So, after Cardiff for a day and a half..we had Christmas...a few days to rest, and then myself and a couple of amazing fellow Canadian teachers decided to take a day trip to Oxford, the city of HARRY POTTER....yesterday!!! We went on a day trip....arrived around 1030 am, and had the day to wander, explore the various attractions, and, of course....SHOP!!!
Three girls who love to shop...really not a good mixture; however, boxing day sales were fabulous!!
First, we thought before we get into the shopping madness, we should see some of what there is to see in Oxford. It is really a beautiful city with so many old buildings...like alot of old, but beautiful buildings, and the architecture is incredible. First, we wandered around until we found Oxford castle, not totally what we expected a castle to look like, but it may have been different had we paid for a tour.
Next we stumbled upon the Christ Church..again, it costed money to get in, so we walked all the way around the outside. It was a beautiful walk though, and again, would be absolutely breathtaking in the Spring.
After then stumbling upon some really neat theatre areas, as well as another very pretty church, we decided to finally have a break and eat some lunch at a nice pub...the day could not have been better:) Had a nice little chat about everything under the sun while waiting for our food, which, when it came, was delicious!!
As 2:30 pm came around...we finshed up our lunch and headed out for some afternoon shopping in Oxford! Oh..what fun!!! Its amazing how EASY it is to kill three hours with shopping/trying on clothes/deciding if we reallly want them/finally purchasing them! Needless to say, we had an awesome afternoon...too much fun playing Mrs. Dress Up:) Our bus departed just before 6 pm then, and another day gone. It was a fabulous day though, with fabulous girls!!!
Oh, I forgot to mention...It was sunny and bright blue skies alllll day!!!!!! Yes!!!!
We got back fairly late last night, but 150% worth it!! Today, I am on my way out to grab a few things before packing to leave late TONIGHT with Grant and Jessica for our planned trip to Paris for New Years!! Haven't gotten rid of the itch to travel this holiday quite yet!
I will be back on the weekend to update my blog on....Our trip to Paris, France for New Years!!
Tuesday 29 December 2009
Saturday 26 December 2009
Our Trip to Cardiff, Wales
This past Monday, December 21, 2009-Tuesday December 22, 2009, myself, along with three other fabulous Canadian teachers decided to embark on a short trip to Cardiff, Wales!!!
We boarded the coach early Monday morning en route to our destination! Only a three hour drive..not too bad. The coach though....was so uncomfortable:( My poor body...
Arrived in Cardiff around 11:15 am, in which time we began to walk to our hostel to check in. Our hostel was in the perfect location....less than a five minute walk from the bus station from which we were dropped off, and walking another 5 minutes in the opposite direction took you to the main downtown core. The very first thing we noticed however, was the what seemed to ba a brisk change in weather when compared to London "winter" weather! It was actually legimatly cold in Cardiff! We were all surprised, and the sidewalks were quite icey.
The first thing we did of course was check into our hostel. I thought it was actually quite nice, and decently priced, as well as the perfect location!! The receptionist was also very welcoming and offered us alot of great travel information for the time we had in Cardiff.
Off to our room then to settle down, and get ready for our day of sightseeing and travelling around. Finding our room was abit of an adventure...upstairs, downstairs, and upstairs again:)
The first destination we decided to visit was the Cardiff Castle..right downtown..hence the slightly higher price to get in. Speaking for myself...it was amazing to actually be on the grounds of a castle! A CASTLE!!!! How cool is that!! Yes, it was alittle chilly, and very icey, but we defintely made the best of it. Lots of great pictures were taken inside, and outside of the castle!! We were not allowed into the one part of the Castle...the Shell Keep. due to health and safety concerns...I can understand whu, the walk way to get into it was completely frozen over uneven rocks, with no railing to hold if someone slipped...they would end up in the cold, icey water in the mote.
After we toured the Castle....may the shopping throughout Cardiff begin!! Honestly..fabulous shopping in the rather tiny, but very classy downtown Cardiff...and pleasantly busy...not OXFORD STREET STYLE BUSY!!!! Shopping in Cardiff was actually quite enjoyable.
That night, the four of us went to Pizza Express, in which we all had fabulous pizza/pasta dishes!! Our waiter was fabulous! Very friendly and humorous...and a good salesperson! He told us that the BANOFEE pie was the best thing on the menu...so we tried it:) OH IT WAS AMAZING! He definitely did not lie about that...just mouthwatering!
That evening finshed off with playing Pictionary accompanied by a few soicable drinks before bed time around 1 am:)
Day 2/Last Day In Cardiff!!
Our last day (Tuesday) in Cardiff, after we enjoyed the free continential breakfast that was included with our reservation at the hostel, we then went about our day, and decided to take a bus right across town to the "Castell Coch". Because we had to sign out by 11 am that morning, but were not leaving until 7 pm that night, we were able to store our belongings at the hostel which was very helpful!
We boarded the coach early Monday morning en route to our destination! Only a three hour drive..not too bad. The coach though....was so uncomfortable:( My poor body...
Arrived in Cardiff around 11:15 am, in which time we began to walk to our hostel to check in. Our hostel was in the perfect location....less than a five minute walk from the bus station from which we were dropped off, and walking another 5 minutes in the opposite direction took you to the main downtown core. The very first thing we noticed however, was the what seemed to ba a brisk change in weather when compared to London "winter" weather! It was actually legimatly cold in Cardiff! We were all surprised, and the sidewalks were quite icey.
The first thing we did of course was check into our hostel. I thought it was actually quite nice, and decently priced, as well as the perfect location!! The receptionist was also very welcoming and offered us alot of great travel information for the time we had in Cardiff.
Off to our room then to settle down, and get ready for our day of sightseeing and travelling around. Finding our room was abit of an adventure...upstairs, downstairs, and upstairs again:)
The first destination we decided to visit was the Cardiff Castle..right downtown..hence the slightly higher price to get in. Speaking for myself...it was amazing to actually be on the grounds of a castle! A CASTLE!!!! How cool is that!! Yes, it was alittle chilly, and very icey, but we defintely made the best of it. Lots of great pictures were taken inside, and outside of the castle!! We were not allowed into the one part of the Castle...the Shell Keep. due to health and safety concerns...I can understand whu, the walk way to get into it was completely frozen over uneven rocks, with no railing to hold if someone slipped...they would end up in the cold, icey water in the mote.
After we toured the Castle....may the shopping throughout Cardiff begin!! Honestly..fabulous shopping in the rather tiny, but very classy downtown Cardiff...and pleasantly busy...not OXFORD STREET STYLE BUSY!!!! Shopping in Cardiff was actually quite enjoyable.
That night, the four of us went to Pizza Express, in which we all had fabulous pizza/pasta dishes!! Our waiter was fabulous! Very friendly and humorous...and a good salesperson! He told us that the BANOFEE pie was the best thing on the menu...so we tried it:) OH IT WAS AMAZING! He definitely did not lie about that...just mouthwatering!
That evening finshed off with playing Pictionary accompanied by a few soicable drinks before bed time around 1 am:)
Day 2/Last Day In Cardiff!!
Our last day (Tuesday) in Cardiff, after we enjoyed the free continential breakfast that was included with our reservation at the hostel, we then went about our day, and decided to take a bus right across town to the "Castell Coch". Because we had to sign out by 11 am that morning, but were not leaving until 7 pm that night, we were able to store our belongings at the hostel which was very helpful!
Off we go to explore abit before our bus arrived to go to the Castell! The bus ride was actually farily lengthy and went into a different part of town, but it was beautiful! Where we got dropped off, there was lots of greenery, actually some frost on the grass, and it was quite hilly...just very very pretty...felt like home!!!
Little did we know, we had a hike to get up to the Castell:) Oh, we got our workout for the day! Needless to say, coming down after our visit was alot easier:) The Castell itself was quite beautiful, and reasonably priced to get in:) There is so much history embedded within the Castell too that it is amazing (Castell= Castle in Welsh...). There were also so many neat little hidden entrances and pathways within this Castle. We spent a few hours touring around in it..of course snapping pictures every chance we got. The landscape surrounding the Castle was breathtaking as well...not to mention, the sky was a bright, sunny blue that day too which made everything even better!!
After completing the treck back down the hill then to the bus stop--which was so random sitting on the street, we didn't know it was a bus stop:)... we headed back into Cardiff for our last few hours of...SHOPPING!!! The shopping there was just wonderful! It wasn't busy like Oxford street either ( that would take alot)...but it was nice and relaxed. Although it was chilly, it was nothing unbearable.
Around 6 pm, we made our way back to our hostel to pick up our belongings, and head back to our bus, back to London. To be honest, I was in no hurry to get back to London and out of the fresh air.... Overall..fabulous experience though.. . I would go back in the Spring/Summer to see more of the Castles..as we learned, there are many! Not only that, but it would be absolutely beautiful with all of the flowers blooming!!:)
Friday 25 December 2009
Christmas Day In London
Merry Christmas Everyone!!!
Well, it's that time of year again!! The time of year when family and friends gather to share stories, parcels, chicken/turkey/roasts, mince pies, various drinks, and simply spend some quality time together, away from the daily hustle and bustle of every day life.
This Christmas, I stayed in London, and am spending the holiday with some wonderful fellow Canadian teachers, Kristin, Crystal, and Marlee....despite being away from home for Christmas, it's so nice to be with friends here at least...making the most of it:)
Yesterday, before I met with the girls, I attended the annual carol singing at St.Pauls cathedral with Jessica, Grant, San, and Lindsay--all fellow Canadian teachers here, and needless to say...the service was absolutely beautiful!! Just amazing and the Cathedral was incredible!!! It was a very short, yet intimate gathering of people from near and afar!!
Christmas eve consisted of first of all, catching the final train at 8:15 pm on the Piccadilly Line out to their station....that was lucky considering I really just took my chances with the timing, and made it!!
After we got settled into the house, we decided to attend midnight mass at a church just down the road...This is the first time I have attended a midnight mass, so it was really quite interesting, but relaxing, and a good time out.
Home around 1:00 am....BED TIME!!!
Christmas morning, of course, we all slept in until about 11 am or closer to noon...:) After opening some presents from each other, as well as from home...time for breakfast! Kristin cooked some delicious eggs, and bacon....Crystal was in charge of the toast and helping us move the table, while Marlee and I set up the table for our first Christmas meal together!! Made for a lovely time together.
Tonight...Christmas dinner is going to be a chicken, with potatoes, veggies, drinks, desserts and of course....a big thing here in London...Christmas Crackers!! Always fun!!
Missing family and friends back home in Ontario, Canada, but wishing all of you a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS !!!
Lots of love;
Charmine <3
Well, it's that time of year again!! The time of year when family and friends gather to share stories, parcels, chicken/turkey/roasts, mince pies, various drinks, and simply spend some quality time together, away from the daily hustle and bustle of every day life.
This Christmas, I stayed in London, and am spending the holiday with some wonderful fellow Canadian teachers, Kristin, Crystal, and Marlee....despite being away from home for Christmas, it's so nice to be with friends here at least...making the most of it:)
Yesterday, before I met with the girls, I attended the annual carol singing at St.Pauls cathedral with Jessica, Grant, San, and Lindsay--all fellow Canadian teachers here, and needless to say...the service was absolutely beautiful!! Just amazing and the Cathedral was incredible!!! It was a very short, yet intimate gathering of people from near and afar!!
Christmas eve consisted of first of all, catching the final train at 8:15 pm on the Piccadilly Line out to their station....that was lucky considering I really just took my chances with the timing, and made it!!
After we got settled into the house, we decided to attend midnight mass at a church just down the road...This is the first time I have attended a midnight mass, so it was really quite interesting, but relaxing, and a good time out.
Home around 1:00 am....BED TIME!!!
Christmas morning, of course, we all slept in until about 11 am or closer to noon...:) After opening some presents from each other, as well as from home...time for breakfast! Kristin cooked some delicious eggs, and bacon....Crystal was in charge of the toast and helping us move the table, while Marlee and I set up the table for our first Christmas meal together!! Made for a lovely time together.
Tonight...Christmas dinner is going to be a chicken, with potatoes, veggies, drinks, desserts and of course....a big thing here in London...Christmas Crackers!! Always fun!!
Missing family and friends back home in Ontario, Canada, but wishing all of you a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS !!!
Lots of love;
Charmine <3
Tuesday 22 December 2009
Canadians Christmas Potluck
Good times, Great friends.....all Canadians in London!!!
So, this past Saturday...Dec 19th, 2009 ....a few of my fellow Canadian colleagues, and myself, joined together for a Christmas potluck, for those of us who are in London for the Christmas season, and away from our family and friends back home.
Not only was the company wonderful, but the food, and relaxed atmosphere was something we all needed after a long haul of teaching days that sometimes seemed never ending.....fun, yet exhausting.
Our potluck consisted of a potato and carrot dish...with stuffing balls, salads, etc., and to finish, nachoes, as well as mince pies, and chocolate mint thins...alittle bit random in terms of food options it may seem, but really really tasty!!
Of course...even though we ate around 8 pm...we all got chatting around the favourite topic that all Canadian TEACHERS have in common....TEACHING IN THE UK! I did not really realize until Saturday night, but man, some of the stories we can share with each other, and take back home, are HILARIOUS!!! Phonics...let me say...I will either have to relearn "Canadian"phonics when I get back home...OR I will always think of phonics, and teaching styles around phonics very differently.....a lot of the words spoken in proper British...almost have their own family of phonics....quite comical really, but very very interesting:)
So, needless to say, with teacher talk, funny stories, laughter, and drinks...11:20 pm rolls around incredibly fast! What do ya know...missed the last "easy"way to get back to central London....all of the tubes were done for the night...except Jubileee line, as far as Canary Wharf...in which did not leave again till almost 1 am..leaving more time for socializing! Little did we know, when we went to leave....we were in for an almost three hour trip home! All part of the London experience on a Saturday night...!
It would not have been so bad of it was not raining/sleeting and damp out, but even being a Canadian..yes, it was cold, and very very damp. All in all, fabulous night with some really amazing Canadian teachers, who are also all very close friends here in London...it made the tube/bus/bus tour home all very much worth it!!! Yes..home at 2 45 am...in just under three fabulous hours!! Woo hoo!!!
:-)
So, this past Saturday...Dec 19th, 2009 ....a few of my fellow Canadian colleagues, and myself, joined together for a Christmas potluck, for those of us who are in London for the Christmas season, and away from our family and friends back home.
Not only was the company wonderful, but the food, and relaxed atmosphere was something we all needed after a long haul of teaching days that sometimes seemed never ending.....fun, yet exhausting.
Our potluck consisted of a potato and carrot dish...with stuffing balls, salads, etc., and to finish, nachoes, as well as mince pies, and chocolate mint thins...alittle bit random in terms of food options it may seem, but really really tasty!!
Of course...even though we ate around 8 pm...we all got chatting around the favourite topic that all Canadian TEACHERS have in common....TEACHING IN THE UK! I did not really realize until Saturday night, but man, some of the stories we can share with each other, and take back home, are HILARIOUS!!! Phonics...let me say...I will either have to relearn "Canadian"phonics when I get back home...OR I will always think of phonics, and teaching styles around phonics very differently.....a lot of the words spoken in proper British...almost have their own family of phonics....quite comical really, but very very interesting:)
So, needless to say, with teacher talk, funny stories, laughter, and drinks...11:20 pm rolls around incredibly fast! What do ya know...missed the last "easy"way to get back to central London....all of the tubes were done for the night...except Jubileee line, as far as Canary Wharf...in which did not leave again till almost 1 am..leaving more time for socializing! Little did we know, when we went to leave....we were in for an almost three hour trip home! All part of the London experience on a Saturday night...!
It would not have been so bad of it was not raining/sleeting and damp out, but even being a Canadian..yes, it was cold, and very very damp. All in all, fabulous night with some really amazing Canadian teachers, who are also all very close friends here in London...it made the tube/bus/bus tour home all very much worth it!!! Yes..home at 2 45 am...in just under three fabulous hours!! Woo hoo!!!
:-)
Sunday 20 December 2009
T'was The Week Before Christmas...
Something I realized this week....London schools mean business at Christmas time! They go all out plus some! Coming from Canada....it's a bit shocking yet pleasantly surprising! The Christmas meals I have had the priviledge to share with the fabulous staff I have worked with have been out of this world AMAZING!!! On Wednesday, I had a Christmas lunch with the teachers at the school I was at.....we had potatoes, turkey, sausage, cranberries, veggies, gravy....and then desert was Christmas pudding and Mince pies....Mince pies in England are a BIG DEAL....they are everywhere...yet candy canes....very hard to come by....it surprised me actually because London LOVES Christmas.
So Wednesday at school was a fabulous and easy day..actually to be honest, this whole week was really easy yet a lot of fun...oh Christmas time....
That same night then, we had our John Astor Housing Christmas Party...not too bad at all, although it did not feel like a Wednesday night! More free food and drinks though, along with dancing and karaoke with our fellow housing mates:) Of course the Canadian teachers tend to flock together....but it's great! So last week,. needless to say, no need to go grocery shopping or make my lunch for school....love those weeks!!!
The party was very good and alot of great fun...working on posting those pictures once the Internet starts to get alittle faster!!
Friday night consisted of chilling with a few girlfriends on my floor, watching a movie, eating pizza and cake, and drinking tea....LOVED IT....perfect Friday evening after a long week!!!
So Wednesday at school was a fabulous and easy day..actually to be honest, this whole week was really easy yet a lot of fun...oh Christmas time....
That same night then, we had our John Astor Housing Christmas Party...not too bad at all, although it did not feel like a Wednesday night! More free food and drinks though, along with dancing and karaoke with our fellow housing mates:) Of course the Canadian teachers tend to flock together....but it's great! So last week,. needless to say, no need to go grocery shopping or make my lunch for school....love those weeks!!!
The party was very good and alot of great fun...working on posting those pictures once the Internet starts to get alittle faster!!
Friday night consisted of chilling with a few girlfriends on my floor, watching a movie, eating pizza and cake, and drinking tea....LOVED IT....perfect Friday evening after a long week!!!
Fun on The Trains
Good morning everyone!!!
So, an update on my week....BUSY may I say first of all....which is always good:) I did not get work on Monday, in which I got my tree that day....which...is NOW DECORATED!!!! Only took me a week! So Tuesday....oh Tuesday.....
Got a call for work Monday night....AWESOME! I had a feeling that a fellow Canadian teacher would also be going too, so contacted him, and sure enough same school as well! Sweet!! Anyhow, we get to our tube stop at 73o0 am to go to school....little did we know we were in for three hours of travel together that morning alone....
So, get to the trains, on the right train...all is running very smoothly....perfect:) We then realize that at the first stop....like 100 people get on the train at 730 am....we thought something was wrong but did not even think twice so cool.....next stop.....those same 100 people get off...empty train again! NICE!!
Well we both knew the name of the first stop and of the route in general bc my collegue had done this journey a billion times and I had done it once or twice...So we get to a stop called New Eltham....and instantly KNEW something was not right because we knew we got on the right train.....So, take a look at the map...turns out the train had totally rerouted on us without warning.....we were three lines down from where we should have been, leaving us with the only option to go all the way to a stop called Dartford, to catch a connecting train to get us slightly back on track back towards London Bridge area...sweet....
Call our agency as it is now hitting 830 am and we are NOT EVEN CLOSE to our school. The representative answers and says to us...Oh dear, are you guys on the FATALITY train???? UMMM WHAT??? Anyhow, sure we thought so then because it was so incredibly rerouted....Anyhow, thank godness all of the school had already been contacted because of an incident that had occurred on the one line shutting the WHOLE line down and rerouting the whole Southeastern part of the train services in London...information we were not aware of until we got into Dartford, where we were informed on the incident. Okay, so the employees at the station were actually quite helpful as they told us what had happened and what train we now needed to get on and to transfer in order to get where we needed to go....all is well..... WE THINK...we then notice that the time for our next train keeps getting pushed back and back.....Okay, what next....
Call our agency again to update them, try another train to go back to Lewisham now, and attempt the DLR to our desination....as we were told THIS WORKS!!! its now almost 9 20 am:)
Get on the train then and all the screen is now saying is listen for announcements for updates....man that sounds soo promising....Thank goodness we are both very calm and collected individuals...could not stress about it....it was a situation that was just completely out of our control so we really made the best of our extra two hours together! And of course made a few jokes here and there.....
Lewisham...ok now what--go to the DLR and take a gander at the map....Woolwich Dockyard, our destination, is not even listed:) Fabulous! Woolwich Arsenal, which was kind of close was at the stop near the very END of the map....okay cool...so still calm and collected, and just thankful Im not on my own at this point because I would have given up...we go to the information desk, and they tell us to get off at Grennwich...we are not sure why at the moment but okay.....So, looking at the map...it is starting to look a wee bit hopeless, but we keep smiling and stay detemined....somehow....:P So, we ask the one worker and she tells us to get on and get off at a stop like ten away, and then transfer for another like ten stops....oh goodness. We then realize that Grennwich is three stops away AND has a national rail connnection....guessing why that is where we were told to get off to transfer. Instead of going in a total loop about 2o stops later, we decided to give the national rail a try again....which was originally diverted this morning...but what could we loose...
Great news!! Get to the platform and our train is listed! Destination and all!! If we got it we were golden!!! FINALLY!! So, about two minutes before its scheduled to arrive, it is called...which is good....we think.....then not even A MINUTE before scheduled arrival.....ALL TRAINS CANCELLED!! OMG Well...here we go again!!! Now this is just getting fun AND adventurous....its almost 10 am now....and our only option left at this point is bussing it....Okay, off to find the bus stop....
First one, shut down, had to walk down the street to catch the bus...oh boy....
Finally, almost 3 hours after we left home, we are now on the correct bus, on our way to our school....WOW what an adventure!!! Arrived at the school at 1030 in time for tea time/break....my goodness....
The journey home...alittle disappointing (joking:))....just not nearly as adventurous or eventful (thank goodness). It took us just under an hour to get home...which is the normal amount of time! Oh what a great day....finished off the day with grocery shopping and going out with a few fellow Canadian teachers to get some fabulous burritos just down the road!! That...my friends...was my Tuesday...December 15th!
Cheers!!~
So, an update on my week....BUSY may I say first of all....which is always good:) I did not get work on Monday, in which I got my tree that day....which...is NOW DECORATED!!!! Only took me a week! So Tuesday....oh Tuesday.....
Got a call for work Monday night....AWESOME! I had a feeling that a fellow Canadian teacher would also be going too, so contacted him, and sure enough same school as well! Sweet!! Anyhow, we get to our tube stop at 73o0 am to go to school....little did we know we were in for three hours of travel together that morning alone....
So, get to the trains, on the right train...all is running very smoothly....perfect:) We then realize that at the first stop....like 100 people get on the train at 730 am....we thought something was wrong but did not even think twice so cool.....next stop.....those same 100 people get off...empty train again! NICE!!
Well we both knew the name of the first stop and of the route in general bc my collegue had done this journey a billion times and I had done it once or twice...So we get to a stop called New Eltham....and instantly KNEW something was not right because we knew we got on the right train.....So, take a look at the map...turns out the train had totally rerouted on us without warning.....we were three lines down from where we should have been, leaving us with the only option to go all the way to a stop called Dartford, to catch a connecting train to get us slightly back on track back towards London Bridge area...sweet....
Call our agency as it is now hitting 830 am and we are NOT EVEN CLOSE to our school. The representative answers and says to us...Oh dear, are you guys on the FATALITY train???? UMMM WHAT??? Anyhow, sure we thought so then because it was so incredibly rerouted....Anyhow, thank godness all of the school had already been contacted because of an incident that had occurred on the one line shutting the WHOLE line down and rerouting the whole Southeastern part of the train services in London...information we were not aware of until we got into Dartford, where we were informed on the incident. Okay, so the employees at the station were actually quite helpful as they told us what had happened and what train we now needed to get on and to transfer in order to get where we needed to go....all is well..... WE THINK...we then notice that the time for our next train keeps getting pushed back and back.....Okay, what next....
Call our agency again to update them, try another train to go back to Lewisham now, and attempt the DLR to our desination....as we were told THIS WORKS!!! its now almost 9 20 am:)
Get on the train then and all the screen is now saying is listen for announcements for updates....man that sounds soo promising....Thank goodness we are both very calm and collected individuals...could not stress about it....it was a situation that was just completely out of our control so we really made the best of our extra two hours together! And of course made a few jokes here and there.....
Lewisham...ok now what--go to the DLR and take a gander at the map....Woolwich Dockyard, our destination, is not even listed:) Fabulous! Woolwich Arsenal, which was kind of close was at the stop near the very END of the map....okay cool...so still calm and collected, and just thankful Im not on my own at this point because I would have given up...we go to the information desk, and they tell us to get off at Grennwich...we are not sure why at the moment but okay.....So, looking at the map...it is starting to look a wee bit hopeless, but we keep smiling and stay detemined....somehow....:P So, we ask the one worker and she tells us to get on and get off at a stop like ten away, and then transfer for another like ten stops....oh goodness. We then realize that Grennwich is three stops away AND has a national rail connnection....guessing why that is where we were told to get off to transfer. Instead of going in a total loop about 2o stops later, we decided to give the national rail a try again....which was originally diverted this morning...but what could we loose...
Great news!! Get to the platform and our train is listed! Destination and all!! If we got it we were golden!!! FINALLY!! So, about two minutes before its scheduled to arrive, it is called...which is good....we think.....then not even A MINUTE before scheduled arrival.....ALL TRAINS CANCELLED!! OMG Well...here we go again!!! Now this is just getting fun AND adventurous....its almost 10 am now....and our only option left at this point is bussing it....Okay, off to find the bus stop....
First one, shut down, had to walk down the street to catch the bus...oh boy....
Finally, almost 3 hours after we left home, we are now on the correct bus, on our way to our school....WOW what an adventure!!! Arrived at the school at 1030 in time for tea time/break....my goodness....
The journey home...alittle disappointing (joking:))....just not nearly as adventurous or eventful (thank goodness). It took us just under an hour to get home...which is the normal amount of time! Oh what a great day....finished off the day with grocery shopping and going out with a few fellow Canadian teachers to get some fabulous burritos just down the road!! That...my friends...was my Tuesday...December 15th!
Cheers!!~
Tuesday 15 December 2009
Christmas Outings
Good evening one and all!!!
So, its been a busy busy day, but I forgot to write about my Christmas tree purchase!! Jessica and I went shopping as we were not working yesterday....and she spotted a really cute little place to get Christmas trees of basically every size! So, I took a look, and did some bargaining with the price...and then I saw it....my tree!!! I got a wee little Charlie Brown tree for 22 pound!! A real one too..carrying it down Oxford was too much fun ...Jessica and I were laughing alot. So, took the tree to my room, and then off to get decorations at John Lewis for 10 pound total!! I bought some balls, lights and tinsel!! Not bad at all....a day off very well spent!! Last night then I attempted to decorate, only to find out that the lights were faulty....and being returned tomorrow...:( That happens I guess but I was oh so excited to begin decorating!!! And I couldnt, and have not had the opportunity to today or tonight...I will though...Christmas is coming soo fast!!! Paris is less than a month!!! Woo hoo!!! Lots of fun!
Anyhow, it's bed time now:):) Oh my duvet....:):) Good night everyone!!
Cheers!
So, its been a busy busy day, but I forgot to write about my Christmas tree purchase!! Jessica and I went shopping as we were not working yesterday....and she spotted a really cute little place to get Christmas trees of basically every size! So, I took a look, and did some bargaining with the price...and then I saw it....my tree!!! I got a wee little Charlie Brown tree for 22 pound!! A real one too..carrying it down Oxford was too much fun ...Jessica and I were laughing alot. So, took the tree to my room, and then off to get decorations at John Lewis for 10 pound total!! I bought some balls, lights and tinsel!! Not bad at all....a day off very well spent!! Last night then I attempted to decorate, only to find out that the lights were faulty....and being returned tomorrow...:( That happens I guess but I was oh so excited to begin decorating!!! And I couldnt, and have not had the opportunity to today or tonight...I will though...Christmas is coming soo fast!!! Paris is less than a month!!! Woo hoo!!! Lots of fun!
Anyhow, it's bed time now:):) Oh my duvet....:):) Good night everyone!!
Cheers!
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