This is Beth - I'd like to say a few things about my commute this morning.
Let's start with - I hit snooze 3 times instead of only once; this delayed me 20 minutes. 20 minutes in tube time can be the difference between an easy or a hard commute. Anywhoo - I pour myself out of bed and leisurely eat my cereal, shower, dress, etc. Around 8:15 I put my ipod in and head to the station. I normally hit the platform around 7:55/8:00 - today about 20 minutes later. When I finished my 3 flights of stairs to the platform, there was a train sitting there with an unusually large number of people ready to get on. I normally try to get on the last carriage, but there was no time to walk down the platform I had to try the nearest door. I felt a wave of hopelessness come over me, feeling as if I'd have to wait for the next train (which wouldn't bother me at all). As I stood at the door watching people cram in, this short woman looked at me and generously created a spot with my name on it. This does not normally happen, so I smiled at her and gladly stepped onto the train. Of course the even shorter woman who had to stare at my chest for the next 4 stops may not have been so happy with my tube hero... It was either my chest or the 6' tall guy that kept her from drinking her coffee - either way, she was not happy.
At each stop, a few people would get off and another bunch would cram on. This wasn't a problem until the WB stop - this woman felt the need to push everyone in so she could get on. Again, this wouldn't normally bother me except her huge, expensive purse was pushing my leg so hard that I had to balance basically on one leg for the next two stops. I now have an even greater hatred for designer purses. Luckily - she was to get off at the next stop. I felt freedom! A lot of people got off to transfer at this stop, so I jumped into an open air section (where there are mostly seats). At the same time another woman had the same bright idea, only she thought it would be nice to lean her body up against the seat I was holding on to. She moved into my hand so hard that it actually went into her coat pocket! I pulled my (empty) hand out and tried nudging her a bit. She had room to move one (or 12) inches away from me, but never did. Finally, a couple stops later, more transferees jump ship; this includes the 3 sitters next to me with luggage! I snag a seat along with a few other people and enjoy total bliss. My next 5 stops were all in the comfort of a plush, tube seat.
My normal commute is not this crowded and much more pleasant; Ipod in tow and a blackberry full of games normally make my commute go very quick! Today was an exception and a lesson learned......wake up after just one snooze.
To end this lovely note, I'd like to give a shout out to the woman who created a spot specially for me this morning....it "made my day". And I'd like to give a warning to the designer purse woman - don't ever get on my carriage or your purse will be thrown out on the tracks!
Wednesday, 12 May 2010
Saturday, 8 May 2010
AAAAAAADDRRIIIIIIIIIAAANNNNNNNNNNNN!!!!!
Yes - Friday night was one of those Rocky moments! Not really, we just drank way too much with AT (Adrian) and JaNae and I (being slightly childish) want to yell this at him every time we see him. We don't, but in our heads we do :)
Friday at work ended up putting me in a terrible mood - luckily, a few of the guys at work wanted to go out for a drink. We head to the bar around the corner (not a pub, this place was classy) and they of course don't have Cider. Fine....Janae and I end up splitting a lovely bottle of wine (didn't realise we'd ordered a bottle, but it worked out) while the guys hit the tap. Being the only two women there, we felt a bit like we were invading the boys club; but their stories were hilarious, so we just sat, listened, and pounded the wine. I think we were only there an hour before everyone decided to head home. I can't feel my face by this time, JaNae is feeling pretty good, and AT is still up for a drink. The three of us head to a pub down the street and proceed to drink 3-4 more drinks maybe. I wasn't counting, but enough to make at least two of us very drunk.
I won't bore you with the details of the pub, but we'd like to give a shout out to AT. Here's to the funniest brit we've met - cheers AT!!!
Some where in the 9pm hour, we decide JaNae needs to eat; and trust me, if she doesn't eat things get really bad! AT doesn't ever eat, so he heads home. Nae and I hit up the Pizza Express down the street. I order a pizza and Nae gets back from the bathroom; she's looking a bit funny. "You got sick, didn't you?" "Yes". OK - the pizza was ready and I get it in a take-away (to-go) box. We are heading to the tube - at this point our good time is limited. We eat a couple pieces of pizza on the way and luckily only have to wait about 5 minutes for the right train to come. We sit on a fairly empty carriage (sissy word, I know) and Nae proceeds to close her eyes. She opens them to look at me and I can tell our night is about to drastically go downhill. She made it about 6 stops, past Earl's Court, before picking up the pizza box and just letting it all go!!! Once I saw the puke come from mouth and nose, I knew we were in for it!! She was very graceful and simply closed the pizza box, set it on the floor of the tube and cleaned herself up with my wet wipes. People got on the train at the next stop and even sat next to us!!! By the next stop, it was coming on again. We depart the train and she lets it go on the platform. We stayed there for about 10 minutes until she could bring herself to make the next two stops home. We make it home in about 15 minutes and start praying to the porcelain God. After a while, we both think it has to be done. Garbage by the bed, we both pass out. At some point, Janae wakes up again only this time to eat. Ewwww....don't ask me how she did it, but she was hungry. I of course wake up and....wait....what is this coming on.....ugh - I've got to puke now!!! My episode only last a few minutes then I head to bed again. Janae proceeds to pass out while her food cools off. She wakes up we-don't-know-how-long later and finishes off her cottage pie (mashed potatoes on top of meat and gravy). Then passes out again on the couch. I woke up about 8 and ran to the living room to make sure she was OK.....all was good. She woke up a while later and came to the bedroom. Still not feeling the best, she passes out again. As I'm writing this, it is 1:15pm: I'm still in my pajamas but feeling like I could be normal. JaNae just walked out of the bedroom still looking like she did on the tube.
Folks....it's gonna be a long day.
Friday at work ended up putting me in a terrible mood - luckily, a few of the guys at work wanted to go out for a drink. We head to the bar around the corner (not a pub, this place was classy) and they of course don't have Cider. Fine....Janae and I end up splitting a lovely bottle of wine (didn't realise we'd ordered a bottle, but it worked out) while the guys hit the tap. Being the only two women there, we felt a bit like we were invading the boys club; but their stories were hilarious, so we just sat, listened, and pounded the wine. I think we were only there an hour before everyone decided to head home. I can't feel my face by this time, JaNae is feeling pretty good, and AT is still up for a drink. The three of us head to a pub down the street and proceed to drink 3-4 more drinks maybe. I wasn't counting, but enough to make at least two of us very drunk.
I won't bore you with the details of the pub, but we'd like to give a shout out to AT. Here's to the funniest brit we've met - cheers AT!!!
Some where in the 9pm hour, we decide JaNae needs to eat; and trust me, if she doesn't eat things get really bad! AT doesn't ever eat, so he heads home. Nae and I hit up the Pizza Express down the street. I order a pizza and Nae gets back from the bathroom; she's looking a bit funny. "You got sick, didn't you?" "Yes". OK - the pizza was ready and I get it in a take-away (to-go) box. We are heading to the tube - at this point our good time is limited. We eat a couple pieces of pizza on the way and luckily only have to wait about 5 minutes for the right train to come. We sit on a fairly empty carriage (sissy word, I know) and Nae proceeds to close her eyes. She opens them to look at me and I can tell our night is about to drastically go downhill. She made it about 6 stops, past Earl's Court, before picking up the pizza box and just letting it all go!!! Once I saw the puke come from mouth and nose, I knew we were in for it!! She was very graceful and simply closed the pizza box, set it on the floor of the tube and cleaned herself up with my wet wipes. People got on the train at the next stop and even sat next to us!!! By the next stop, it was coming on again. We depart the train and she lets it go on the platform. We stayed there for about 10 minutes until she could bring herself to make the next two stops home. We make it home in about 15 minutes and start praying to the porcelain God. After a while, we both think it has to be done. Garbage by the bed, we both pass out. At some point, Janae wakes up again only this time to eat. Ewwww....don't ask me how she did it, but she was hungry. I of course wake up and....wait....what is this coming on.....ugh - I've got to puke now!!! My episode only last a few minutes then I head to bed again. Janae proceeds to pass out while her food cools off. She wakes up we-don't-know-how-long later and finishes off her cottage pie (mashed potatoes on top of meat and gravy). Then passes out again on the couch. I woke up about 8 and ran to the living room to make sure she was OK.....all was good. She woke up a while later and came to the bedroom. Still not feeling the best, she passes out again. As I'm writing this, it is 1:15pm: I'm still in my pajamas but feeling like I could be normal. JaNae just walked out of the bedroom still looking like she did on the tube.
Folks....it's gonna be a long day.
Bringing the Heat!
Tuesday started the real work week off (heck yea for Monday holidays). Just another day at the office, only tonight we have softball. We meet in the lobby after work and the wife and I are lucky enough to hitch a ride with MF while the others have to take the tube! DOH - sucks for them. Anyway, I guess he gets to park under the building (I had no idea this was an option); so we head down to the 20 car lot under the building. Pack the Lexus SUV with the softball gear and head out. We pull up to what I assume is a garage door, it opens but there is no street on the other side. We drive in and are now enclosed by 4 metal walls......this is very uncomfortable - I'm enclosed in what I finally realise is a car elevator! What?!? Umm....let me out! I don't like this at all!! Luckily, after about 20 seconds, we've moved up a floor and are safely headed to the streets of London. It was interesting - I couldn't even feel that we were moving up. And with the space issues here, I guess it makes complete sense to have an elevator for the car.
SO - out onto the streets in London in a car. YES! We have been here for 2 months, only been in a car twice and haven't driven at all. And, wouldn't want to. Other side of the car, other side of the road and intersections that include no less than 3 different streets filtering into it; it would overload my brain! Thank goodness MF knew his way around the city and drives like I do (a maniac); it was the best car ride I've had in this city.
After a NE tour of the city, we arrive at Regents Park an hour early so we can warm up. We spend the next hour stretching, throwing, catching, and hitting (yes, in that order). The bankers league isn't ready for what we are about to bring! We are standing at the pitch (field) which was on the fixture (schedule)....all alone. Is the team we are playing ever going to show up? Oh yes, there they are....wait.....this team is on our pitch, but we aren't playing them. Huh....OK....we'll move over to the next pitch and wait. Geez, nobody is showing up and of course we can't get the web link on our blackberry's! After about 20 minutes and getting a spouse on the phone, we realize we've been moved to another pitch. Only, this pitch isn't on the flat part of the park, it's half way up Primrose Hill. Now, if you've never been on Primrose Hill, here's a brief summary; Primrose Hill: the highest hill in the city! There is a wonderful view of London from the top of the hill - I would suggest taking a glance if ever in the area. Of course, we've been practicing for an hour and seeing how this is the first game of the season most of us are a bit tired by now. So, walking up the biggest hill in the city carrying all our gear - SO NOT COOL!!! After a 15 minute trek, we finally arrive at our pitch - which slants downhill. Now, this is good for people like me (Beth), I can hit the ball and it will roll downhill a bit. But, with JaNae and I both playing in the outfield and the other team being full of home run-hitters, this is a very bad combination!
Luckily, JaNae gets outer left field with the long-legged trader from....well, I'm not sure where he is from. Now, this is where all the right-handers hit - JaNae and Rogier are going to be busy!!! And they were! Lots of running and the two most awesome catches of the night done by none other than the athlete of the century - JANAE!!! She got the same guy out twice - he was NOT happy, nor were his teammates! As you can imagine, how JaNae is the most famous person in the office - and she doesn't even work there! Good job honey! Unfortunately, she will forever be stuck in left field running for the ball - a work out that will count for at least two days each week.
Now I got put in right field; they put me here because I have a fright of catching the ball (firmed up when I had to catch a ball in practice and got scared so put my un-gloved hand out - yes, my thumb was swollen and bruised for a couple days) and because there generally aren't a lot of lefties that play softball. Thankfully, I didn't have to do much work in my area; except for this one hit. If memory serves me right, dude was right handed - should NOT have been hitting in my area. But, strategically playing, he knew I was the weakest player on the team. BAM! He spanks it my way - a grounder that is gaining speed! It rolls by me and I take off at a dead sprint heading down the hill! In my head, there is not doubt I will lose my footing and take the biggest face plant this side of the Atlantic Ocean.......but, I didn't. I was sprinting like crazy until I got that ball and heaved it back to the infield! YEA~personal height of the night!!! Oh yea, and I spanked on and made it to first base once....then the team brought me home! I actually made a run for the team!
Enough of this - here is a quick rundown of stats for the game. Janae hit some good ones, made it home at least twice and caught the two biggest hits of the night. Beth hit one good one, made it home once and didn't face plant. At one point, we were up 8-7 after scoring 8 runs in one inning. The best team in the league (our opponent) then scored 13 runs in the next inning putting us in our place. I think the final score was something like 26 - 14. We didn't win, but we showed up and brought some serious heat!
Tuesday night - successful with lots of stretching and Tylenol to follow.
SO - out onto the streets in London in a car. YES! We have been here for 2 months, only been in a car twice and haven't driven at all. And, wouldn't want to. Other side of the car, other side of the road and intersections that include no less than 3 different streets filtering into it; it would overload my brain! Thank goodness MF knew his way around the city and drives like I do (a maniac); it was the best car ride I've had in this city.
After a NE tour of the city, we arrive at Regents Park an hour early so we can warm up. We spend the next hour stretching, throwing, catching, and hitting (yes, in that order). The bankers league isn't ready for what we are about to bring! We are standing at the pitch (field) which was on the fixture (schedule)....all alone. Is the team we are playing ever going to show up? Oh yes, there they are....wait.....this team is on our pitch, but we aren't playing them. Huh....OK....we'll move over to the next pitch and wait. Geez, nobody is showing up and of course we can't get the web link on our blackberry's! After about 20 minutes and getting a spouse on the phone, we realize we've been moved to another pitch. Only, this pitch isn't on the flat part of the park, it's half way up Primrose Hill. Now, if you've never been on Primrose Hill, here's a brief summary; Primrose Hill: the highest hill in the city! There is a wonderful view of London from the top of the hill - I would suggest taking a glance if ever in the area. Of course, we've been practicing for an hour and seeing how this is the first game of the season most of us are a bit tired by now. So, walking up the biggest hill in the city carrying all our gear - SO NOT COOL!!! After a 15 minute trek, we finally arrive at our pitch - which slants downhill. Now, this is good for people like me (Beth), I can hit the ball and it will roll downhill a bit. But, with JaNae and I both playing in the outfield and the other team being full of home run-hitters, this is a very bad combination!
Luckily, JaNae gets outer left field with the long-legged trader from....well, I'm not sure where he is from. Now, this is where all the right-handers hit - JaNae and Rogier are going to be busy!!! And they were! Lots of running and the two most awesome catches of the night done by none other than the athlete of the century - JANAE!!! She got the same guy out twice - he was NOT happy, nor were his teammates! As you can imagine, how JaNae is the most famous person in the office - and she doesn't even work there! Good job honey! Unfortunately, she will forever be stuck in left field running for the ball - a work out that will count for at least two days each week.
Now I got put in right field; they put me here because I have a fright of catching the ball (firmed up when I had to catch a ball in practice and got scared so put my un-gloved hand out - yes, my thumb was swollen and bruised for a couple days) and because there generally aren't a lot of lefties that play softball. Thankfully, I didn't have to do much work in my area; except for this one hit. If memory serves me right, dude was right handed - should NOT have been hitting in my area. But, strategically playing, he knew I was the weakest player on the team. BAM! He spanks it my way - a grounder that is gaining speed! It rolls by me and I take off at a dead sprint heading down the hill! In my head, there is not doubt I will lose my footing and take the biggest face plant this side of the Atlantic Ocean.......but, I didn't. I was sprinting like crazy until I got that ball and heaved it back to the infield! YEA~personal height of the night!!! Oh yea, and I spanked on and made it to first base once....then the team brought me home! I actually made a run for the team!
Enough of this - here is a quick rundown of stats for the game. Janae hit some good ones, made it home at least twice and caught the two biggest hits of the night. Beth hit one good one, made it home once and didn't face plant. At one point, we were up 8-7 after scoring 8 runs in one inning. The best team in the league (our opponent) then scored 13 runs in the next inning putting us in our place. I think the final score was something like 26 - 14. We didn't win, but we showed up and brought some serious heat!
Tuesday night - successful with lots of stretching and Tylenol to follow.
Monday, 3 May 2010
Randomness...by B
Here are more random thoughts from me (Beth):
There are a ton of homeless people here. Many of them have dogs; now when I see a dog I look for the homeless person. There is even one dog that keeps a pacifier in its mouth all the time - we wonder if it's dead. Anyway - my advice.......get a job! I'm annoyed with you!
A mid-afternoon hail storm in Battersea Park is not out of the ordinary in London.
I've never been happier to see my drying rack!
Due to the dryer not really drying, we are only buying thin-fabric clothing going forward.
Being paid once a month totally stinks - we may be eating bread and drinking tea for the next 10 days!
I have jealous moments of Iowa - it is in the 70s there and we are still hanging in 50s territory. Of course, all that will change once I hear it is 100 there and we are hanging at a mild 72.
Two days in a row of drinking now takes me at least 3 days to recover. Thank you year 30.
Now that I'm married and love my wife very much, strip clubs just aren't as fun......buzz kill!
Looking forward to playing softball tomorrow night in the bankers league. I guess we were good last year and moved up to the "serious" league - not good.
Why, if my behind is sore after a good walk, does it not get smaller? Or better yet, just fall off?
Enough of that......
So this morning we went for a walk - a 2 hour walking workout; this was NOT a leisure walk. It started out sunny....we were off!!! Yes - excited - ready to go. We head out the front door and make it a block before the rain starts. OK, we'll keep going since all rain episodes here last 10 minutes max. Sure enough - it stops. We are a bit wet and cold, but are only 3 blocks from home so need to keep going. The wind was crazy......it was cold......it rained again.....now the sun is out......dang, it's hot.....cold.....windy.....hot.....etc. This is how the whole walk went and why living on an island with a crazy weather pattern requires people to wear multiple layers and carry bags large enough to carry the clothes they off load. We stop the walk at Battersea Park to enjoy the sights and take in a bit of the warm fresh air (at this point it is sunny). Pretty soon, another little rain shower. No biggie - we've been in a couple thus far. Oh wait - is that an ice ball hitting my arm??? Wait - what? Yes folks, this is hail. Small hail, but still.....seriously. We are in this lovely park - families out and about, the entire running population of Chelsea is there and bam - HAIL! Anyway, I'm over that - won't be so shocked next time it happens.
So....we mosey on through the park and see a huge pagoda. Humf....wonder what is going on with that. We walk over and see a yoga class going on. The wind is blowing so hard that their little yoga mats aren't staying put. The mats along with the pose they were in (arm in front, arm around back and locking under the leg - yea, don't ask......most people wouldn't even dream this one up) is making the yoga class a bit difficult. But the 70 year old hippie teaching the class is enjoying helping everyone get into position.....very unsettling. On to the pagoda of peace.... there is someone power washing the stairs the lead up to the statues (London employs a LOT of people to clean - it's amazing). We go to a dry set of stairs and walk up - the pagoda is beautiful and it has 4 statues of Prince Siddhartha (Buddha), each in a different position. Very nice - and the view from there, even better. You look over the river and the river walk - and can also see the next rain cloud moving in. Whew - that was fun - let's go check out what this whole thing means. Now, I'm not going to give you a history lesson because I'm not really into all that smart stuff. We read over the specifics, etc. and then read at the bottom that no one is allowed up on the pagoda.........oops. If they don't want you to walk up there, the sign should have been much bigger...AND in front of the structure! DOH! I cannot believe we did that....I'm sure we aren't the only people to do that, but still pretty embarrassing.
Back to random thoughts - London is VERY clean! I cannot believe how many people are paid to push around a huge garbage can and sweep up leaves, garbage, really anything that is on the sidewalk. It's impressive!
The commercials here are very cheesy - this country is still stuck in the 80s. Weird. And, everyone loves 80s music....I get it, but not all the time.
Ok - that was anti-climactic! I'm getting tired.....done for the day. We did a ton of walking and did it through all 4 seasons :)
Hope you are all having a wonderful Monday!
There are a ton of homeless people here. Many of them have dogs; now when I see a dog I look for the homeless person. There is even one dog that keeps a pacifier in its mouth all the time - we wonder if it's dead. Anyway - my advice.......get a job! I'm annoyed with you!
A mid-afternoon hail storm in Battersea Park is not out of the ordinary in London.
I've never been happier to see my drying rack!
Due to the dryer not really drying, we are only buying thin-fabric clothing going forward.
Being paid once a month totally stinks - we may be eating bread and drinking tea for the next 10 days!
I have jealous moments of Iowa - it is in the 70s there and we are still hanging in 50s territory. Of course, all that will change once I hear it is 100 there and we are hanging at a mild 72.
Two days in a row of drinking now takes me at least 3 days to recover. Thank you year 30.
Now that I'm married and love my wife very much, strip clubs just aren't as fun......buzz kill!
Looking forward to playing softball tomorrow night in the bankers league. I guess we were good last year and moved up to the "serious" league - not good.
Why, if my behind is sore after a good walk, does it not get smaller? Or better yet, just fall off?
Enough of that......
So this morning we went for a walk - a 2 hour walking workout; this was NOT a leisure walk. It started out sunny....we were off!!! Yes - excited - ready to go. We head out the front door and make it a block before the rain starts. OK, we'll keep going since all rain episodes here last 10 minutes max. Sure enough - it stops. We are a bit wet and cold, but are only 3 blocks from home so need to keep going. The wind was crazy......it was cold......it rained again.....now the sun is out......dang, it's hot.....cold.....windy.....hot.....etc. This is how the whole walk went and why living on an island with a crazy weather pattern requires people to wear multiple layers and carry bags large enough to carry the clothes they off load. We stop the walk at Battersea Park to enjoy the sights and take in a bit of the warm fresh air (at this point it is sunny). Pretty soon, another little rain shower. No biggie - we've been in a couple thus far. Oh wait - is that an ice ball hitting my arm??? Wait - what? Yes folks, this is hail. Small hail, but still.....seriously. We are in this lovely park - families out and about, the entire running population of Chelsea is there and bam - HAIL! Anyway, I'm over that - won't be so shocked next time it happens.
So....we mosey on through the park and see a huge pagoda. Humf....wonder what is going on with that. We walk over and see a yoga class going on. The wind is blowing so hard that their little yoga mats aren't staying put. The mats along with the pose they were in (arm in front, arm around back and locking under the leg - yea, don't ask......most people wouldn't even dream this one up) is making the yoga class a bit difficult. But the 70 year old hippie teaching the class is enjoying helping everyone get into position.....very unsettling. On to the pagoda of peace.... there is someone power washing the stairs the lead up to the statues (London employs a LOT of people to clean - it's amazing). We go to a dry set of stairs and walk up - the pagoda is beautiful and it has 4 statues of Prince Siddhartha (Buddha), each in a different position. Very nice - and the view from there, even better. You look over the river and the river walk - and can also see the next rain cloud moving in. Whew - that was fun - let's go check out what this whole thing means. Now, I'm not going to give you a history lesson because I'm not really into all that smart stuff. We read over the specifics, etc. and then read at the bottom that no one is allowed up on the pagoda.........oops. If they don't want you to walk up there, the sign should have been much bigger...AND in front of the structure! DOH! I cannot believe we did that....I'm sure we aren't the only people to do that, but still pretty embarrassing.
Back to random thoughts - London is VERY clean! I cannot believe how many people are paid to push around a huge garbage can and sweep up leaves, garbage, really anything that is on the sidewalk. It's impressive!
The commercials here are very cheesy - this country is still stuck in the 80s. Weird. And, everyone loves 80s music....I get it, but not all the time.
Ok - that was anti-climactic! I'm getting tired.....done for the day. We did a ton of walking and did it through all 4 seasons :)
Hope you are all having a wonderful Monday!
Saturday, 1 May 2010
Ja'Nae's Week
It'll almost two months since we have moved to London and I still love it here. Every once in a while I find myself missing my dogs and that beautiful home that we left behind (and the flat screen tv that we sold to one of Beth's friends). Once in a while both Beth and I chat about how we would like to go back and then we realize how good it is here and change our minds. Who knows what's going to happen. Maybe in 9 months we'll try to have a kid so that Beth can take advantage of the one year maternity leave. Or in 9 months we may be back in the states. Who knows. Enough of that. It's time to talk about my week.
If you are friends on FB with Beth or I, you will see that I went on a tour of Westminster Abbey. The place of coronations, funerals, and a wedding (Prince Charles and Princess Diana). The tour took about 2 hours, but was well worth the 20 GBP that it cost. My tour guide knew so much about the history and architecture of the church. I was thoroughly impressed. She explained how the architecture of the church is Gothic due to the pointed arches instead of the round arches. I didn't know there was a difference between the two, but I am not an architect. Another interesting fact is the reason why the ceiling is so high and decorative is because when you look up it's as if you're looking up to the heavens. Makes sense. Both daughters of King Henry VIII are buried in this church....in the same tomb. The funny thing about this is that it is Queen Elizabeth's statue that is on the tomb. (Queen Elizabeth and her half sister Queen Mary had different mothers and believed in different religions. Queen Mary is the first daughter of King Henry VIII and his first wife - Katherine of Aragon. He later began to fall for Anne Boleyn, divorced Katherine of Arago, married Anne, and fathered Queen Elizabeth.) All Tudors are buried in W.A. except King Henry VIII as he is buried in Windsor Castle.
I am not sure how many of you have been on tours, but this was my first one. And although the information was great, the other tourists were annoying. There were a few people who thought they knew more than the tour guide and would quiz her on different topics. Towards the end of our tour, one lady just had to ask what type of marble was used on a certain tomb and the engraving. The marble was Brazilian, but the engraving was paint. The lady refused to believe it and questioned it again. Someone else had to tell her that it was an engraving with some paint. I don't think she still believed it. Another tourist felt it was okay to get in my bubble so that she could see the tour guide. I guess she needed to see the tour guide in order to hear. Lastly, an older gentleman seemed to have loose dentures because as he stood behind me, the noise of nasty smacking was making me cringe. And I mean cringe. Each time I moved away from him, he seemed to find me and move behind me again. Come on!
Wednesday - Beth had a work function so I spent the night alone. But that's okay. I went to a cinema (movie theatre) and it was expensive. The cost was just as much as Jordan Creek, but was not nearly as nice. If you know me, I am not one to go to the movies alone. But since I have been doing everything else by myself a move shouldn't be too bad. The movie costs 8.50 + 2.50 for snacks ( popcorn, drink, and candy). The theatre did not have butter popcorn and I had two choices - sweet or salty. I chose sweet as it was pretty closet to Kettle Corn. Another option was my seat- premium or standard. Premium seats were more comfortable and created more leg room. Very similar to the stadium seats back home. Standard seats are the seats before we had stadium seating. I walked into the theatre and find my seat close to a wall. Slowly people start to make their way in. The first couple sits on the other side a rows up from me. Another couple shows up and sits in the row in front of me but towards the isle. Are there no other seats that are available?! Couple #2 decides to sit in the same row as mine close to the aisle. Couple #3 sits in the row behind me. REALLY?! Oh, the movie I saw was Date Nite with Steve Carrell and Tina Fey. Two very funny people, but not a very funny movie. It had its moments.
Thursday- I was so excited about the nite's show "Thriller Live". A tribute concert to the King of Pop, Michael Jackson. I hadn't bought my tickets yet and was hoping that they would still have a few seats available. Beth had left for another work function and wouldn't be back until the following day. Anyways, I had remembered seeing booths for half price tickets but wasn't sure if it was a scam or not. To be safe, I walked to the venue to buy the tickets. No doors were open and there weren't any handles on the doors. I thought that was a bit weird. I walked back to the half price booth and got my ticket. It cost me 35 GBP and was 55-58 regularly. My seat was in the dress circle which is the level up from the floor.
The show started off with a few tunes by the Jackson 5. Michael Jackson was played by a cute 11 year old boy. His voice was very similar to Michael Jackson at that age. He was by far one of the best performers. The dance moves were pretty basic, so the criticism hadn't started just yet. As the show progressed, I realized that the dancers were not that into it. Where was the energy? I am pretty sure that Michael was a bit disappointed. Four other singers lead the way of the adult years of MJ - one a woman and another a white boy. The other two singers were not feeling the performance at all. I will say that the other best performer of the nite was the white boy impersonating Michael. He had perfected the MJ mannerisms, even MJ's voice. Maybe there was no energy because it was the upteenth performance and their bodies were geting tired. But this is their job. To entertain. It could've been better but I still had a good time.
Saturday - Our things that we had shipped over arrived. This place is now really starting to feel like a home. Got the printer, Wii, PS2, drying rack, and more clothes!!! I will have to go through my clothes again and possibly give some to charity. I don't know if we will have enough room for all my clothes ( and Beth's). We will see though. It is nice to have more than 3 polos, 3 pairs of jeans, and 2 pairs of sweats. We'll see how much I donate!
If you are friends on FB with Beth or I, you will see that I went on a tour of Westminster Abbey. The place of coronations, funerals, and a wedding (Prince Charles and Princess Diana). The tour took about 2 hours, but was well worth the 20 GBP that it cost. My tour guide knew so much about the history and architecture of the church. I was thoroughly impressed. She explained how the architecture of the church is Gothic due to the pointed arches instead of the round arches. I didn't know there was a difference between the two, but I am not an architect. Another interesting fact is the reason why the ceiling is so high and decorative is because when you look up it's as if you're looking up to the heavens. Makes sense. Both daughters of King Henry VIII are buried in this church....in the same tomb. The funny thing about this is that it is Queen Elizabeth's statue that is on the tomb. (Queen Elizabeth and her half sister Queen Mary had different mothers and believed in different religions. Queen Mary is the first daughter of King Henry VIII and his first wife - Katherine of Aragon. He later began to fall for Anne Boleyn, divorced Katherine of Arago, married Anne, and fathered Queen Elizabeth.) All Tudors are buried in W.A. except King Henry VIII as he is buried in Windsor Castle.
I am not sure how many of you have been on tours, but this was my first one. And although the information was great, the other tourists were annoying. There were a few people who thought they knew more than the tour guide and would quiz her on different topics. Towards the end of our tour, one lady just had to ask what type of marble was used on a certain tomb and the engraving. The marble was Brazilian, but the engraving was paint. The lady refused to believe it and questioned it again. Someone else had to tell her that it was an engraving with some paint. I don't think she still believed it. Another tourist felt it was okay to get in my bubble so that she could see the tour guide. I guess she needed to see the tour guide in order to hear. Lastly, an older gentleman seemed to have loose dentures because as he stood behind me, the noise of nasty smacking was making me cringe. And I mean cringe. Each time I moved away from him, he seemed to find me and move behind me again. Come on!
Wednesday - Beth had a work function so I spent the night alone. But that's okay. I went to a cinema (movie theatre) and it was expensive. The cost was just as much as Jordan Creek, but was not nearly as nice. If you know me, I am not one to go to the movies alone. But since I have been doing everything else by myself a move shouldn't be too bad. The movie costs 8.50 + 2.50 for snacks ( popcorn, drink, and candy). The theatre did not have butter popcorn and I had two choices - sweet or salty. I chose sweet as it was pretty closet to Kettle Corn. Another option was my seat- premium or standard. Premium seats were more comfortable and created more leg room. Very similar to the stadium seats back home. Standard seats are the seats before we had stadium seating. I walked into the theatre and find my seat close to a wall. Slowly people start to make their way in. The first couple sits on the other side a rows up from me. Another couple shows up and sits in the row in front of me but towards the isle. Are there no other seats that are available?! Couple #2 decides to sit in the same row as mine close to the aisle. Couple #3 sits in the row behind me. REALLY?! Oh, the movie I saw was Date Nite with Steve Carrell and Tina Fey. Two very funny people, but not a very funny movie. It had its moments.
Thursday- I was so excited about the nite's show "Thriller Live". A tribute concert to the King of Pop, Michael Jackson. I hadn't bought my tickets yet and was hoping that they would still have a few seats available. Beth had left for another work function and wouldn't be back until the following day. Anyways, I had remembered seeing booths for half price tickets but wasn't sure if it was a scam or not. To be safe, I walked to the venue to buy the tickets. No doors were open and there weren't any handles on the doors. I thought that was a bit weird. I walked back to the half price booth and got my ticket. It cost me 35 GBP and was 55-58 regularly. My seat was in the dress circle which is the level up from the floor.
The show started off with a few tunes by the Jackson 5. Michael Jackson was played by a cute 11 year old boy. His voice was very similar to Michael Jackson at that age. He was by far one of the best performers. The dance moves were pretty basic, so the criticism hadn't started just yet. As the show progressed, I realized that the dancers were not that into it. Where was the energy? I am pretty sure that Michael was a bit disappointed. Four other singers lead the way of the adult years of MJ - one a woman and another a white boy. The other two singers were not feeling the performance at all. I will say that the other best performer of the nite was the white boy impersonating Michael. He had perfected the MJ mannerisms, even MJ's voice. Maybe there was no energy because it was the upteenth performance and their bodies were geting tired. But this is their job. To entertain. It could've been better but I still had a good time.
Saturday - Our things that we had shipped over arrived. This place is now really starting to feel like a home. Got the printer, Wii, PS2, drying rack, and more clothes!!! I will have to go through my clothes again and possibly give some to charity. I don't know if we will have enough room for all my clothes ( and Beth's). We will see though. It is nice to have more than 3 polos, 3 pairs of jeans, and 2 pairs of sweats. We'll see how much I donate!
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