crazy things jumping out around any corner and touching me which just results in me being so terrified I scream and shit myself the whole time; it's really not fun. Lucky for me they had to stop the live actors because they were scaring people so bad that they were getting punched in the face - kind of funny - so it was actor free. The ride consists of a little 8 person car - 4 in the front and 4 in the back. It really didn't look that scary except for the first hill it climbs which is at a 90 degree angle straight up, but of course due to there being no live actors I couldn't wimp out. We get in the car and off we go. The first bit is inside which was unexpected and it goes quite fast and the drops are pretty much at a 90 degree angle which was fun. Then we get outside go around a little bend and stop at the bottom of the 90 degree incline. My heart starts racing. I have had nightmares where I am in a car and a road that is narrow like a rollercoaster track and windy with hills and drops and sometimes the roads aren't connected, so this hill really didn't look inviting to me. There are two t.v. screens at the bottom of the incline where the stuffed clown from the movie appears and starts talking and then cackles the evil little cackle he does - not the happy cackle like Nemz. The car clicks and moves forward and shifts into a complete vertical position. "Oh my god guys my vertigo is kicking in. I'm not liking this..." Breathe in, breathe out. "It's ok I can do this I have jumped out of a plane." It gets to the top tilts forward for one second and then off we go, straight down under two blades and then quickley into an upside down loop. Wow!!! This is so much fun!!! It was so fast, and everytime you get to the top of hill where usually you get a second to breathe it would just drop again into another hill or loop!!! It was awesome!!! "Ummm ya just to let you guys know, my vertigo really wasn't kicking in, I was just really scared!"
I was completely warmed up and my adrenaline was going and ready to go on more, but we stopped to eat lunch before enjoying the rest of the rides.
Video of Stealth at Thorpe Park
I was shaking so bad by the time it was our turn to get on the rollercoaster. I tried calming myself down by reminding myself I had jumped out of a plane but it really wasn't having the calming affect I was going for. We pull down the shoulder bars and I grab on to it, knuckles turning white. My vertigo was really kicking in this time, the thought of that 205 ft hill was not really sitting well with me. "Baby, I really mean it this time, my vertigo, I'm really starting to panic." "It's okay baby." He says with a big smile and putting his hand on my knee. "Seriously baby I am freaking out." Breathe in, breath out." "It's gonna be great" he says. The car inches forward and stops just underneath the traffic lights. While in line I had counted how long they are red for before they go green, 7 seconds. I really didn't want the 7 seconds to end. GREEN. We fly forward so fucking fast that all you can do is scream. Within one second my scream go stuck in my throat because the G-Force hits your stomach that I felt like I couldn't breathe. We fly up the 90 degree incline - not as fast but still - really fucking fast when you get to the peak of the hill you actually lift off your seat about an inch - thank god for the shoulder bars. My body is in such shock that I still have my mouth open but there is nothing coming out. The car then dips down to a 90 degree drop and rushes forward twisting a little bit to one side, the ground coming so fast towards me. It's all over within 10 seconds. Dan looks my way and says "you okay baby" only for me to answer with my eyes bulging out of my head and my mouth still open.
A video of Stealth from the front seat. You definitely wont feel the speed or the G-Force but you will get a bit of an idea of what it's like.
The next rollercoaster and last one we needed to ride (as we rode all the rest) was The Swarm. It was 3pm and had about a 70 minute wait meaning if we were lucky we could get one more in after it before the park closed at 5pm. Just before we entered the gates to line up a young guy in a Thorpe Park uniform and badge said "if you want to pay 5 quid each you can skip the line and wait only 5 - 10 minutes." We paid the man and walked in the backway and got on right away - no wait!!! Definintely worht the 5 quid each. Swarm is quite a different rollercoaster. It sits on the track but the seats hang over it so when you look at it from a distance it looks like a bat. The shoulder bars are comfortable but have no little handles to hold onto so you have no idea where to put your hands, and it flips upside at the top of the hill before you go into your first drop. It was really cool, the building where you wait in line is made to look like an old rundown ruin of a building and the rollercoaster flies through a crashed plane and wreckage site.
We were on and off within 5 mintues, meaning, we had two hours to hit 2 rides again. First Stealth, and then SAW to finish off the day. The line for Stealth this time was only 10 minutes, lucky us. This time I was ready for it and because I knew what to expect I knew I would enjoy it a little more. Off we go, once again screaming. It's literally like you don't have a choice to scream, it's almost an automatic reaction. This time though, instead of my scream getting stuck I stopped myself becuase the G-Force hit my stomach so strong that I had to supress it to control the funny feeling in my stomach. Up the 90 degree incline of 205 feet I actually felt it slow down this time at the top, though enjoying the one inch lift of my seat more and welcomed the 90 degree drop with an open heart lol. So much better the second time. Dan even decided to listen to the instructions this time and keep his hands inside, the last time he left them up and the G-Force was so strong he actually hurt his arms.
The last ride we were hitting was SAW. As we waited in line, it rained for the first time. Not a lot, but still, it rained. The ride even shut down for 20 minutes and then had to do some test runs, but we made it on by 5pm. This time, we got to sit in the front row of the car. Soo much better. The first drop in the dark, has a huge blade hanging over it which I didnt see from the back row. When you drop it actually feels like you are going to get cut by it and I actually ducked my head. The 90 degree incline that I was not a fan of last time was now fun and exciting - especially after riding Stealth. Stealth was like my skydive of the day. Once I conquered that nothing else seemed scary.
We had so much fun. It was so nice to get out and have some good old fashioned fun for a day and not worry about anything. Though when I wanted a Starbucks and Dan said it was to expensive after he had eaten three meals and I had one, turned into a bit of an argument, but other than that it was a good day - resulting in no Starbucks and Dan holding off on another meal until we got home.
Things here are good. Dan works heaps so we really don't see eachother much. He has been getting home close to 2am and I am usually sleeping by then. I only have 2 shifts a week at the cafe, which sucks but at least I get out of the house a couple times a week. Plus I just started taking (Hot) Bikram Yoga which has been awesome. I feel so good and am detoxing so no drinking for thirty days. Nemz's friend Even (the one who came to Thrope Park) has signed up and comes to yoga with me a couple times of week, it's nice to have a buddy to do things with.
I came down with a cold this week but I went to Yoga and it cleared me right up, though I did have a woman yell at me yesterday in the change room because I was sick. She said I shouldn't be in public, I should be at home in bed. I told her if she was that worried she should just drink some bleach to flush it all out. Haha...I'm just kidding...I SHOULD have said that to her though. Anyways, I'm all better now, the yoga seriously helped me get rid of it. Especially it being hot yoga I just sweated everything out of my system within a couple days.
The weather sucks, it's just getting colder and more and more Dan and I just miss Australia. We are so missing the heat. My beautiful golden skin that I had for the past year and a half has now turned back to a Canadian Winter (Paisty) White. Only a few more months.
*both videos are from www.youtube.com and are not credited to me*
Saturday, September 29, 2012
A Travel Tip for the Changing Temperature
With the temperature dropping, our once "tropic" blood is now feeling the chill of the cold. The days are sunny with blue sky's and a cool chill, that after winter would be an inviting spring day but is now a reminder that winter is just around the corner. Though some days are warmer than others, some are filled with black clouds and never ending rain (as that what it does in England) teases us by conintually stopping and starting. Rain or shine, no matter what the days are like the nights are cold. By 5:30pm, when all the shops are closing their doors at the end of yet another business day, the temperature drops about 10 degrees. You can smell the crispy, fresh, briskness of a new winter.
It is such a familiar smell; it makes me all warm and fuzzy inside and I almost feel like I am back home for the seconds that the crispy air first hits my nostril's. I think of the thigh-high snow in the driveway after a big snowfall and how stunningly beautiful everything looks with a fresh blanket of prestine snow covering it. I stand there sniffing the air like a dog sniffing the air for food. This revery only last for about 3 seconds and then I realize how much I miss the heat and I am no longer a fan of the colder temperatures.
We have had to go shoppping as board shorts, sun dresses, flip flops, tank tops and summer pants wont suffice in this weather. We reallly tried to pull it off as long as possible but wearing a scarf and flip flops really just doesn't make any sense. My feet are not a big fan of being covered; they have had the freedom of heat, sunshine and flip flops that they have blistered and swelled from being confined to shoes and boots.
When we were in Darwin, I actually missed this time of year. Curling up on the couch with a good movie, drinking tea/hot chocolate/coffee, under a blanket and being all cozy; where it's cool enough outside to wear a nice light jacket or your favourite hoodie. It's the time of year where it's not too hot but not too cold. Well...being in the tropics for as long as I have has completely thinned my blood and my tolerance for cold and my new hoodie and jacket have lost the novelty, I WANT THE HEAT!!!
Dan's farts while he sleeps don't even give off enough heat lol.
TRAVEL TIP - A Change in Climate is a Great Excuse to Go Shopping (Even When On A Budget)
There is a silver lining to all of this though. I have had an excuse to go shopping!!! "You went shopping again." "Yes baby but I got 7 pairs of socks for 2 pound." "What else is in the bag?" "A new hoodie, I only had one and I want to be able to switch it up." "And that?" "That would be a winter vest. I only have your sisters denim jacket and it really doesn't do much in this weather." ..... "Didn't you just go shopping yesterday?" "Yes, but I really needed a scarf and matching hat." "Really? Was it that necessary?" " Of course baby. I am Canadian and scarves and hats are a must have in the winter season." I never get an argument; he knows he won't win. Though don't think it only works one way, he goes shopping too. "High-tops baby? Really? You already have to pairs of trainers." "Yes but I really want a pair of high-tops" "Is there any particular reason?" "Yes. Because I want a pair." At least I have better reasoning. He won't let me buy a new purse but he has more shoes and clothes than I do!!!
Of course we are on a budget and watching what we spend as we are leaving again very soon. There is always stuff we want - like high-tops and a new purse - but there is also stuff that I want and actually need.
We all know that when traveling out of a backpack that our wardrobe is very limited and outfits are repeated quite frequently. Sometimes a few new things to replace some other things you might not wear anymore is always a nice feeling. Especially in a case like ours. We came from the tropics, we had aboslutely no winter clothes, we really didn't have a choice. We do however, shop at the cheaper places to help keep money in our wallets.
What do you do when you head back to the tropics and you have winter clothes?
Well you can:
1. You can leave behind what you don't want
2. Give what you don't want to friends
3. If you can afford to, send a package home. This way you are not getting rid of precious purchases and, it's a great way to have some "new clothes" when you get home.
Shopping while on a budget can be easy and not debtremental to your budget, just remember to buy more of what you need rather than what you like. New clothes are a great way to feel fresh and revived, especially when wearing the same things out of a backpack for many conesecutive months. However, keep in mind that just because you feel good in new clothes it doesn't mean a change in the climate doesn't does the same.
It is such a familiar smell; it makes me all warm and fuzzy inside and I almost feel like I am back home for the seconds that the crispy air first hits my nostril's. I think of the thigh-high snow in the driveway after a big snowfall and how stunningly beautiful everything looks with a fresh blanket of prestine snow covering it. I stand there sniffing the air like a dog sniffing the air for food. This revery only last for about 3 seconds and then I realize how much I miss the heat and I am no longer a fan of the colder temperatures.
We have had to go shoppping as board shorts, sun dresses, flip flops, tank tops and summer pants wont suffice in this weather. We reallly tried to pull it off as long as possible but wearing a scarf and flip flops really just doesn't make any sense. My feet are not a big fan of being covered; they have had the freedom of heat, sunshine and flip flops that they have blistered and swelled from being confined to shoes and boots.
When we were in Darwin, I actually missed this time of year. Curling up on the couch with a good movie, drinking tea/hot chocolate/coffee, under a blanket and being all cozy; where it's cool enough outside to wear a nice light jacket or your favourite hoodie. It's the time of year where it's not too hot but not too cold. Well...being in the tropics for as long as I have has completely thinned my blood and my tolerance for cold and my new hoodie and jacket have lost the novelty, I WANT THE HEAT!!!
Dan's farts while he sleeps don't even give off enough heat lol.
TRAVEL TIP - A Change in Climate is a Great Excuse to Go Shopping (Even When On A Budget)
There is a silver lining to all of this though. I have had an excuse to go shopping!!! "You went shopping again." "Yes baby but I got 7 pairs of socks for 2 pound." "What else is in the bag?" "A new hoodie, I only had one and I want to be able to switch it up." "And that?" "That would be a winter vest. I only have your sisters denim jacket and it really doesn't do much in this weather." ..... "Didn't you just go shopping yesterday?" "Yes, but I really needed a scarf and matching hat." "Really? Was it that necessary?" " Of course baby. I am Canadian and scarves and hats are a must have in the winter season." I never get an argument; he knows he won't win. Though don't think it only works one way, he goes shopping too. "High-tops baby? Really? You already have to pairs of trainers." "Yes but I really want a pair of high-tops" "Is there any particular reason?" "Yes. Because I want a pair." At least I have better reasoning. He won't let me buy a new purse but he has more shoes and clothes than I do!!!
Of course we are on a budget and watching what we spend as we are leaving again very soon. There is always stuff we want - like high-tops and a new purse - but there is also stuff that I want and actually need.
We all know that when traveling out of a backpack that our wardrobe is very limited and outfits are repeated quite frequently. Sometimes a few new things to replace some other things you might not wear anymore is always a nice feeling. Especially in a case like ours. We came from the tropics, we had aboslutely no winter clothes, we really didn't have a choice. We do however, shop at the cheaper places to help keep money in our wallets.
What do you do when you head back to the tropics and you have winter clothes?
Well you can:
1. You can leave behind what you don't want
2. Give what you don't want to friends
3. If you can afford to, send a package home. This way you are not getting rid of precious purchases and, it's a great way to have some "new clothes" when you get home.
Shopping while on a budget can be easy and not debtremental to your budget, just remember to buy more of what you need rather than what you like. New clothes are a great way to feel fresh and revived, especially when wearing the same things out of a backpack for many conesecutive months. However, keep in mind that just because you feel good in new clothes it doesn't mean a change in the climate doesn't does the same.
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
My Fairy Tale...
Many of you have been following/reading my blogs since my very first Vegas post; the begining of this crazy journey I like to call My Beautiful. You were then with me through my amazing and emotional 5 months in California where I grew, learned how to stand on my own two feet, made some incredible friends, fell in love and of course had to say goodbye to the one I fell in love with. After a 7 month hiatus to go home and work, my journey continued to the Paradise of Fiji for a 7 day vacation, continuing on to New Zealand where I road tripped in a camper for 12 days with 2 english guys, hiked volcanoes and glaciers, went caving, white water rafting and ate the most incredible hamburger in Queenstown known as the Ferg Burger! After an amazing 28 days in the beautiful land of the Kiwi`s you then got whisked away to The Land of Oz Aka Down Under or just plain old Australia. In my one year, I snorkeled and lived in the Whitsundays, worked in the middle of nowhere, had long over night bus rides, jumped out of a plane, rekindled friendships, had my heartbroken, learned how to speak Australian, hiked through Kings Canyon, enjoyed sunset and sunsrise at Ayers Rock, went sandboarding, pet a wild kangaroo, ate kangaroo, went croc hunting, made some incredible friendships and, I fell in-love.
At first, I didn't even know that love was going to be the path I chose. In fact I was completely against a relationship; but sometimes, things just happen...
It was the begining of my second week on the Island when I laid eyes on you for the first time (well second actually, but I had only seen you once before that and then not again till a week later). We were both sitting outside of the staff bar having a beer and a smoke. We were sitting at the same table, though you were talking with Matty and I was sitting and talking with Jarrett.
I kept glancing at you out of the corner of my eye and waiting for a moment where I could welcome myself into your conversation. You didn't even seem to know I existed or really even cared for that matter, yet I couldn't stop staring at you. Your short blonde hair with a fo-hawk down the middle, blue eyes, crooked teeth and a tribal tattoo on your right shoulder just held my stare. You had this sexy British accent but everything that came out of your mouth seemed arrogant, pompous and completely self-centered; I had to know who you were!!! I don't know what it was but there was something that kept telling me I had to know you, even the first time I glanced you from afar, I really wanted to know who you were.
I finally found an opening in your conversation with Matty - well I more so butted my way in - and welcomed myself. You did not look impressed! You actually looked completely digusted, your face said "who the fuck is this girl and why does she think she can speak to me." I didn't care, I had to know who you were.
From that moment on we literally became inseperable, pretty much moving in with eachother two days later. When my contract for work was up you resigned and came with me because you didn't want it to end yet. I was overwhelmed and scared. I was still dealing with my "Ryan heartache" but you said you would give me time and take things slow just as long as you could be with me.
We took a job, in hell, with the devil himself and managed to stay strong and fight through the hard times. The horrible days and sad nights were the times I began to realize I was falling for you. My heart ached to tell you but I was so scared to go down that road again. I asked you questions like "have you ever been in love before?" "Have you ever told a girl you have been in love with them?" hoping you would clue in to what I was trying to get across but there was no such luck. I didn't want to be the first one to bring it up so I kind of pushed it aside, hoping, that one day the right moment would come along; and it did...
A month after we left the devil, we had set up a life in a great small city. We had awesome jobs, amazing friends and eachother. It was New Years Eve- well actually it was New Years Day about 9am-we were having drinks at the club after work and I just looked at you and said "you know I love you right?" and you said "yah. I love you too."
Four months later we were married!!!
Today is our 1 year anniversary! We met a year ago today and have been insperable ever since. I can't believe one year has gone by so quickly. I also can't believe you are still around :) You are the first guy I have ever gotten to celebrate one year with and I am so excited!
You are my bestfriend, my life, my everything, my love, my heart, my past and my future. There is no one else in the world I would want to spend and share every moment of the rest of my life with. Being your wife is one of the greatest things I have ever felt and there are no words to describe how much I love you as I fall more and more in love with you everyday.
Thank you for putting up with my crap and standing by myside, for never walking away when I wanted to give up and loving me with everything that you have. This past year has been amazing and I can't wait to see what our future years are holding for us.
One year down and many more to go.
Your loving wife forever and always
M.J
I'm glad I dont have to sleep alone anymore x
(thanks for marrying me lol)
At first, I didn't even know that love was going to be the path I chose. In fact I was completely against a relationship; but sometimes, things just happen...
It was the begining of my second week on the Island when I laid eyes on you for the first time (well second actually, but I had only seen you once before that and then not again till a week later). We were both sitting outside of the staff bar having a beer and a smoke. We were sitting at the same table, though you were talking with Matty and I was sitting and talking with Jarrett.
I kept glancing at you out of the corner of my eye and waiting for a moment where I could welcome myself into your conversation. You didn't even seem to know I existed or really even cared for that matter, yet I couldn't stop staring at you. Your short blonde hair with a fo-hawk down the middle, blue eyes, crooked teeth and a tribal tattoo on your right shoulder just held my stare. You had this sexy British accent but everything that came out of your mouth seemed arrogant, pompous and completely self-centered; I had to know who you were!!! I don't know what it was but there was something that kept telling me I had to know you, even the first time I glanced you from afar, I really wanted to know who you were.
I finally found an opening in your conversation with Matty - well I more so butted my way in - and welcomed myself. You did not look impressed! You actually looked completely digusted, your face said "who the fuck is this girl and why does she think she can speak to me." I didn't care, I had to know who you were.
From that moment on we literally became inseperable, pretty much moving in with eachother two days later. When my contract for work was up you resigned and came with me because you didn't want it to end yet. I was overwhelmed and scared. I was still dealing with my "Ryan heartache" but you said you would give me time and take things slow just as long as you could be with me.
We took a job, in hell, with the devil himself and managed to stay strong and fight through the hard times. The horrible days and sad nights were the times I began to realize I was falling for you. My heart ached to tell you but I was so scared to go down that road again. I asked you questions like "have you ever been in love before?" "Have you ever told a girl you have been in love with them?" hoping you would clue in to what I was trying to get across but there was no such luck. I didn't want to be the first one to bring it up so I kind of pushed it aside, hoping, that one day the right moment would come along; and it did...
A month after we left the devil, we had set up a life in a great small city. We had awesome jobs, amazing friends and eachother. It was New Years Eve- well actually it was New Years Day about 9am-we were having drinks at the club after work and I just looked at you and said "you know I love you right?" and you said "yah. I love you too."
Four months later we were married!!!
Today is our 1 year anniversary! We met a year ago today and have been insperable ever since. I can't believe one year has gone by so quickly. I also can't believe you are still around :) You are the first guy I have ever gotten to celebrate one year with and I am so excited!
You are my bestfriend, my life, my everything, my love, my heart, my past and my future. There is no one else in the world I would want to spend and share every moment of the rest of my life with. Being your wife is one of the greatest things I have ever felt and there are no words to describe how much I love you as I fall more and more in love with you everyday.
Thank you for putting up with my crap and standing by myside, for never walking away when I wanted to give up and loving me with everything that you have. This past year has been amazing and I can't wait to see what our future years are holding for us.
One year down and many more to go.
Your loving wife forever and always
M.J
I'm glad I dont have to sleep alone anymore x
(thanks for marrying me lol)
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
A Historic Sight and Falling into Place
I was so excited on Sunday, not just because Jess and I were meeting up, I was super stoked about that but also because she was taking me to the famous ruins of Stonehenge- which at the time I thought were just some rocks.
She was suppossed to have picked me up earlier but due to traffic because of the airshow - planes and jets flew over our house for 4 days it was so cool - it took her a bit longer to get in from London so we started our adventure a little later than planned but we didn't mind.
Talk, talk, talk, talk; we never stopped talking, it's like we never run out of things to say. I don't know what we talked about but we never stopped! It only took us about an hour to get to Stonehenge, you can see it off to the right just sitting there, in an open space looking so grand and holy. Of course by the time we parked and got out of the car - as it does often here in sunny <--- pure sarcasm England - it started to rain. The sky was grey and dull and a drizzle began to fall, so just like London I have grey pictures. Jess wearing a short sleeve shirt, shorts and sandals -it doesn't get overly hot in England so as soon as there is a bit of sunshine the Brits swarm to the beach even if it's 20 degrees out they are in shorts and tank tops as if they are on a tropical island - puts on her ski jacket, it was quite the fashion statement.
Stonehenge
Before we even stepped foot on the path surrounding the monument I was snapping pictures I was so excited to be on a little history field trip for the afternoon I had seen a picture of it and said to Dan "wow baby that looks cool, can we go" his response "it's just some rocks." Was he ever wrong.
Stonehenge is located in the English county of Wiltshire (about an hour North from where we are). The history of it is quite interesting. The first phase began in 3100 BC with the last known construction being around 1600 BC, the first phase was the circular bank and ditch that surrounds the monument. The sturcture that is standing is what is left of the original structure, you can no longer walk into at as parts of it were stolen by collectors. The stones with the blank like stone going across the top is the outer part of the structure, they (at one point) formed a a connecting circle. The inner part of the circle consisted of two half horseshoes of (smaller) bluestone sturctures and the central stone structure (please don't quote me I know I am a little confused on the structure).
The actual purpose behind it is unknown, to think that the outer ditch and the structure itself could be linked it is incredible considering the amount of years in between. The structure was built around the same time as the Egyptian Pyramids and like the Pyramids (and of course the Sphynx) it is not quite known how they built the structure as they did not have building apparatuses they way we do today. It is said the Sumarians were the ones that built the Sphynx so I am wondering if they had anything to do with the construction of this?
A Calendar
Like I stated above the actual purpose behind it is not actually known though one belief is that it was used a calendar. At certain times of the year when the sun shines through the central stone structure it will shine through one of the outer circle openings and that represents June, the next month it will do the same thing except it will be through the next stone on the left, further left in August and so on.
Heelstone
The Heelstone is outside of the entrance to Stonehenge and it leans inwards towards the circle. If you stand northeast at the entrance of the sturcture, the sun will rise over the heelstone during summer solstice.
More Stories
It has also been said that the rocks are healing rocks called the Giants dance, which giants had brought from Africa to Ireland for their healing purposes.
It has also been said that they are related to the druids.
It is also said that the surrounding land was used for burials and when you leave the monument and head back to the parking lot you can see burial mounds surrounding the area; it's a little weird.
The history and stories behind it is really interesting there is soo much to write about but if you would like some more information on it please Click Here .
I love looking at places like Stonehenge, trying to picture what it was like thousands of years ago, how they built it, what really went on there, what it was used for. I found it so mysterious and as much it wasn't an old ruin of the colesium or a natural wonder like Ayers Rock and the Olga's I couldn't take my eyes off of it. I always feel so trans -like around structures and world wonders, I really just want to know as much as I can about them and be a sponge their history and culture. I really thought it was incrdible how it can be used as a calendar, a lot more interesting then our electronic ones these days lol sometimes I feel like we have lost the true essence of life with all our electronics and factory made things. Stonehenge mmight have taken thousands of years but it definatly lasts longer and doesn't go out of date as fast as my computer does.
After Stonehenge, Jess took me to Winchester to the house where she grew up to have dinner with her parents. The drive, although rainy was nice. We of course talked but I really enjoyed the scenery. Winchester is more country living with english type cottages that remind me of something out of a fairy tale very rounded and cozy looking, lots of trees and...I dont know I said to Jess that it almost looked like something out of a book, like it didn't look real, it looked like a fairy tale place that you would only find in the pages of a book, that really is the only way I can describe it.
After a lovely dinner with her parents - her mum didn't understand why I wouldn't drink any wine - it was time to go home but Jess wanted to drive me through the New Forest where we could see wild horses. "That's really great Jess but umm, it's dark outside now, how am I suppossed to take pictures or see anything." "Oh, I never thought about that." "When you said you wanted to take me after dinner I knew it was going to be dark but I figured you knew what you were doing" Yes, two blondes, it makes sense.
We did drive through the New Forest, I would love to talk about the flowers and the big trees over hanging on the road that made it like a tunnel, but it was pitch black our only light was from the headlights of Jess's car. We did see some wild horses, I pulled out my camera to take some video but it's really not that exciting as when they leave the glare from the headlights you can't see anything and it's quite pointless. I can say that in the New Forest they have towns. It really looked incrdible so I would definately like to go back again, plus there are heaps of hiking trails so it's definatly a day adventure.
Things are going really great here...Dan is doing so well at work and they really like him. I have been helping out at the neighbours. I have been cleaning and trust me it really needs to be cleaned. It took me 3 and a half hours to scrub their kitchen and 2 hours to scrub and clean out the fridge, I still have to scrub the walls and vacum up the spiders in the corners lol. "How lucky are we, we have a made." said his 7 year old daughter he tried explaining to her I wasnt a maid but I guess in her eyes I am. There is a lot to be done, the up keep of little things like sweeping is neglected as well as the major things so its taking some time but they are giving me some money so it is really helping Dan and I at the moment - with the getting paid monthly he still hasn't seen his first cheque yet. I also have a job interview at a cafe on Thursday so I am really excited. Finally everything is falling into place for us.
I have been keeping really busy. My book was published last week, I have begun writing another one and TOMORROW (Wednesday) I am appearing as a guest travel blogger on www.iwalk4love.com every month, twice a month! I am really excited! I'm really starting to get my writting out there and I am super excited to see where it takes me. Please follow the webpage for my updates, it will be blogs, travel tips and postcards - some of my photography! It's going to be great! So please don't forget to check the webpage tomorrow - to be honest, seeing my name and picture up there was almost as good as seeing my name in lights :)
*all notes and info about Stonehenge was taken (and possibly quoted) from Wikipedia. Please go to www.wikipedia.com for more information on Stonehenge*
She was suppossed to have picked me up earlier but due to traffic because of the airshow - planes and jets flew over our house for 4 days it was so cool - it took her a bit longer to get in from London so we started our adventure a little later than planned but we didn't mind.
Talk, talk, talk, talk; we never stopped talking, it's like we never run out of things to say. I don't know what we talked about but we never stopped! It only took us about an hour to get to Stonehenge, you can see it off to the right just sitting there, in an open space looking so grand and holy. Of course by the time we parked and got out of the car - as it does often here in sunny <--- pure sarcasm England - it started to rain. The sky was grey and dull and a drizzle began to fall, so just like London I have grey pictures. Jess wearing a short sleeve shirt, shorts and sandals -it doesn't get overly hot in England so as soon as there is a bit of sunshine the Brits swarm to the beach even if it's 20 degrees out they are in shorts and tank tops as if they are on a tropical island - puts on her ski jacket, it was quite the fashion statement.
Stonehenge
Before we even stepped foot on the path surrounding the monument I was snapping pictures I was so excited to be on a little history field trip for the afternoon I had seen a picture of it and said to Dan "wow baby that looks cool, can we go" his response "it's just some rocks." Was he ever wrong.
Stonehenge is located in the English county of Wiltshire (about an hour North from where we are). The history of it is quite interesting. The first phase began in 3100 BC with the last known construction being around 1600 BC, the first phase was the circular bank and ditch that surrounds the monument. The sturcture that is standing is what is left of the original structure, you can no longer walk into at as parts of it were stolen by collectors. The stones with the blank like stone going across the top is the outer part of the structure, they (at one point) formed a a connecting circle. The inner part of the circle consisted of two half horseshoes of (smaller) bluestone sturctures and the central stone structure (please don't quote me I know I am a little confused on the structure).
The actual purpose behind it is unknown, to think that the outer ditch and the structure itself could be linked it is incredible considering the amount of years in between. The structure was built around the same time as the Egyptian Pyramids and like the Pyramids (and of course the Sphynx) it is not quite known how they built the structure as they did not have building apparatuses they way we do today. It is said the Sumarians were the ones that built the Sphynx so I am wondering if they had anything to do with the construction of this?
A Calendar
Like I stated above the actual purpose behind it is not actually known though one belief is that it was used a calendar. At certain times of the year when the sun shines through the central stone structure it will shine through one of the outer circle openings and that represents June, the next month it will do the same thing except it will be through the next stone on the left, further left in August and so on.
Heelstone
The Heelstone is outside of the entrance to Stonehenge and it leans inwards towards the circle. If you stand northeast at the entrance of the sturcture, the sun will rise over the heelstone during summer solstice.
More Stories
It has also been said that the rocks are healing rocks called the Giants dance, which giants had brought from Africa to Ireland for their healing purposes.
It has also been said that they are related to the druids.
It is also said that the surrounding land was used for burials and when you leave the monument and head back to the parking lot you can see burial mounds surrounding the area; it's a little weird.
The history and stories behind it is really interesting there is soo much to write about but if you would like some more information on it please Click Here .
I love looking at places like Stonehenge, trying to picture what it was like thousands of years ago, how they built it, what really went on there, what it was used for. I found it so mysterious and as much it wasn't an old ruin of the colesium or a natural wonder like Ayers Rock and the Olga's I couldn't take my eyes off of it. I always feel so trans -like around structures and world wonders, I really just want to know as much as I can about them and be a sponge their history and culture. I really thought it was incrdible how it can be used as a calendar, a lot more interesting then our electronic ones these days lol sometimes I feel like we have lost the true essence of life with all our electronics and factory made things. Stonehenge mmight have taken thousands of years but it definatly lasts longer and doesn't go out of date as fast as my computer does.
After Stonehenge, Jess took me to Winchester to the house where she grew up to have dinner with her parents. The drive, although rainy was nice. We of course talked but I really enjoyed the scenery. Winchester is more country living with english type cottages that remind me of something out of a fairy tale very rounded and cozy looking, lots of trees and...I dont know I said to Jess that it almost looked like something out of a book, like it didn't look real, it looked like a fairy tale place that you would only find in the pages of a book, that really is the only way I can describe it.
After a lovely dinner with her parents - her mum didn't understand why I wouldn't drink any wine - it was time to go home but Jess wanted to drive me through the New Forest where we could see wild horses. "That's really great Jess but umm, it's dark outside now, how am I suppossed to take pictures or see anything." "Oh, I never thought about that." "When you said you wanted to take me after dinner I knew it was going to be dark but I figured you knew what you were doing" Yes, two blondes, it makes sense.
We did drive through the New Forest, I would love to talk about the flowers and the big trees over hanging on the road that made it like a tunnel, but it was pitch black our only light was from the headlights of Jess's car. We did see some wild horses, I pulled out my camera to take some video but it's really not that exciting as when they leave the glare from the headlights you can't see anything and it's quite pointless. I can say that in the New Forest they have towns. It really looked incrdible so I would definately like to go back again, plus there are heaps of hiking trails so it's definatly a day adventure.
Things are going really great here...Dan is doing so well at work and they really like him. I have been helping out at the neighbours. I have been cleaning and trust me it really needs to be cleaned. It took me 3 and a half hours to scrub their kitchen and 2 hours to scrub and clean out the fridge, I still have to scrub the walls and vacum up the spiders in the corners lol. "How lucky are we, we have a made." said his 7 year old daughter he tried explaining to her I wasnt a maid but I guess in her eyes I am. There is a lot to be done, the up keep of little things like sweeping is neglected as well as the major things so its taking some time but they are giving me some money so it is really helping Dan and I at the moment - with the getting paid monthly he still hasn't seen his first cheque yet. I also have a job interview at a cafe on Thursday so I am really excited. Finally everything is falling into place for us.
I have been keeping really busy. My book was published last week, I have begun writing another one and TOMORROW (Wednesday) I am appearing as a guest travel blogger on www.iwalk4love.com every month, twice a month! I am really excited! I'm really starting to get my writting out there and I am super excited to see where it takes me. Please follow the webpage for my updates, it will be blogs, travel tips and postcards - some of my photography! It's going to be great! So please don't forget to check the webpage tomorrow - to be honest, seeing my name and picture up there was almost as good as seeing my name in lights :)
*all notes and info about Stonehenge was taken (and possibly quoted) from Wikipedia. Please go to www.wikipedia.com for more information on Stonehenge*
Sunday, August 26, 2012
London!
"So your Big Ben" I said quietly to myself as I stood in front of the famous clock. It wasn't what I was expecting, it was actually quite underwhelming. I mean I had the excitement I always have going to a new place but I was absolutely exhausted. I was up at the crack of dawn to grab an early coach so I could have a full day in London.
I booked the wrong ticket...well...not exactly the wrong ticket. My ticket was from Bournemouth to Victoria, but I was getting off in Hammersmith. "Baby just get on the bus and when they call Hammersmith just hop off, I used to do it all the time;" but of course I always having to have the exact instructions and directions I asked one of the drivers, "excuse me, this is my first time in England and I didn't realize I could book my bus to Hammersmith is there anyway I can hop off there." "Well not all of the coaches going to Victoria stop in Hammersmith, but if you get on mine I will make sure you get off there." See, if I hadn't of asked I wouldn't have been able to get off at Hammersmith and ended up in Victoria where I would've had to back track it by the tube, and everyone gets lost on the Tube.
A short two hours later I arrived in Hammrsmith (an hour shorter than going to Victoria). I wasn't able to check in to my hostel yet so I put my stuff in a locker and off I went.
I was told by the front desk at the hostel that I could get a day pass that includes the bus and the tube, but the guy at the information counter said that no that wasn't true and if I wanted to take the bus to the Tate Modern then I had to transfer from bus 9 to 11. I went down to the main floor in the station to purchase my ticket where I was told that yes, I can buy an all day pass for both the bus and the tube and if I wanted to take the bus to the Tate Modern I had to grab the number 10 bus; definatly not what the other guy told me. She also tossed a Tube map at me that she circled in three places "What is this I dont really understand this map, I have never been here before." "Thats what I was trying to tell you, you get on here" she said pointing to the first circle "you transfer here" second circle" and you get off here. Next." I looked at the map which was colours with names, I had absolutely no idea what lines they were as some stops had three colours and more then one train to hop on for the transfer. Lost, thats where I would be, not just in London but lost in London. I really wanted to take the Tube just for the sake of taking it but Dan had freaked me out so much about taking it "you will get lost, everyone gets lost, you will end up in Wimbeldon and wont be able to find your way back." Gee thanks for the pep talk babe; he seems to forget I was backpacking fine on my own before I met him. Anyways I decided to take the bus. I went back up to the info booth - same guy- "I was told I have to take the number 10 bus to the Tate Modern" "Nope, take the 9 and trasnfer to the 11" "ok and where would I get the bus" "over there" he said pointing to the otherside of the terminal like I knew where I was supposed to wait.
It was a red double decker bus! Awesome, I sat up top so I could look out at the city. The ride was long, it took almost two hours for me to get to the area I needed to be in. There was so much traffic and it was raining when I had to make my transfer. I was so angry at this point, exhausted, irritated, hungry and was ready to head back to the hostel to sleep, but I only had one day there so I really wanted to make it count.
I looked up at the digital bus timetable, 8 minutes. It was raining but the street I was had a warm cozy vibe to it; there were old fashioned black taxies and my bus shelter was right in front of the Waldorf Hotel that looked very lush with its theatre like lights and black framing. 8 minutes, not too long; 11 minutes, it must be stuck in traffic. 9 minutes, 7 minutes 11 minutes, 8 minutes, 11 minutes...11 minutes...11 minutes; the original 8 minutes was taking soo long and I was getting more moody by the minute.
I didn't have to wait long and the bus ride was short, thank god, and instantly as I stepped off my exhaustion and anger was washed away by the buzz of the city. I was going to the Tate Modern to meet up with my friend Jess I met in Queenstown - for lunch. I walked by the St. James Cathedral, along the Millenium Bridge to cross over the River Thames. Zen like music with calm talking played out on speakers along the bridge, and out to my left, out in the distance was the Tower Bridge displaying the Olympic symbol.
It was really great to see Jess, we hadn't seen eachother for a year and a half and we had only known eachother for about 48 hours in New Zealand but we never ran out of things to talk about. Lunch was great, I just had a veggie wrap but I was so hungry I think even a can of tuna would've been satisfying enough. After lunch Jess had to go back to work so off I went along the path (which Jess told me to take) along the River Thames.
The Thames isn't much too look at, I mean the views from where I was looking across the Thames were nice but the river itself didn't look overly exciting; it was brown. Yuck! But the walk was still enjoyable. I had no idea how artsy London was, there were so many interesting things to look at, watch and listen to; indie musicians, skateboarders in a graffitied out skate park, a cafe bar built with sheets of metal making it look like a construction site, a big family stage theatre with oversized furniture made out of fake grass, an old red fire truck now used as a hot dog stand, it was all so awesome. The vibe was great, I really wanted to park myself down with a tent and sleeping bag and enjoy this artsy pat of London for as long as I could, it was fab! Next in front of me was the London Eye. I got dizzy trying to look up all the way to the top - for those of you that don't know what it is, its a massive ferris wheel that you can see all of London from - the thing is is massive...and no, I didn't go on it, I wont go unless I have someone with me as I really dont think complete strangers would appriciate my panic that would set in with my vertigo.
Up ahead, on the other side of the Thames, was Big Ben.
You know how when you pour a bucket of water on sand and then you pick up the wet sand and you squish it in your hand and you let it drop into into piles creating an interesting looking sand castle? Well thats what the Big Ben building looked like, a rustic gold colour that looked like a wet-sand sand castle; red double decker buses passing infront of it along the Westinminster Bridge over the River Thames, the hustle and bustle of the city, it was picture perfect.
I just stood and stared at it. It was a lot smaller then it seemed to be on television, and the big round-a-bout in front of it was also a lot smaller, I expected some sort of massivness...but I have learned nothing seems to be what it is on TV, I have lived in Hollywood I should know this already.
I had no idea what bus I had to take, all I knew is that I had to go West back to Hammersmith. The sun came back out. One bus driver I dont think knew what I was talking about and the other one pointed accross the street and to the right. with streets coming out of the round-a-about I had no idea which across-the-street he was talking about so I decided to take the Tube. There was a man working there who seemed to know every single Tube line to take and was pointing everyone in the directions they needed to go. I went down one level and to the right. I must've looked terrified as I stood on the tube, I definately had tourist written all over my face, my eyes popping out of my face like a deer caught in headlights, LOL! I was wondering how safe it was, not because of the people but the Tube itself. It rattled and shook and jerked this way and that, it sounded and felt like I was on an old wooden rollercoaster at Canada's Wonderland, except this was inclosed and underground. I can proudly say I rode the Tube without getting lost and will definatley do it again next time I am in London.
Jess came by for a few drinks at the hostel pub. It was really great, it was like we had been life long friends with no time apart. We talked about our travels and me getting married and just all that girl stuff that I miss so much with my girls from back home, it was just what I needed. We could've talked late into the night but she had to be up for work and I was completely beat and decided to call it a night and meet up at a future date. The musing pouring in my room from down below would normally keep me awake...I could here the songs word for word but completely exhausted and traveling with my iPod I just popped in my earbuds and was asleep in no time.
My coach the next day wasn't leaving till 2pm but hammersmith is quite away from the city centre and I didn't really want to carry my bag all around the city with me so I decided to take an earlier coach. I called the company and there was a coach leaving down the street from the hostel in 20 minutes, I just had to pay 5 pounds for changing my pick up time and location. The driver had one spot left on the coach and when I went to pay him he told me to put it in a charity box; I must say being a solo female traveler has it's perks, they don't happen much when I am with Dan ;).
Still, no Coronation Street.
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Some Wonderful Entertainment and The Land of the Queen!
As little as we have done since we have been here we have still managed to get stuff done. Dan got offered the job as a shift manager at a restaurant chain - the interview he went to the day after we got here - which he is really excited about; and he also managed to get his papers signed.
On top of getting our taxes back we also get to claim our Superannuation fund which is a pension you pay into while working in Australia; the only problem is we had to get heaps of stuff signed. We have to photocopy our passports, work visas, arrival and depature stamps and get it all signed - two copies of each - by a police officer, doctor, pharmacist etc.; like when getting your passport. We had to wait to get to England due to the language barrier in France but the problem in England is that no one will sign the papers for us! The local pharmacist said no because we dont have an account with her so we went to the police station only to be welcomed by a sign on the door that said "this station no longer has counter service." We went to another police station in the next a few days later this time being welcomed by a sign that said "this police station has been moved," though it was only across the street. We waited for half an hour our only entertainment being an irate teenager who was cussing and saying how dumb and stupid the cops were, and a drugged/drunken girl - well really I dont know how old she was as she was bloated with leathery skin, and looked years beyond her acutal age - who I thought was on a cellphone but was actually talking out loud to herself but wanting to involve all the people waiting into her onesided conversation. "I have to sign in because they think I am gonna leave the country. Idiots. I'm not gonna leave" and then the angry words of the teenager "fucking cops they are so stupid" with her replying "now you know how I feel. Haha, they think I am gonna leave, I'm not gonna leave..." It was interesting, though to be quite honest I was more disgusted by the teenager then by her. He was swearing and slammed the front door and his mother just looked at me with a sad smile. "Wow" I thought "I would never speak like that in public, especially at a police station, at his age, my parents would've smacked me silly, even now they would and I'm a married woman. He had no respect and his mother obviously didn't seem to care, she didnt even tell him to calm down...some people I tell ya!
Anyways after our wonderful (pure sarcasm) half our of entertainment we finally got to speak to someone only to be told that the Chief Constable of Dorset does not allow police officers to sign any papers whatsoever; "we can only sign them if we know who you are and that is only under certain circumstances" "well, no offence" I replied "I hope you guys don't know me." He smiled and said "sorry I can't help you." Now what? Well Dan had a doctors appointment today and his doctor is signing them which is great news. Mine? Well I have to go to my Embassy in London and pay over $100 (Canadian) to get them all signed, and I can only go Tuesday or Thursday between 2-4pm. WTF? Lol. It's alright, Dan is getting his signed and when we get some more money in I will be able to get mine done. At least one of us is getting it done, and at least one of us is officially employed :) things are finally looking up.
Tomorrow, it's London for me - though I am not getting my papers signed, it will be Wednesday and Thursday I leave before the signing hours - I am super excited. Unfortunately I won't get to see Kate, plans got changed around but I have a few other friends I have met along my travels. I can't wait. It will be just me and the Land of the Queen.
On top of getting our taxes back we also get to claim our Superannuation fund which is a pension you pay into while working in Australia; the only problem is we had to get heaps of stuff signed. We have to photocopy our passports, work visas, arrival and depature stamps and get it all signed - two copies of each - by a police officer, doctor, pharmacist etc.; like when getting your passport. We had to wait to get to England due to the language barrier in France but the problem in England is that no one will sign the papers for us! The local pharmacist said no because we dont have an account with her so we went to the police station only to be welcomed by a sign on the door that said "this station no longer has counter service." We went to another police station in the next a few days later this time being welcomed by a sign that said "this police station has been moved," though it was only across the street. We waited for half an hour our only entertainment being an irate teenager who was cussing and saying how dumb and stupid the cops were, and a drugged/drunken girl - well really I dont know how old she was as she was bloated with leathery skin, and looked years beyond her acutal age - who I thought was on a cellphone but was actually talking out loud to herself but wanting to involve all the people waiting into her onesided conversation. "I have to sign in because they think I am gonna leave the country. Idiots. I'm not gonna leave" and then the angry words of the teenager "fucking cops they are so stupid" with her replying "now you know how I feel. Haha, they think I am gonna leave, I'm not gonna leave..." It was interesting, though to be quite honest I was more disgusted by the teenager then by her. He was swearing and slammed the front door and his mother just looked at me with a sad smile. "Wow" I thought "I would never speak like that in public, especially at a police station, at his age, my parents would've smacked me silly, even now they would and I'm a married woman. He had no respect and his mother obviously didn't seem to care, she didnt even tell him to calm down...some people I tell ya!
Anyways after our wonderful (pure sarcasm) half our of entertainment we finally got to speak to someone only to be told that the Chief Constable of Dorset does not allow police officers to sign any papers whatsoever; "we can only sign them if we know who you are and that is only under certain circumstances" "well, no offence" I replied "I hope you guys don't know me." He smiled and said "sorry I can't help you." Now what? Well Dan had a doctors appointment today and his doctor is signing them which is great news. Mine? Well I have to go to my Embassy in London and pay over $100 (Canadian) to get them all signed, and I can only go Tuesday or Thursday between 2-4pm. WTF? Lol. It's alright, Dan is getting his signed and when we get some more money in I will be able to get mine done. At least one of us is getting it done, and at least one of us is officially employed :) things are finally looking up.
Tomorrow, it's London for me - though I am not getting my papers signed, it will be Wednesday and Thursday I leave before the signing hours - I am super excited. Unfortunately I won't get to see Kate, plans got changed around but I have a few other friends I have met along my travels. I can't wait. It will be just me and the Land of the Queen.
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Where is Coronation Street?
I didn't get my cat-nap before we left for England, though I dont know if it would've helped anyway. I slept on the way to the ferry - well the upper half of my body was on the two seats in the back of the cammper while my legs were resting on Dan who was snuggled nicely on the floor wrapped up in our duvet - but it wasn't the most comfortable sleeping arrangment, and everytime Dan moved I had to adjust my legs. The ferry ride was alright, 2hrs, nice views as we left France as well as nice views as we entered England.
Customs was easy. They just said "you are only aloud to stay 6 months" and stamped my passport - yay new stamp! After we drove through customs we had to pull over so a police officer could check the van - incase we had any stowaways - and check our passports. "Who is the Canadian" he asked "Hi that's me!" I said popping my head out the window. "Where in Canada you from?" "Toronto, Ontario." "Oh ya" "Do you know it?" "No. Not really, but I have been to Victoria." It was one of the nicest experinences I have had going through customs, friendly and no intimidation.
It doesn't look like what I pictured England to look like with small little streets, little cars and little town-house-like residences. I kept saying "Where is Coronation Street? Where are the little streets with the row of little English houses?" But to no avale did I get to see a Coronation-like street, though the houses are smaller here. They are built out of concrete and are quite narrow which makes them look taller then they are, and they are built quite close together - England is a small country and quite overpopulated so they need to squeeze together (so Dan says) - however, they are quite spacious and not a little cramped; well Dans parents place isn't, which is where we are staying. It's the house that Dan grew up in! Kind of cool, we are even in his old bedroom. I asked him "did you ever think you would be living in this room with your wife?" "I never thought I would be living back in this house, ever" was his reply. He is not overly keen being back in England, he hates it, even though it's only temporary he is still not happy about it and he can't wait till we can leave again; we have no idea when that will be yet.
He is enjoying seeing his friends again but if we had the money I know he we would be on a plane to Thailand tomorrow lol. I have met a few of his friends. The day after we got here we went for dinner and then drinks, well, I of course played Mother Hen while the others got smashed. Mike (Dans best mate) was always wandering off and popping up randomly throughout the night. Carli (Dans other best mate) doesn't like going to public toilets by herself so everytime she had to go she was like "Emmie, come wee with me"; and Dan, well he is just something else altogether when he drinks, though getting him to leave was easy as it was his idea to go home, and the cab was one of the little English cars you see in Coronation street, loved it! The bar itself was alright, sometimes I feel my bar-nights, are slowly concluding; young girls dancing in too-short skirts grinding against eachother, songs are played more then once and guys trying to get late and everyone absolutely mangled with no communication or walking skills. It's really cheap to drink here as the economy is quite bad at the moment, but I guess cheap drinks means cheap service. We waited at the bar 25 minutes for our drinks! I know, for a night club it happens but the place maybe had a hundred people in it and at this point no one was really buying anymore drinks due to their intoxication levels. The bar was just a line of people, not even two people deep and 4 bartenders. The bartender kept serving everybody but us, and when I tried to tell her we were next she ignored me and served someone else. She finally served us and when I complained and she says "we are really busy and there are only 4 of us working tonigh" I just looked at her! "Busy?" I replied "I dont know about you but a line of people along the bar not even two people deep is not busy, and there are 4 of you. If you cant handle that you really shouldn't be a bartender." She just looked at me. "Oh and with my drinks could I have a manager?" I explained the situation to the manager, I said I didn't want a free round or to get anyone fired, but there was absolutely no reason for us to stand at a bar for 25 minutes when it's not busy. Grrr....I hate incompetent bartenders.
A few nights later Dan wanted to go to a drumb and base rave with some of his mates so I stayed in and had drinks with his sister (she lives in the house as well), and we got to know eachother. We've been shopping in Bournemouth Centre. It kind of reminded me of The Grove in LA except it's not as enclosed, but it's got that high end sort of feel to it. It was buzzing with people and had live entertainment going on, maybe others dont dont feel the vibe the way I do, it could b3e because I found France so quiet with it's ghost towns that swarms of people and noise is exciting more so now than usual. There is a shop called Primark it's kind of a mix between H&M meets Urban Behaviour meets Forever 21 except it's super cheap! T-shirts are 1 pound = $1.60, it's awesome and it's my new favourite place, I got some things as all I have is summer clothing and I needed some warmer stuff for here. We have walked to Boscome Town Centre a few times, the layout of it reminds me of Darwin CBD with its walkway down the centre with benches and lined on either side with shops, but where Darwin CBD was almost void of people Boscome is full on busy with people, and some quite sketchy people I might add, but Dan keeps me safe lol.
The other morning we walked down to Fisherman's Walk Beach. It stretches for miles down either side of the coast; one side stretches to cliffs which are small black silhouettes in the far distance and the other stretches to the expensive area with it's mansions. The weather wasn't the greates but there was still quite a few people out enjoying the English sun that only shares its heat when it feels like it. The beach is lined with beach huts, there must be 200 of them. The just stretch all along the walk way, different colours, and some bigger than others; there was nothing overly remarkable about them but I get excited in new countries so everything seems awesome to me.
We have settled in quite nicely here. Dan is waiting to hear back on a job sometime this week, so we are keeping our fingers crossed for that and we still have more money coming from Australia - not gonna get ino that, its our Superannuation Funds and we are going with a different company - so hopefully after a few months we can head off. I like it here I'm comfortable, and I think it's good for Dan to spend time with his family as we have decided Canada is going to be where we settle and we don't know when he will get to see his family and friends again; but he still wants to leave asap. LOL. Oh well, it will happen, we just have to be patient.
As for me I am off to London next week! Yes without Dan. He actually didn't want to go - as I said he hates England - with me and was going to convince his sister to take me, but it just so happens that my friend Kate is coming out from Austrlia and we haven't seen eachother since eachother since California <---check out blog - so it has been quite a long time; I did see both her brother and sister in Austrlia but her and I never got the chance to meet up. So it's London town next week. Do you think I will find Coronation Street?
Customs was easy. They just said "you are only aloud to stay 6 months" and stamped my passport - yay new stamp! After we drove through customs we had to pull over so a police officer could check the van - incase we had any stowaways - and check our passports. "Who is the Canadian" he asked "Hi that's me!" I said popping my head out the window. "Where in Canada you from?" "Toronto, Ontario." "Oh ya" "Do you know it?" "No. Not really, but I have been to Victoria." It was one of the nicest experinences I have had going through customs, friendly and no intimidation.
It doesn't look like what I pictured England to look like with small little streets, little cars and little town-house-like residences. I kept saying "Where is Coronation Street? Where are the little streets with the row of little English houses?" But to no avale did I get to see a Coronation-like street, though the houses are smaller here. They are built out of concrete and are quite narrow which makes them look taller then they are, and they are built quite close together - England is a small country and quite overpopulated so they need to squeeze together (so Dan says) - however, they are quite spacious and not a little cramped; well Dans parents place isn't, which is where we are staying. It's the house that Dan grew up in! Kind of cool, we are even in his old bedroom. I asked him "did you ever think you would be living in this room with your wife?" "I never thought I would be living back in this house, ever" was his reply. He is not overly keen being back in England, he hates it, even though it's only temporary he is still not happy about it and he can't wait till we can leave again; we have no idea when that will be yet.
He is enjoying seeing his friends again but if we had the money I know he we would be on a plane to Thailand tomorrow lol. I have met a few of his friends. The day after we got here we went for dinner and then drinks, well, I of course played Mother Hen while the others got smashed. Mike (Dans best mate) was always wandering off and popping up randomly throughout the night. Carli (Dans other best mate) doesn't like going to public toilets by herself so everytime she had to go she was like "Emmie, come wee with me"; and Dan, well he is just something else altogether when he drinks, though getting him to leave was easy as it was his idea to go home, and the cab was one of the little English cars you see in Coronation street, loved it! The bar itself was alright, sometimes I feel my bar-nights, are slowly concluding; young girls dancing in too-short skirts grinding against eachother, songs are played more then once and guys trying to get late and everyone absolutely mangled with no communication or walking skills. It's really cheap to drink here as the economy is quite bad at the moment, but I guess cheap drinks means cheap service. We waited at the bar 25 minutes for our drinks! I know, for a night club it happens but the place maybe had a hundred people in it and at this point no one was really buying anymore drinks due to their intoxication levels. The bar was just a line of people, not even two people deep and 4 bartenders. The bartender kept serving everybody but us, and when I tried to tell her we were next she ignored me and served someone else. She finally served us and when I complained and she says "we are really busy and there are only 4 of us working tonigh" I just looked at her! "Busy?" I replied "I dont know about you but a line of people along the bar not even two people deep is not busy, and there are 4 of you. If you cant handle that you really shouldn't be a bartender." She just looked at me. "Oh and with my drinks could I have a manager?" I explained the situation to the manager, I said I didn't want a free round or to get anyone fired, but there was absolutely no reason for us to stand at a bar for 25 minutes when it's not busy. Grrr....I hate incompetent bartenders.
A few nights later Dan wanted to go to a drumb and base rave with some of his mates so I stayed in and had drinks with his sister (she lives in the house as well), and we got to know eachother. We've been shopping in Bournemouth Centre. It kind of reminded me of The Grove in LA except it's not as enclosed, but it's got that high end sort of feel to it. It was buzzing with people and had live entertainment going on, maybe others dont dont feel the vibe the way I do, it could b3e because I found France so quiet with it's ghost towns that swarms of people and noise is exciting more so now than usual. There is a shop called Primark it's kind of a mix between H&M meets Urban Behaviour meets Forever 21 except it's super cheap! T-shirts are 1 pound = $1.60, it's awesome and it's my new favourite place, I got some things as all I have is summer clothing and I needed some warmer stuff for here. We have walked to Boscome Town Centre a few times, the layout of it reminds me of Darwin CBD with its walkway down the centre with benches and lined on either side with shops, but where Darwin CBD was almost void of people Boscome is full on busy with people, and some quite sketchy people I might add, but Dan keeps me safe lol.
The other morning we walked down to Fisherman's Walk Beach. It stretches for miles down either side of the coast; one side stretches to cliffs which are small black silhouettes in the far distance and the other stretches to the expensive area with it's mansions. The weather wasn't the greates but there was still quite a few people out enjoying the English sun that only shares its heat when it feels like it. The beach is lined with beach huts, there must be 200 of them. The just stretch all along the walk way, different colours, and some bigger than others; there was nothing overly remarkable about them but I get excited in new countries so everything seems awesome to me.
We have settled in quite nicely here. Dan is waiting to hear back on a job sometime this week, so we are keeping our fingers crossed for that and we still have more money coming from Australia - not gonna get ino that, its our Superannuation Funds and we are going with a different company - so hopefully after a few months we can head off. I like it here I'm comfortable, and I think it's good for Dan to spend time with his family as we have decided Canada is going to be where we settle and we don't know when he will get to see his family and friends again; but he still wants to leave asap. LOL. Oh well, it will happen, we just have to be patient.
As for me I am off to London next week! Yes without Dan. He actually didn't want to go - as I said he hates England - with me and was going to convince his sister to take me, but it just so happens that my friend Kate is coming out from Austrlia and we haven't seen eachother since eachother since California <---check out blog - so it has been quite a long time; I did see both her brother and sister in Austrlia but her and I never got the chance to meet up. So it's London town next week. Do you think I will find Coronation Street?
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