WARNING! Google advises that this blog may:

·       Invoke feelings of jealously

·       Induce relief due to the reader’s personal warmth

·       Incite latent anger at monarchists, halloweenists, children and British Airway workers

Took me a while to start this blog. It started to sound like a 10 year olds Show and Tell. “Last weekend I went and saw …. And then… and then… and then…” But with school filling up my working week and this blog not having been written for a while I just get to remember the highlights.

Halloween and Thanksgiving

Having never celebrated Halloween before (due to being raised by a father who believes “We’re not Americans – and those kids don’t deserve candy…”) I have managed to avoid doing anything related to this ‘holiday.’ But with an American in our group here we had a perfect excuse to take part in the festivities. And the most fun was pumpkin carving. Don’t really know how to describe it but the de-pumpkinification process was slimy while the carving was a bit like colouring in the numbers. Worked out all right for my first ever attempt.

(Pumpkin Carving)

And my best memory from Thanksgiving was the incredible amount of tasty food I ate!

Epicus Maximus Weekend

Don’t really have words to describe this weekend but will show some photos to begin. And yes it’s me…

(Muder Mystery Weekend)

(Film Premiere)

Diary for the E.M.W.

Saturday – Murder Mystery

                  Got to take part in a murder mystery set in Gambia. I was delegated to be the only African on the adventure so did the whole make-up. 1^st try I looked like a red M&M but after applying more and more of the stuff started to look slightly more authentic. Was a fantastic evening and thanks to the host! Managed to achieve all my goals – without ruining anything it involved me doing 2 African dances (solo, loud and for 3 minutes) and also getting married.

Sunday – Ice-skating at Somerset House

                  Beautiful location (no photos unfortunately), great friends and the perfect weather for it. Unfortunately I was reminded why I never took my Australian school roll year group ice-skating. Stupid sport where I can’t balance… Only doing it once a blue moon doesn’t help but still – this will be only once a year thing at the best of times.

Monday – Brooke Fraser Concert

                  Luckily an INSET day (read day off for teachers to get back some sanity) and met up with friends again for a concert. Was a fantastic evening with one of those performers who are just as entertaining when they are working the crowd as they are performing. Best joke of the day – “We are usually given a choice between ice cold water and room temperature water. Don’t think it makes much of a difference here in London…”

Tuesday – Film Premiere

                  And the big one! The world premiere of “Voyage of the Dawn Treader” in the gracious presence of Her Majesty the Queen! Had to get all dressed up in black tie and walk the red carpet. Unfortunately couldn’t dawdle too much because the very strict security guards kept you moving. As previously mentioned in this blog I’m not much of a celebrity spotter but walked past some X-factor contestants, saw the stars of the movie and actually recognised Liam Neeson.

                  But the big draw card was actually seeing the movie with The Queen. She arrived last and was introduced to everyone important. Once she was settled and more talking was had we got to the movie. Was fun, and in 3D so would have been cool to see her wearing those dodgy glasses. And it was really loud, don’t know if that was due to the Queen going slightly deaf (she probably had a volume control in her seat…)

                  An incredible evening and something to cross off the ever-growing bucket list.

Innsbruck and Christmas Markets

Had to get a trip to the continent into this blog somehow. A group of us did an Amazing Race adventure to the Austrian town of Innsbruck using 4 different routes. Unfortunately for me, if I was in the race for 1 million dollars I would have got knocked out. My BA flight was fine as we headed down into the valley the Innsbruck was situated in. However it got a bit windy and about 50 metres above the ground the pilot gunned the engines and we headed off. After circling for a bit we were diverted to Munich and had to catch a bus. Not much fun… and why is there always crying children on these trips. Had two choices: Blast my ear drums with music so I couldn’t hear anything, or go on a crazed murdering rampage through the bus… Option 2 started becoming more and more likely when we got stuck in snow and slowed down to a crawl along the autobahn.

But after finally getting to Innsbruck (sans Murder charge) I was disappointed to find no snow. Went back to my hotel (cause it was freezing outside) and another loser of our Amazing Race finally arrived and said he had landed in snow at the airport. Waking up the next morning in fresh snow was fantastic! And it had dumped heaps. If London was hit with that amount of snow it would have been a disaster but the Austrians just dealt with it.

Innsbruck was lots of fun with friends, made a snowman, bought lots of healthy food and even went and watched an ice-hockey game. Tor!! Luckily the home team won but it was a close game and I think that was the first full ice-hockey game I had watched. The Mighty Ducks hadn’t taught me enough about the rules though.

On the Sunday we headed up the other side of the valley to what I had done previously. So crazy you can go from the centre of town to the top of a mountain in half an hour by gondola. And the very top (where no one was – skiers or crazy tourists) this was the view.

(View over Innsbruck)

Had another amazing race attempt – after arriving in London in the late afternoon we headed to the Royal Albert Hall to listen to the Messiah. I got caught at the world’s slowest Subway behind the world’s most picky fast food eater. Stupidly missed the express train that everyone was on and had to push to get to the Hall in time. Just arrived when they said 1 minute to closing doors but managed to check in my luggage and climb 3 flights of stairs so I was able to watch the concert. The choir was fantastic and another cultured experience.

Snow in London

As you’ve probably heard it’s been snowing in London. (DO NOT return to the previous blog and look at what I was wishing for at the end of it.) Didn’t get a snow day at school unfortunately but the latest snow fall which has caused all the issues wasn’t a huge amount. I have a German housemate who has been disgusted with how ineffective the British are and it’s hard not to agree. When they can get Oxford street fully cleared but can’t get Heathrow Airport cleared? At the busiest time of the year? Lots of peoples plans have been upset but fingers crossed I can fly out tomorrow to Budapest. Luckily not through Heathrow.

Here’s a random snap taken on Saturday in Hyde Park.

(Hyde Park)

The Quick and the Fun

And finally the list of things I need to remember but due to my need to start packing I can’t write in detail about:

·       Weekend at the Old Dairy – involving hectic games like Postal Panic and Chook Chook. And can’t forgot Huffkins

·       Rock-climbing, ‘The Perfect Husband,’ and Mapominoes (Europe, Africa and Asia)

·  

Finally, Merry Christmas Everyone! Hope you have a fantastic time wherever you are. And to leave you in a good mood – a combination of one of my favourite carols and the Muppets! Yay for Beaker

(and if you want more laughs check out their Bohemian Rhapsody, or Beakers Ballad, or Habanera… ok so I’m on holidays!) 

It’s a New Dawn, it’s a New Day

Update from CNN (Chandler News Network) – Gareth has decided to stay in London for 2011… I’ve been looking at some options back in Australia but ended up choosing to take advantage of the opportunities while I’m still over here and extended the excitement for another year. So won’t be heading back to my old school unfortunately – but just to prove me wrong something may come up and like they say about the best laid plans of men… or mice…

Birds Flying High (The Fun Stuff)

So what’s been some of the highlights since I last put fingers to keyboard? Managed to get into Buckingham Palace on the last weekend it was open – and another incredible palace but no photos allowed. Continuing with the British theme went and saw Henry IV Part I at the Globe Theatre. Was much better then expected after the pain that Shakespeare inflicted during school. It’s so much better performed then read – but still struggled staying focused during some of the lengthy soliloquies. Luckily there is a very funny character in that part who stole the show anytime he was on stage.

I’m sure there’s been more stuff (and some adventure later) but special mention to Clotted Cream in the Cotswolds. Yum…

Sun in the Sky

Unfortunately (but luckily for my bank balance) I’ve spent most of the days working… so for most mornings it’s up early and off to school while the sun’s up. Can’t really share too many details but luckily overall it’s been going really well. Good days and bad days like everywhere but most classes don’t end up in tears… And I think this is the turning point for the weather – been pretty good with the sun shining and not typical English weather until this week. Now it’s all heading south…  (or north over here temperature-wise)

(Belgian) Butterflies all Havin’ Fun 

Finally got the travel bug again and had a fantastic excuse to catch up with some friends in Belgium. Caught the Eurostar over which was so painless and quick! Still crazy that you can do a weekend trip to a new country without having a lengthy flight. Spent the night in Brussels (not great weather) and woke up and had to get to Antwerp for the catch-up. But first, had to climb another thing!

(Atomium)

If you’re a science buff you may recognise this as an iron crystal blown up some bazillion times. Was built for the 1958 expo held in Brussels but is a pretty cool landmark but oh so touristy. Wasn’t a great weather day but still fun to go to the top and enjoy the view! And it’s just so unique – a bit similar story to the Eiffel Tower in that it was only supposed to be up for a year or so but the locals got so attached and now its one of the big tourist attractions of Brussels.

Once finished there got on another train to Antwerp (included on Eurostar ticket) and caught up with friends. Ate more fantastic food,  went on an interesting walking tour and luckily the rain wasn’t too painful. Headed off to a tapas restaurant where I ate way too much and decided I enjoyed Belgium even more when I discovered they didn’t tip! Shame they can’t get a working government though – but the country still seems to run pretty well so maybe we could all do without politicians…

(Not blindfolded Lady of Justice – hmmm… Why is that significant Legal Studies students?)

And the other excitement for the weekend was that it was NRL Grand Final weekend and my team the Dragons had finally made it. No luck finding an Australian bar, and even with some locals help the address we had been given had become a lights and kitchen shop. Since it was Sunday morning got to an Irish pub when they opened and thought I would get the final hour of the game. Was screwed over though since Australia had just jumped to daylight saving without telling me! So saw the celebrations that were still pretty cool! Now to win 11 more and beat that record…

Stars when You Shine

Starting to stretch these titles but had a couple of other fun nights. Went to the Last Night of the Proms concert at the Royal Albert Hall. Brief summary – the proms go for a month or so of concerts in London and they all finish with a big final night. While most tickets are booked ages in advance, if you’re willing to wait all day and stand for the whole concert you can get into the Hall for only 5 or so pounds. Quite a fun evening with flag waving and then it all finishes with some classic British songs including Jerusalem, Rule Britannia and God Save the Queen. Yay for pomp and ceremony!

Had another great evening by going to see the musical Avenue Q. Talk about an adult’s version of Sesame Street. Amazing what you can say/do when it’s in a comedy. And now I know what the Internet is for.

Sleep in Peace when Day is Done

School has got a bit hectic recently – we were inspected by the UK governmental organisation (OFSTED) that ranks all the schools. All the teachers got extremely stressed and there a lot more preparation that had to be done – but luckily none came to see me… a bit of a letdown after all the extra work though. Now just have to get through one more day and have a half-term break that will be very nice! Not planning much besides sleeping in and having to go serious warm weather clothes shopping.

What’s with the titles? My favourite song at the moment due to TV show Chuck and the way it can brighten up any day! Search youtube for ‘feeling good’ and some fantastic versions but the original by Nina Simone is quality.

So it’s nice being a bit more settled for 2011 and now can start organising some more adventures! Let’s see how I cope with a proper winter, (fingers crossed for a white Christmas)

… and I’m feeling good! 

That’s All of Summer, Folks!

Final blog update before work begins – so probably another hiatus between updates. Still deciding what to do in school holiday breaks. But now back to where I left off…

Leaving Oberammergau

After the excitement of the passion play headed to Innsbruck. After seeing the Lindorhof Castle it was recommended to me to go see another two castle-ish buildings in southern Germany. This was my first real contact with summer queues. There was a massive line to actually get into these places and have a tour. Since I didn’t have forever decided to just walk up to them (actually avoided the easy route this time – got some exercise for a change which is a bit of theme for this blog.)

The first castle is the famous Neuschwanstein Castle that was the basis for a famous Disney movie castle. Any ideas? Here’s an amazing view from a purpose built bridge.

Quite a hike up there but very nice walking and some fantastic mountain biking tracks (as long as you’re heading down – the people heading up were struggling.) Also in the same area was the Hohenschwangau Castle. So with the 6000+ people that are supposedly there on a nice summer day I couldn’t actually get inside. Continued driving through some amazing mountain passes into Austria and arrived in Innsbruck.

Bridge on the River Inn (or Innsbruck…)

Innsbruck is in one of the most beautiful location I have ever seen. It’s nestled in a valley between some imposing mountain ranges on both sides. I was actually staying just on the side of one of these mountains and had a pretty impressive view of the city. Bought an Innsbruck card that allowed you free entry to most stuff as well as a gondala ride up one of the mountains. So headed up one massive mountain and went for a walk/hike. Was great getting outside exercising and seeing snow slopes even if there isn’t any snow at the moment. The lift actually went over the old Olympic bobsled, luge and skeletal suicide sport course. Was quite a hike to the top but had some amazing views both towards Innsbruck and over the other side to some relatively untouched mountain ranges.

(best seat on the mountain top – looking over Innsbruck)

Since I had paid money for the 24 hour Innsbruck card wanted to get the most out of it. After my hike headed down to the city and had a quick look at the Olympic Ski Jump that has been made into a restaurant and bit of a tourist attraction. Very impressive architecture. Certainly one of the sports I am never going to try. I had no idea how steep it was and this photo just doesn’t fully capture the true scale.

(ski jump – not for the fainthearted… perspective dodgy)

Finally got to the actual old part of Innsbruck and whizzed around some of their museums, palaces and churches that were all pretty cool. Also climbed up a bell tower which had a great view of Innsbruck’s claim to world-wide fame. Anyone know? I certainly didn’t…

(the famous (?) Golden roof – viewed from bell tower)

Was still madly rushing around when everything shut down at 6:30pm. Easily spent over double what I paid for the card so was worth it financially and got to see heaps nice and quickly which was all I could do.

Munchen mag Dich (the city’s motto)

Got the trusty GPS thing working again and started to complete the loop back to Munich. Just out off Innsbruck is the Swarovski Crystal Palace. Now I don’t have too much interest in fancy jewellery or crystals but this was recommended and was actually lots of fun. There were some amazing rooms and great lighting and special effects. Favourite room was a mirrored dome that you went inside with some lights that made you feel as though you were inside crystal. Took heaps of photos but the lighting played havoc with my poor camera and they didn’t really work out.

(one photo that kinda worked… some massive piece of jewellery)

This was another place that would be so much better not in the middle of summer peak season. Had to hurry and got in front of some huge tour groups. Big plus was a hedge maze outside, not huge but still fun – I’m still on the lookout for a challenging maze.

Arrived in Munich and it was pretty miserable weather. Another cool city with some impressive buildings. Didn’t have much time but went to the main square Marienplatz which was completely crowded and visited Munich’s Residenz… This was a pretty crazy palace – again was imagining playing laser tag through all the rooms and just getting completely lost. Could easily go back to Munich and get a proper tour to find out the amazing history for this place.

(another mirrored self-portrait in a fantastic palace with never-ending rooms)

‘Summer’ Camp

Arrived back in London with no problems and headed off to help out at a summer camp around South-Western UK. I was one of the mini-bus drivers (was good driving on the right (but actually left) side of the road) and had a great week. Got to do paint-ball, quad-biking, high ropes and other fun stuff. However the weather was extremely dodgy, a cold wind was blowing from the Atlantic and was nothing like the summer camps back home.

Now just getting ready for school starting next week and back to full-time work. I’m not thinking about it too much – seems depressing… 

Passionsspiele 2010

An incredible day – pushing to get into the top ranking days of my whole time spent overseas. Just an amazing experience! But I’m getting ahead of myself. Since some of you may not know too much about this Passion Play in Oberammergau I’m going to do a “10 things you didn’t know about the Passion Play” (the author accepts no liability if there are breaches in the aforementioned claim due to the reader’s own personal knowledge, life experiences or unauthorised wikipedia searches.)

1.     It begun in 1634 

So for those mathematically challenged it’s a tradition now up to 376 years. The play ‘dates back to a vow made in the year 1633. At that time the plague raged in the entire region, including Oberammergau. Many people died. It was then that the people of Oberammergau vowed to portray the “Passion, Death and Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ” every ten years. From that moment on not one person succumbed to the Black Death.’ It’s grown from a play performed next to the church to an incredibly important tourist attraction for the whole area.

2.     It only happens every 10 years (kinda…)

Much like the English spelling rule “I before e except after c’ – this rule has a few exceptions. As the top of the class has already figured out – it’s not 2004 or 2014 which from when it begun should be the 10 year performance. In 1680 (the 6^th performance) the play began being performed in the first year of every decade. As the museum guide said when I asked her why this changed, “I was a bit young back then, and don’t actually know…” so no one really knows why. The town also puts on jubilee performances at important milestones (like 300, 350 years etc…) so there will be another performance in 2034. But the next one is 2020.

3.     There are over 2000 performers

It’s a massive stage and when the big groups are on there it’s very impressive. One of my highlights was when Pilate is offering the crowd the choice between freeing Jesus or Barrabas. The crowd is shouting and yelling and that number of people can make a fair amount of noise! Also the triumphal entry at the start into Jerusalem was pretty sweet.

4.     To be part of the play you need to live in the town

Another rule that’s been slightly relaxed but still mostly true. The town isn’t huge – it only has a population of around 6000 so a massive proportion of the Oberammergauians are involved. Would be interesting going to school here – wonder how much time is taken out of schooling when it is passion play year. 

5.     It goes for 6 hours

Starting at 2:30, with a 3-hour break for tea, and then finishing at 11:30. And it still feels as though it’s moving very quickly through the story.   

6.     It involves drama, singing, music and ‘living images’

The first three are self-explanatory and performed to the highest standard. But between each Act (of which there are 11) a choir marches out and sing while a curtain opens and shows for about a minute a living image. These living images are like art but with real people in them acting like statues. They are very unique and add significantly to the play. Since photography was banned I couldn’t get any photos – but they were incredible.

7.     It is performed 5 times a week, from May to October

Can’t be bothered working it out exactly but over 100 performances. They have 2 people for each major role so I assume they swap around so not to get burnt out. But they’ve certainly got the whole process worked out regarding getting the bumbling tourists around this small town.  

8.     How to pronounce Oberammergau

Ignore the way it looks. That was my mistake. Instead this is the best I could come up with after asking way too many people. Say Obama (as in president) gow (rhymes with cow). The obama part is slightly wrong but the best I can come up with… Obama-gow…

There’s actually a German tongue twister involving Oberammergau and a nearby town Unterammergau, and somebody named Hans who doesn't know where he is going. 

9.     It is performed in German

Taking about German pronunciation, the whole 6 hours are in German. Luckily you have a script in English freely given with your ticket. I kept reading ahead though… And with such a late finish it goes dark so luckily had my itty bitty book light. You’d think I’d have learnt some German, but no luck. But managed to follow pretty well except when they went off-script. No fun there. 

10.  Um… Did I mention it was incredible?

Well, I couldn’t reach 10 but I think I had to fill up this blog with something, since it’s nearly indescribable how awesome the play is. It is in today’s terms – LITERALLY EPIC! I have sort of skipped over the personal impact – but that’s another thing that’s difficult to share in a blog. I’ll finish talking about the play with this quote:

“the play is a theatre of the people for the people that reaches deep into life and seeks to convey hope.”

So I’m actually now in Innsbruck and heading to Munich tomorrow. Without having time on the bus to keep up the writing I’m slipping. Will probably have to spend Friday back in London writing/uploading the rest of what I got up to. Here’s a quick summary – climbed up many things…  and tired now.

Mad Composers, Mad Kings and Mad Drivers.

Finally on the road again and a bit of the usual travel madness. 

My Life in London in fewer than 50 words…

Moved into my new house in North London. Close to tube and near enough to work to only require bus travel. Still enjoying holidays with school on break – but craziest thing is happening… I’m kinda looking forward to working again. (Not to say anything about finally getting dependable income…)

London Tourist Part III

Wow – the 3^rd blog about what I’ve been up to in London. Hopefully this 3^rd part of the trilogy is as interesting as Return of the Jedi, and not Shrek 3. Set my sights a bit further afield – and took a day trip to Dover. They have a well-kept castle, which was actually an important site during World War 2 due to a pretty extensive tunnel system burrowed into the white cliffs. Really good tour through there – and interesting showing where the well organised retreat (if you are wearing British rose-coloured glasses) of Dunkirk was controlled from. Also had an impressively old Roman lighthouse on the site. 

(Dover gun, church and castle… tourist gold)

Even went camping with some friends north of London. Was great getting out of London and seeing more of the United Kingdom. Managed to see a beach with real sand. Just had to take my shoes off and experience that feeling again. Wasn’t tempted to go swimming though.

I think I’ve nearly been to every free museum in London. Even went to the London Transport Museum that you had to pay for. Not worth it in my opinion. The free ones are better – such as the RAF Museum. Fantastic exhibits generally, but great learning more about the Battle of Britain.

(Planes, Planes and more planes – no trains or automobiles)

Trip to Continental Europe

Finally got the travel bug again (actually was more about getting organised) and left for a week around Austria and Germany. Flew into Munich with no problems – which is somewhat surprising since I flew with BA. It was getting a bit tricky with public transports and trains so hired a car. Had to pay extra for a GPS but wow – this is the first time I’ve really used one (Yes I know… Welcome to the 21^st century…) and once I managed to find the English setting its been fantastic. Nearly gave up after trying every wrong option and thought I’d be learning some basic German.

Salzburg

First stop for two nights was Salzburg. Quite a few claims to fame here – Mozart was born here and The Sound of Music was filmed around here. So the usual suspects of tourist based enterprises are present – including massive numbers of the Mozart chocolate balls. They’re everywhere! Didn’t subject myself to a Sound of Music tour – but the hostel I was staying at played the movie every night. Somehow managed to miss that as well… such a shame. Favourite piece of tourist merchandise – the “Austria – no kangaroos” t-shirt.

But I did get to 3 concerts. Salzburg has a pretty famous festival of music that’s been going for 90 years. I would just rock up and see if there were any tickets available and since travelling solo was very lucky. Certainly got some variety.

1.    Between Gestural Moments and Sound Symbolism 

      The first night I went to this amazing church for a 20-30 piece orchestra performing a collection of songs that were given the title above. If anyone understands what it’s trying to say could they message me? It sounded like the soundtrack to a Lost episode or a B grade horror movie. Not the usual classical music. A lot of expressive silence and then loud crashes with some creepy solos. The composer was there as well – getting applause at the end of the performance. Maybe I like classical music written before myself, my parents, my grandparents or even my great-grandparents were born.

2.    Thank God for Mozart…

      Second concert was just a piano, clarinet and soprano singer performing some Mozart and Chopin. Thank goodness… Very classy and made me want to play piano again. And learn how to play the clarinet. And learn how to sing like that – I mean how hard could it be. Maybe the last one is slightly too high to reach.

3.   World Orchestra for Peace (W.O.P)

     The final night I was there managed to get a ticket to a full orchestra in their main hall. Now we’re talking. Was slightly underdressed since I didn’t bring my suit. This special orchestra was only performing here and in London this year. I’m a bit ignorant about the quality of a performance but in my humble opinion it was superb. And the applause requiring the conductor to return 4 times may be a sign that it at least was acceptable. However after reading the guide the conductor was supposedly ‘skirting schizophrenia’ when he wrote this symphony. Wonder what it would have sounded like if he had been sane.

Saw more of Salzburg then music – unfortunately it was raining pretty heavily so not great photos of this beautiful city. Fantastic churches, fountains and cobbled old streets. Went to the Fortress overlooking the whole town and took tons of photos. But I like this… my audio-guide said something about cabbages in relation to this house. Can’t remember now.

(Does this guy just dislike neighbours, or do they dislike him?)

Could have spent the whole week here – missed so much but had a date with a once every 10 year event!

Back to Germany

Left Salzburg without doing anything more due to the pouring rain. Plugged the next destination into my new best friend and off we went. And joined the traffic jam. Last time in Europe on the bus at least I could sleep, read, sleep, talk to people or sleep. Not as exciting when I can only listen to German radio. Finally left the rain and returned to Germany and after cutting west ended up in the sun on an Autobahn.

Now I’m a 10% over the speed limit driver in Australia. (Most of the time… only been caught twice by police doing more and never on a freeway). Joined this autobahn and hardly any traffic. Was moving along at a speed that would have resulted in a hefty fine back in Australia when I was swiftly overtaken by some Germans. Thought I’d try and make up some time from the traffic debacle previously. Got my hire car going at a speed that would have definitely resulted in an automatic loss of my licence back home and was still being overtaken. Unfortunately the Ford Fiesta isn’t a racing machine but was still a highlight.

Linderhof Palace

My stop for the day was this palace of Mad King Ludwig (somewhat interesting fellow). A fairly small palace but beautiful. The grounds were fantastic as well. A photographer’s dream location with gardens, fountains and statues.

(Finally, the sun makes an appearance. Amazing fountain and palace)

Also had a man-made cave or grotto. Even the cave has some incredible artwork with an interesting feel to the place.

Ettal

So now we’ve reached the present. I’m in the small village of Ettal that is just near Oberammergau in southern Germany. For those who haven’t heard of Oberammergau it’s the location of a Passion Play which only occurs every 10 years. It has an amazing story that I’ll share later but I’m really looking forward to the performance of 2,500 people tomorrow, starting at 2:30pm and finishing at 11pm. 

School’s out for Summer. Again.

I hope you’re singing the song – because it’s stuck in my head and I don’t know enough of the words so it’s on continual loop. My trip around the world following summer is great weather wise, but not so great if you’re a teacher looking for work. But since I can’t do anything about that I get to enjoy summer in the Northern Hemisphere for the first time!

Life in London Organised… Kinda

Here’s the quick rundown – I’ve found full-time work starting when school returns in September. It’s an all-girls high school with over 1200 students in North London teaching mainly Maths and something else – I’m hoping not German. I’ve also organised a place to live near there in a share house. It’s reassuring knowing everything is a bit more settled.  Next mission is to try and find some sporting teams to join…

Earning English Pounds

I have actually worked. Bit of a shock to the system. First day was the school I’ll be working at in September for an interview day. Went well and they offered me a job. Then worked out East that is supposedly the bad part of London to teach in. School was massive, nearly 2000 in the high school but they had great support that was very helpful.

Sent a few out of class, and got a couple to do the work left. Got great respect for teachers there and for supply/casual teachers in general. It’s so much easier knowing the students names. Students tried so hard to waste time asking about Australia – used the possibility of answering their questions at the end of class if they worked well. Only 1 class managed to ask me questions about Australia… And yes… Chandler is a character off friends. Without fail got asked that in each class…

Brighton Beach Coast

Now onto the fun stuff! We have been having a fantastic summer here – not to rub it in too much to those back in Australia – so it was great to join into a trip to Brighton. First question – what word jumps into your head when I say beach? I bet it won’t be here… (mine is sand – no luck). I complain when the sands too hot at home – but here I didn’t even take off my shoes. 

(ignore randoms – dodgy stones… how is this a beach?)

Hopefully you can see in the photo the size of some of the rocks on the beach. Also no waves – and boy was it cold. Took my boardies but not desperate enough to go swimming.

However, it was a great day! The pier in the photo was buzzing and you might be able to make a tall ride in the distance. Had a go on that and was pretty cool. Ate way too much (including classic fish and chips) but managed to avoid getting burnt. Can’t say the same for some of our group. And so quick from London by the train.

Modelling at Madame Tussads

Yes I am a tourist… here’s exhibit A. Like seeing Big Ben, this is one of those places you just have to visit. Thinking it would be cool to come dressed up in a suit so you don’t look out of place like I did in the next photo.

(it had to be the photo with the Queen…)

Don’t really know what the kid is trying with the gun. Took tons of photos but again reinforced the idea you can’t rely on randoms to take a photo. None of them worked out…

Wimbledon

Another British experience I can cross off my UK bucket list. Next time I won’t go when Murray is playing cause it was packed. No chance of getting a resale ticket to a show court but watched a doubles game that went to the 3^rd set and nearly stopped due to bad light. Was the last game still going since they don’t have a night session.

(stereotypes – here we come)

Just a fun afternoon – false advertising by HSBC regarding free strawberries, the bored score-keeper who can say to his friends – “I scored at Wimbledon…”, and our planning on how to get away with a tennis ball if it was hit to us. Now just need to get to French and US Opens to complete the set.

Kew Gardens

Botanical gardens are boring I hear you say… Why go there when you’re in London. Two reasons – the first is nothing is boring… it’s your choice to be bored and it’s something you can personally change… the second is that they were incredible! I think it’s great when you don’t have an expectation and you can enjoy something without preconceived ideas about how good something will be. Seeing some amazing and rare plants was pretty cool. And the photo opportunities were endless. Since my camera was easily the smallest present I’ll rely on a comedy photo for this section.

(Now eating humble pie… this is a funny photo that I complained about doing – what do I know?)

Got to see the largest surviving Victorian glasshouse which houses the biggest indoor plant in the world! How’s that for a claim to fame. They also have a butterfly house which I wasted way too many photos for no reward. Stupid beautiful things that just won’t stay still… The delete button got a work out in there.

Divorced, Beheaded, Died. Divorced, Beheaded, Survived - Hampton Court

Another day trip out of London… Another fantastic day! Famous for being one of the many palaces of Henry VIII. Tried to do everything but you know how that works out. Managed to see the oldest tennis court in the world – not grass tennis but combo of squash and outdoor. Actually it works the other way doesn’t it… this game split into squash and outdoor tennis. And there were people actually playing which was cool.

Got to do a hedge maze but that was disappointing. However the rooms were incredible and so easy to imagine what it was like back then. They also did a re-enactment  of one of Henry’s wedding preparations throughout the day. I think it was to his last wife. Also sat through a Church of England’s evensong. Such a structured ceremony but an impressive chapel/church. And the all-male choir was incredible.

(What happens when you combine a beautiful palace mirror, an amateur photographer and great tapestries)

Took tons of serious photos but it would be better for people just come and experience it yourself. Absolutely worth putting on the list of things to do and the free audio guide was superb.

The Leftovers

Now’s the time for random stuff I want to remember that may not make too much sense, doesn’t have a photo or I need to write really quickly about.

Managed to relive my childhood with egg and spoon races, visited many sites including the Imperial War Museum (my, what big guns you have!), had the best thickshake in London – dark Lindt flavour. (I could write so much about that place – 100 flavours to choose from including cucumber) and watched the end of the World Cup (trivia question – which team did not lose any game in the 2010 World Cup?)

There are obviously things/places I’ve forgotten but hopefully that’s a taste of what’s going on over here to those enjoying Winter back home. Please don’t be mean when I’m freezing here and you’re having summer. I wish I could bottle some of the sun.