I just walked back to Jamie's flat from Uxbridge. Tonight is my last night here. I get to move into my flat tomorrow. I bought hangers today in anticipation... I have a pot, a pan, a towel, a blanket, coffee I acquired at the market in Cambridge yesterday, a french press, a jar of apricot jam, and two cheap art prints that are colorful to put up in the flat.
I am so excited to ground, and to unpack my suitcases, and to sleep in a bed that is, for the next year at least, mine :). I feel like I've been running on adrenaline for the last three weeks.
My new job is proving, daily, to be larger in scope than I had anticipated - and this goes well beyond the math that I was so concerned about (which I still am, but with a small class, it is more of a tutorial, and thus a bit less pressure - so onward with numbers!). Suffice to say, I have my work cut out for me, and though I have students with generally a greater sense of ability, I am essentially re-inventing the wheel so to speak here. For years, I have been one member of a team of professionals, and I am suddenly a team of one - daunting! I am my mother's daughter, I never back down from a challenge, but jeez - does this feel like Princess Buttercup looking up at the Cliffs of Insanity (Princess Bride reference, for those of you going, what??).
I went to the movies here (they call it the cinema) for the first time tonight. What a trip! First off, they asked me where I wanted to sit - premium seating vs. regular seating? I actually had to (or, maybe got to?) choose my seat from a little screen. Then came the concessions counter. There is an entire counter devoted to ice-cream - which threw me off. I went to get my popcorn (a move is not a movie without popcorn, in my humble opinion) - and the dude asked me if I wanted sweet or salted popcorn. "I beg your pardon, what?" Apparently, you can get a bucket (not the huge ass tubs or bags we have in the states) of either kettle type sweet popcorn, or salted popcorn. They do not put butter, buttery oil, or buttery type substance on the popcorn. They simply fill your container, fill your soda (without ice - but it's cold, and a little goes a long way this way) and you go to your seat. And about 10 minutes before the movie starts, an employee comes in and checks every single person's ticket for their row and seat number. That job officially overtakes my previously least desirable job (telemarketer). Then 20 minutes of commercials with two hideously long previews, and finally, the movie...
While I was watching the movie, I periodically thought of Em, the boys, and those I love back in NH and MA, and the fierce wind and rain Irene has brought on. I wish I could blanket everyone in warmth and safety. I continue to miss the familiar, have at least one solid evening each week where everything is hard and unusual, and different in a totally non-endearing way that makes me question my sanity in making this move.
I wish I could call my mom at least twice a day, especially when I see the pink sky at sunset just over the brick row housing chimneys, or I hear a child call out, "mummy". It is in so many ways because of her that I am even able to have this experience, yet, this is so big - the first big thing I've experienced in my life without being able to bounce it off her, or to make it real just by telling her about it. I dream she is with me, seeing the same pink sky, holding my hand as I walk through the uneven streets of London, and winking at me from the seat across from me on my way home on the tube or on the bus. So, she is here, I suppose....
On that note... Onto more re-packing to fit stuff in every little pouch, corner, and bag. Tomorrow, I go to my new home.
Love,
Jo
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Monday, August 22, 2011
First Day of School...
It was AWESOME!!! The kids were great, it was easy, and though I did not hand out detentions as Em suggested, I almost got a detention myself - apparently it was a no no to allow students to sit on the desks during Homeroom. I didn't even notice it - as in previous schools, if I didn't get a f^*&$ you during the course of a day, it was a good day. I didn't even notice where or how the kids were sitting as I was so excited and nervous to meet them.
The students are unlike any I've worked with - I am consistently reminded that it's ok to leave my things in my room, as people don't steal, and the kids appear to have a level of investment in their education (ok, yes I know it's day one, but this is the message that is spread from most staff) that I haven't experienced in a while. They are polite, and I find myself really thrown off by how trusted they are (no hall passes needed, rarely is there a detention - and I think one kid was suspended last year - for the one fight there was at school). I'm sure true colors will show soon, but generally, the expectations are so clear, and some of the daily battles I experienced in previous teaching years would appear to not occur here. This is not to say that other battles and obstacles won't take the place of the previous ones.... We'll see if I have the same opinion in a month.
It's a beautiful day today, soon to be replaced by 4 days of rain - or what my mom used to call "fine soft weather".
Happy week ahead to you all!
J
The students are unlike any I've worked with - I am consistently reminded that it's ok to leave my things in my room, as people don't steal, and the kids appear to have a level of investment in their education (ok, yes I know it's day one, but this is the message that is spread from most staff) that I haven't experienced in a while. They are polite, and I find myself really thrown off by how trusted they are (no hall passes needed, rarely is there a detention - and I think one kid was suspended last year - for the one fight there was at school). I'm sure true colors will show soon, but generally, the expectations are so clear, and some of the daily battles I experienced in previous teaching years would appear to not occur here. This is not to say that other battles and obstacles won't take the place of the previous ones.... We'll see if I have the same opinion in a month.
It's a beautiful day today, soon to be replaced by 4 days of rain - or what my mom used to call "fine soft weather".
Happy week ahead to you all!
J
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Dreams, sleeping in, and the cultural education of shopping centers...
What an interesting several hours - I have no major announcement, finding, or revelation, it's just been an interesting day...
I went in and out of sleep from 7am until 9:30am, in which time I had a dream about my mom. I dream about my mom with some regularity, but there have only been a couple of occasions where I have felt visited by her. This dream, I feel, was a visit. The context isn't important... I saw her as if in a crowd of sorts, told her I missed her, she blew me a kiss, told me she either loved or missed me (can't quite remember which). Last night I spent with my colleague in her flat, watching Pirate Radio, which I had seen before, but enjoyed even more now that I'm here - gawd, what great music (and Jen Sorkin and Shephard, I have been listening to your mixes alternating every day this week!). Anyway, my colleague has similarities to my mom, and last night reminded me of trips home as an adult - watching movies and such. I do not look at this lovely woman as a mother of sorts - we are fast friends and colleagues, and we have much in common, but I don't feel either the call or the urge regarding this woman as a mother figure - if that makes sense, but clearly, this experience brings about these memories and similarities, so perhaps there is a bit more meaning within this experience.
I spent the morning working, watching super nanny in the background - Jo is still awesome from here. Then I went to downtown uxbridge again - walked around outside. It was one of those lovely afternoons were solid rain gave way to a glorious sky and warmth.
This is the most diverse city I have ever encountered. Indian families, Sikh men walking deliberately about, West African men and women traveling together. I talked with two young girls (french speaking, so I figured they were from West Africa - "Je M'apelle Leticia, et toi? I walked into a little inside mall of sorts -similar to malls in the states, but with farmer's markets incorporated. Everyone either smells like cigarettes or strippers. Awesome or disgusting - which brings me to my point about the education of shopping centers. As the diversity is abundant, so is the diversity among the English - one is either very attractive, or a little hideous. This is a generalization, and for those who know me, I am not one to make those, as we are all individuals who make up the larger humanity of whatever, wherever. However, in this experience, I literally would walk by someone who looked like friggin Elle Macphersen, only to be followed by some version of quasi moto - in repetition. It was hard not to go, "oh how pretty... Oh dear, are you ok sir/miss? time after time.
Later that day...
I had a pint with two men from south London - total cockney guys, one was an avid Rugby player (who could give Tim a run for his money, Laura), and an avid football (soccer) player who attempted to distinguish the two, and why one was superior to the other. At this point, I'm leaning towards Rugby, merely because at this point it seems more entertaining and rugged.
I walked around some more, finally bought a watch from a mom and pop tiny little shop - when I left, she actually said "Cheerio Love" and it was all I could do to not jump up and down. I'm a complete dork!!
I went to the Frog and had a bite to eat - it was packed with many young men watching a soccer match (this is where I met the young West African girls) and wrote for a bit. It was really hard not to laugh heartily when I heard the guys call various players waynkahs (phonetic spelling).
Then I went to what is best described as my "favorite" local pub, and as I was beginning my blog, was approached by a Northern Irishman named Dermot (Kinda looks like Chris Cooper from The Town, with grayer hair). He talked about Northern Ireland - and yes, the Northern Ireland accent is really different and "thick" relatively. He was very proud of his country, and told me that if I ever go to Northern Ireland, I need to go to Derry. He was very nice and patriotic, and gave me an interesting perspective on his country's history.
It was a great mellow day. I have a lot more work to do, but am happy not to have to wake up early tomorrow. I may try to go to a cinema nearby for a movie...
Big Love,
J
I went in and out of sleep from 7am until 9:30am, in which time I had a dream about my mom. I dream about my mom with some regularity, but there have only been a couple of occasions where I have felt visited by her. This dream, I feel, was a visit. The context isn't important... I saw her as if in a crowd of sorts, told her I missed her, she blew me a kiss, told me she either loved or missed me (can't quite remember which). Last night I spent with my colleague in her flat, watching Pirate Radio, which I had seen before, but enjoyed even more now that I'm here - gawd, what great music (and Jen Sorkin and Shephard, I have been listening to your mixes alternating every day this week!). Anyway, my colleague has similarities to my mom, and last night reminded me of trips home as an adult - watching movies and such. I do not look at this lovely woman as a mother of sorts - we are fast friends and colleagues, and we have much in common, but I don't feel either the call or the urge regarding this woman as a mother figure - if that makes sense, but clearly, this experience brings about these memories and similarities, so perhaps there is a bit more meaning within this experience.
I spent the morning working, watching super nanny in the background - Jo is still awesome from here. Then I went to downtown uxbridge again - walked around outside. It was one of those lovely afternoons were solid rain gave way to a glorious sky and warmth.
This is the most diverse city I have ever encountered. Indian families, Sikh men walking deliberately about, West African men and women traveling together. I talked with two young girls (french speaking, so I figured they were from West Africa - "Je M'apelle Leticia, et toi? I walked into a little inside mall of sorts -similar to malls in the states, but with farmer's markets incorporated. Everyone either smells like cigarettes or strippers. Awesome or disgusting - which brings me to my point about the education of shopping centers. As the diversity is abundant, so is the diversity among the English - one is either very attractive, or a little hideous. This is a generalization, and for those who know me, I am not one to make those, as we are all individuals who make up the larger humanity of whatever, wherever. However, in this experience, I literally would walk by someone who looked like friggin Elle Macphersen, only to be followed by some version of quasi moto - in repetition. It was hard not to go, "oh how pretty... Oh dear, are you ok sir/miss? time after time.
Later that day...
I had a pint with two men from south London - total cockney guys, one was an avid Rugby player (who could give Tim a run for his money, Laura), and an avid football (soccer) player who attempted to distinguish the two, and why one was superior to the other. At this point, I'm leaning towards Rugby, merely because at this point it seems more entertaining and rugged.
I walked around some more, finally bought a watch from a mom and pop tiny little shop - when I left, she actually said "Cheerio Love" and it was all I could do to not jump up and down. I'm a complete dork!!
I went to the Frog and had a bite to eat - it was packed with many young men watching a soccer match (this is where I met the young West African girls) and wrote for a bit. It was really hard not to laugh heartily when I heard the guys call various players waynkahs (phonetic spelling).
Then I went to what is best described as my "favorite" local pub, and as I was beginning my blog, was approached by a Northern Irishman named Dermot (Kinda looks like Chris Cooper from The Town, with grayer hair). He talked about Northern Ireland - and yes, the Northern Ireland accent is really different and "thick" relatively. He was very proud of his country, and told me that if I ever go to Northern Ireland, I need to go to Derry. He was very nice and patriotic, and gave me an interesting perspective on his country's history.
It was a great mellow day. I have a lot more work to do, but am happy not to have to wake up early tomorrow. I may try to go to a cinema nearby for a movie...
Big Love,
J
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Getting Back on the Bike...
Literally and figuratively. I passed out while reading student profiles last night, only to wake at quarter of four, not to fall back to sleep. I was determined, even in my sleep deprivation, to have a better day.
And I rode a bike to work. As I was wobbling down the rode, like a 5 year old who just learned how to ride, I peddled on. Helmet and all.
The overwhelm won't resolve for a while, but even just a little better is better, right.
A big thanks to my friends and family for holding me from afar.
Tomorrow is Friday, then hopefully, sleep and maybe chip away at this mountain of work.
Hope you all have a good weekend.
Oh, and I will email my new temporary phone number soon!
And I rode a bike to work. As I was wobbling down the rode, like a 5 year old who just learned how to ride, I peddled on. Helmet and all.
The overwhelm won't resolve for a while, but even just a little better is better, right.
A big thanks to my friends and family for holding me from afar.
Tomorrow is Friday, then hopefully, sleep and maybe chip away at this mountain of work.
Hope you all have a good weekend.
Oh, and I will email my new temporary phone number soon!
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
you know what they say about honeymoons....
They always end... Sometimes with a glide back into reality, sometimes with a defeated thud.
Today was not either, and may have simply been an isolated experience, but I got a solid, vivid, technicolor snapshot of what is tough about this experience.
Everything was hard today. Nothing worked, I reached mental overload of new information at school, realized that I have only a few days left to develop some math curriculum and read a couple dozen kids profiles - and it's been one meeting after another of school system info - most of which is new, some of which I understand, all of which fries my mind before I can get to the true aspect of my job. I take comfort in the fact that many of my fellow new teachers have expressed the same thing (not that I take comfort in their lack of ease... you know what I mean, right?). The school server goes down all the time, for every thing I cross off my list, 8 take its place.
I spent parts of the day lugging heavy luggage out of the stuffy dorm, into my new temporary housing. I did not want to have to move twice, but it's half the price, offers a bit of company, and I am grateful for the offer.
I went grocery shopping for the first time here (mind-fuck weirdness doesn't cover it) - and, it took three attempts to pay for it with my card - I pretty much thought I would have lost it right there, started throwing my groceries all over the store, sobbing, and complaining that I hate this stupid expensive country, it's weird directions, crazy ass traffic, stuffy rooms, and warm beer.
I didn't do that though. I breathed a lot and kept moving. I haven't done a stitch of work (Left my laptop at work), I just finally ate, and my arms are shaking and stiff from all the carrying. I miss Em. I miss my dogs. I miss the familiarity of home - I realize now in this moment what a comfort the familiar is.
Well, I wanted to push beyond my comfort zone....
If I can move my body tomorrow, I'll try riding the bike to work. At the moment, I'm so resistant to the thought of that...
I'm gonna take my fussy, tired, cranky ass to bed.
Tomorrow is a new day.
Monday, August 15, 2011
The Solo Journey Begins
Emily has likely now landed back in Boston... I had a harder time than I had imagined with the idea of her leaving - which is to say, I knew it would be bittersweet, but didn't expect it to tug on my heart the way it did. I know part of that was simply the fear of being by myself, and by myself in an unfamiliar place. We have been so connected on a day to day basis for so long, it feels weird when we aren't with each other. And this is different than last summer when I was in Colorado - for obvious reasons...
October vacation is less than two months away....
I had a great day at school, finally connected with my Principal, who is awesome, and she was able to give structure and answers to many of my inquiries and imagining... I was able to set up my room a little more, even if just to get rid of the boxes, put up a couple of posters, and read a few files. The day flew by, as have many.
I struck up a conversation with and Irishman at dinner - I was sitting outside at a pub, having a really delicious veggie burger (the English have a spicy bean burger - a common vegetarian offer) - it was surprisingly flavorful and not heavy. Anyway, the content of the conversation is not remarkable, it was a simple exchange - what do you do, where are you from, what do you think of it here..., but I was able to make a connection with a stranger. For those of you worried about my aloneness here - don't worry, I have my wits about me, I don't share much, and am conscious of my surroundings.
So... The food... I've about had my fill of potatoes. Already. And today at lunch in the school cafeteria, I found myself devouring sauteed greens, which is not typical for me. Guess my body was needing some greens. I can't wait until I can go grocery shopping and start making myself food again.
I may get to stay with a fellow teacher until I can move into my flat - which will be both cheaper, and better ventilated. The colleague I may stay with bikes to/from work every day - which is not far, but as that is likely to be how I will get to work, I feel challenged by that particular mode of transport. The only thing that makes me a little intimidated is biking on public streets - the traffic is, well, interesting. If I thought the people of New England were aggressive and fast drivers - England driving is that, on speed. I mean, really.... The roads are narrow, and the cars/drivers essentially play chicken with each other to determine who will go before the other (known here as "to give way"), and I have felt a car within millimeters away from my person even walking to and from school.
However, I am determined to view any reasonable offer that comes my way as an opportunity to branch out (I am inspired by you in that regard Mrs. Kate Waldo-Fillion).
Okay, I am finally starting to adjust to the time change and am now fading. Now a few minutes of British TV - which is really just as obnoxious and fluffy as American TV - same stupid reality shows, same ridiculous sell for extravagance - but in a british accent. They do have Family Guy and Law and Order though, so that's enough - not that I do't have manuals, policies and student profiles to read....
As Always, Big Love!!
J
October vacation is less than two months away....
I had a great day at school, finally connected with my Principal, who is awesome, and she was able to give structure and answers to many of my inquiries and imagining... I was able to set up my room a little more, even if just to get rid of the boxes, put up a couple of posters, and read a few files. The day flew by, as have many.
I struck up a conversation with and Irishman at dinner - I was sitting outside at a pub, having a really delicious veggie burger (the English have a spicy bean burger - a common vegetarian offer) - it was surprisingly flavorful and not heavy. Anyway, the content of the conversation is not remarkable, it was a simple exchange - what do you do, where are you from, what do you think of it here..., but I was able to make a connection with a stranger. For those of you worried about my aloneness here - don't worry, I have my wits about me, I don't share much, and am conscious of my surroundings.
So... The food... I've about had my fill of potatoes. Already. And today at lunch in the school cafeteria, I found myself devouring sauteed greens, which is not typical for me. Guess my body was needing some greens. I can't wait until I can go grocery shopping and start making myself food again.
I may get to stay with a fellow teacher until I can move into my flat - which will be both cheaper, and better ventilated. The colleague I may stay with bikes to/from work every day - which is not far, but as that is likely to be how I will get to work, I feel challenged by that particular mode of transport. The only thing that makes me a little intimidated is biking on public streets - the traffic is, well, interesting. If I thought the people of New England were aggressive and fast drivers - England driving is that, on speed. I mean, really.... The roads are narrow, and the cars/drivers essentially play chicken with each other to determine who will go before the other (known here as "to give way"), and I have felt a car within millimeters away from my person even walking to and from school.
However, I am determined to view any reasonable offer that comes my way as an opportunity to branch out (I am inspired by you in that regard Mrs. Kate Waldo-Fillion).
Okay, I am finally starting to adjust to the time change and am now fading. Now a few minutes of British TV - which is really just as obnoxious and fluffy as American TV - same stupid reality shows, same ridiculous sell for extravagance - but in a british accent. They do have Family Guy and Law and Order though, so that's enough - not that I do't have manuals, policies and student profiles to read....
As Always, Big Love!!
J
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Moving Right Along :)
Most of my teaching materials have arrived from Manchester, so I was fortunate to be able to unpack some of my room yesterday.
Flat hunting turned out to be a positive experience. The housing coordinator, Maxine, was an absolute Angel - funny, cheeky, knowledgeable, and had us looking at great flats. I was really committed to living in Ealing, which is considered West London, and sits about half-way between where my school is and the center of London. I was attached to this because many of the teachers at my school who are around my age live in Ealing, though my brief experience in Ealing did not make me fall in love with it - I liked it, but I didn't have that internal, "YES!" feeling. However, as many people recommended Chiswick (pronounced Chizick). Chiswick is a little East of Ealing (which means closer to London), is bigger than Ealing, and is totally lovely. Of course, as in most cities, the more awesome the place, the more expensive the flats.
I mentioned to most of you that there had been some difficulty finding flats that would allow dogs (story of my life). Well, I found one. And the flat is absolutely beautiful. Really. It is across the street from Turnham Green (big park), and two blocks from Chiswick High Road, which is loosely comparable to places like Pearl Street for those of you in Boulder, and Allston/Brighton, for those of you in the New England area. The flat is bright, roomy for a 1 bedroom, and it has a little character to it, which I always enjoy. It is quite a bit more $$ than most of the flats I was looking at in Ealing, but other than that, it really is the perfect place for what I need (no other place allowed dogs, so it's not like I had oodles of options), and gives me access to everything I desire in living in England. In other words, it's perfect, but wicked expensive. I put down a deposit yesterday, so hopefully, within the next 10 days or so, I can move in :).
Okay, off to play in London today! I slept for a full 9 hours last night, so I am starting to feel a little closer to normal....
Big Love!
J
Flat hunting turned out to be a positive experience. The housing coordinator, Maxine, was an absolute Angel - funny, cheeky, knowledgeable, and had us looking at great flats. I was really committed to living in Ealing, which is considered West London, and sits about half-way between where my school is and the center of London. I was attached to this because many of the teachers at my school who are around my age live in Ealing, though my brief experience in Ealing did not make me fall in love with it - I liked it, but I didn't have that internal, "YES!" feeling. However, as many people recommended Chiswick (pronounced Chizick). Chiswick is a little East of Ealing (which means closer to London), is bigger than Ealing, and is totally lovely. Of course, as in most cities, the more awesome the place, the more expensive the flats.
I mentioned to most of you that there had been some difficulty finding flats that would allow dogs (story of my life). Well, I found one. And the flat is absolutely beautiful. Really. It is across the street from Turnham Green (big park), and two blocks from Chiswick High Road, which is loosely comparable to places like Pearl Street for those of you in Boulder, and Allston/Brighton, for those of you in the New England area. The flat is bright, roomy for a 1 bedroom, and it has a little character to it, which I always enjoy. It is quite a bit more $$ than most of the flats I was looking at in Ealing, but other than that, it really is the perfect place for what I need (no other place allowed dogs, so it's not like I had oodles of options), and gives me access to everything I desire in living in England. In other words, it's perfect, but wicked expensive. I put down a deposit yesterday, so hopefully, within the next 10 days or so, I can move in :).
Okay, off to play in London today! I slept for a full 9 hours last night, so I am starting to feel a little closer to normal....
Big Love!
J
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Complete Overload, in the best possible way!!
We just returned from having our first fish and chips, in Ealing (West London). This after a full day of orientation where I received my schedule, met upwards of 50 new colleagues (most of whose names I will forget, because I'm cool like that). The view from my classroom is straight out of a Jane Austen novel.... Still have not received any more specifics on my new math (still having difficulty saying maths, as they do here - why does this need to be pluralized?), but no one seems to be concerned about this, or much of anything.... People are just laid back - they seem to get things done, but there is an amazing lack of urgency when it comes to many of the little things people in the US seem to - not that I ever do that.... So, I'm just going with it and trusting things will fall into place as they need to.
All those I've had direct contact with are so friendly, kind, welcoming, genuine, and helpful - helpful as a way of being, not helpful in the superficial, "I'm obviously going out of my way to help you" kind of way, if that makes any sense. The rioting has calmed to almost nothing, and the people of England seem genuinely embarrassed and appalled at what has gone on here in the last week. The police are still EVERYWHERE though. I still feel completely safe and calm here.... The only other city I have ever felt this way in is San Francisco. Interesting....
I'm so tired I have trouble stringing words together by mid-afternoon, but the complete curiosity and excitement of being here has kept me running. Tomorrow is only a half-day at school, after which we finally get to go look at flats! I pray to get settled into something before school starts - we are currently staying in a dorm at a nearby university, and though I am happy to have a clean room and access to a hot shower, the place leaves a bit to be desired.
Off to bed - hope I sleep more - the time change is definitely messing with my internal clock. I hope Em and I get to play in London and perhaps beyond.
G'night all!
All those I've had direct contact with are so friendly, kind, welcoming, genuine, and helpful - helpful as a way of being, not helpful in the superficial, "I'm obviously going out of my way to help you" kind of way, if that makes any sense. The rioting has calmed to almost nothing, and the people of England seem genuinely embarrassed and appalled at what has gone on here in the last week. The police are still EVERYWHERE though. I still feel completely safe and calm here.... The only other city I have ever felt this way in is San Francisco. Interesting....
I'm so tired I have trouble stringing words together by mid-afternoon, but the complete curiosity and excitement of being here has kept me running. Tomorrow is only a half-day at school, after which we finally get to go look at flats! I pray to get settled into something before school starts - we are currently staying in a dorm at a nearby university, and though I am happy to have a clean room and access to a hot shower, the place leaves a bit to be desired.
Off to bed - hope I sleep more - the time change is definitely messing with my internal clock. I hope Em and I get to play in London and perhaps beyond.
G'night all!
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Arrived Safely - but holy shit this place is on fire - in more ways than one.
Arrived safely this morning at Heathrow, made it through customs, and due to the riots, our ride was late picking us up from the airport. Evidently the city closed down, like, everything stopped running by 3pm yesterday, and the area that were were scheduled to stay, and to look for flats - Ealing, well, apparently people set a few buildings on fire last night....
This is a big deal, but appears to be calming down, and we feel relatively safe.
It was a beautiful day, I went straight to school, and wow - this building is an estate! Many of the rooms look like rooms in a museum, full with frescos on ceilings, excessive crown moulding, spiral staircases, etc. Pictures to accommodate this shitty description shortly.
Em and I are in Uxbridge, having dinner, and though I will have a full morning at school tomorrow, we can hopefully look at flats tomorrow!
Big Love!
J
This is a big deal, but appears to be calming down, and we feel relatively safe.
It was a beautiful day, I went straight to school, and wow - this building is an estate! Many of the rooms look like rooms in a museum, full with frescos on ceilings, excessive crown moulding, spiral staircases, etc. Pictures to accommodate this shitty description shortly.
Em and I are in Uxbridge, having dinner, and though I will have a full morning at school tomorrow, we can hopefully look at flats tomorrow!
Big Love!
J
Monday, August 8, 2011
Last night in The US
As I write this, my apartment is muggy, my bed is covered in suitcases and the various things yet to be placed in them. Had a lovely last dinner at the Republic with Kate, and a couple end of evening beers with Nick, Laura, Timmy, and Kelly. It's hard to look at the dogs, as it will be a few months before they can fly out to join me... What will I do without my faithful furry friends. As Emily is coming with me for the first week, I am able to push off my anticipated missing of her for another a little bit....
I am so excited! Exhilarated. Nervous. Downright scared, and hope I will FEEL all the things that the beginning of this journey, and the end of my journey here (for now, at least) will bring, though already, many moments are quite overwhelming.
Off to hopefully finish packing, take the dogs for a brief, late night romp, then off to sleep...
I am so excited! Exhilarated. Nervous. Downright scared, and hope I will FEEL all the things that the beginning of this journey, and the end of my journey here (for now, at least) will bring, though already, many moments are quite overwhelming.
Off to hopefully finish packing, take the dogs for a brief, late night romp, then off to sleep...
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