Ok, my turn! I guess you could say I am the lazy one when it comes to writing. Joe and I are doing well and forget now what it's like to speak with an American accent...haha, not even close. It was a bit weird living in a country that doesn't celebrate Thanksgiving when that time rolled around. We did though have a pseudo Thanksgiving last Saturday. It was held at one of the other American's flat and we had a group of about 15 or so. The fun part was the fact that there were people from England, Scotland, Australia, and South Africa to help us celebrate. A lot of them needed explaining about what the holiday really meant. Many, and rightfully so, thought it was a bit barbaric that we celebrate massacring the poor Indians. So explanations were necessary.
My job is going well so far. I love the people I work with and can say that I am a lot less stressed than I was in Austin. Most of the work is done in my clients' homes which is very interesting. I have clients from all different backgrounds. Many are Asian, African, or Caribbean decent. I am learning a great deal and feel privilege to hear the variety of life stories shared. On the downside though, England really kills you on taxes. Every time I get paid and I certain that there is some kind of mistake, when unfortunately there's not.
We haven't done as much exploring lately as we started off doing. Joe and I have successfully passed colds back and forth. I must say the weather is a bit of a change from Austin! One thing I do experience a few times a week is walking down a road in the mornings where there is a primary school. It is so neat to see all of the parents accompanying their children to school. You would not believe how many cultures and races are represents on this short journey. It is as if all of the difference just melt away into one common goal or daily routine. It is an enjoyable way to start the day, seems to radiate a vibrant wave of hope.
I promise I will write more often, even though Joe's blogs will be more entertaining than mine will ever be. I do miss everyone and keep you close. It is amazing how random things I witness or hear remind me of memories with you all!
26 Nov 2007
11 Nov 2007
11-Nov
Well, I know it’s been a while since I’ve written anything, and the 2 or 3 people (including myself) who still read this have probably been very upset. For all the days spent wandering in the darkness and confusion – lost without direction or purpose due to my failure to post new material, I apologize.
Since the last post, plenty has happened. I started work as a supply teacher at a school for high needs kids about a week ago. It’s been good fun so far, but more importantly, it’s been keeping me busy and earning some money for a change. I’m still keeping my eyes out for other opportunities, but at least the burden and anxiety can have a rest. Today I’m on a Virgin train headed across the English countryside to an interview on the other side of the country. It’s cheaper than the gas it would cost to drive and you get to kick back and relax and even save an hour in the trip time. (because it travels at 4,000mph…)
Now that work has started, Leah and I are getting pretty excited to start planning some trips to the rest of Europe. We’ve gotten a pretty good taste of London. We went to the British museum last week (very cool, pic to the left), China Town a few weeks before (not so cool), and visited a few of the nicer suburbs in between. So far, the city is pretty uniform in appearance.
Among the other artifacts, some of which were pushing 5,000 years old, the British Museum houses the Rosetta Stone. Very cool to see up close. You can kind of see in the photo to the left the Hieroglyphics on the top and the translated languages below.
Other than that, I wanted to share a partial little list I’ve put together of the extremely subtle pros and cons of life in London. Only after meticulous scrutiny and unbiased evaluation was I able to assemble this list.
Extremely Subtle Pros
- All shopping carts are equipped with 4 fully rotating wheels, allowing for improved maneuvering and cornering ability over their US, fixed rear wheel, counterparts.
- Televised sporting events have limited (or zero) commercial interruption and half-times are much shorter.
- The youngster in me enjoys the armed police. Most don’t carry anything, but the armed cops carry automatic rifles and land mines. Ok…no land mines…
Extremely Subtle Cons
- Most heating systems are based on radiators in each room. This leads to uncomfortable ‘hot spots’ and the occasional minor burn when accidently touched.
- Most people here are not familiar with the laws governing the use of the sidewalk. Namely, when an oncoming person approaches, it is natural for each person to move to opposite sides of the walkway to facilitate a smooth passing experience. When a mother walking shoulder to shoulder with her 37 children approach and ignore this understanding, decisions have to be made that no one should have to consider. You start looking for weak ‘links’ in the chain to aim for in the hope of breaking through their defensive formation. So far, I’ve learned to aim for little ones.
- Instead of using large slabs of concrete which provide an even surface, sidewalks are made of tiny concrete squares. Over the years some have drifted, some have sunk, some have risen, and almost all of them have been responsible for someone completely eating it.
Pics:
1. The minister's speech at the wedding comes to mind. (strangely)
2. The entrance to Downing Street. (where the Prime Minister lives)
3. Just like home. We caught the Dolphins/Giants game at Wembley Arena.
Since the last post, plenty has happened. I started work as a supply teacher at a school for high needs kids about a week ago. It’s been good fun so far, but more importantly, it’s been keeping me busy and earning some money for a change. I’m still keeping my eyes out for other opportunities, but at least the burden and anxiety can have a rest. Today I’m on a Virgin train headed across the English countryside to an interview on the other side of the country. It’s cheaper than the gas it would cost to drive and you get to kick back and relax and even save an hour in the trip time. (because it travels at 4,000mph…)
Now that work has started, Leah and I are getting pretty excited to start planning some trips to the rest of Europe. We’ve gotten a pretty good taste of London. We went to the British museum last week (very cool, pic to the left), China Town a few weeks before (not so cool), and visited a few of the nicer suburbs in between. So far, the city is pretty uniform in appearance.
Among the other artifacts, some of which were pushing 5,000 years old, the British Museum houses the Rosetta Stone. Very cool to see up close. You can kind of see in the photo to the left the Hieroglyphics on the top and the translated languages below.Other than that, I wanted to share a partial little list I’ve put together of the extremely subtle pros and cons of life in London. Only after meticulous scrutiny and unbiased evaluation was I able to assemble this list.
Extremely Subtle Pros
- All shopping carts are equipped with 4 fully rotating wheels, allowing for improved maneuvering and cornering ability over their US, fixed rear wheel, counterparts.
- Televised sporting events have limited (or zero) commercial interruption and half-times are much shorter.
- The youngster in me enjoys the armed police. Most don’t carry anything, but the armed cops carry automatic rifles and land mines. Ok…no land mines…
Extremely Subtle Cons
- Most heating systems are based on radiators in each room. This leads to uncomfortable ‘hot spots’ and the occasional minor burn when accidently touched.
- Most people here are not familiar with the laws governing the use of the sidewalk. Namely, when an oncoming person approaches, it is natural for each person to move to opposite sides of the walkway to facilitate a smooth passing experience. When a mother walking shoulder to shoulder with her 37 children approach and ignore this understanding, decisions have to be made that no one should have to consider. You start looking for weak ‘links’ in the chain to aim for in the hope of breaking through their defensive formation. So far, I’ve learned to aim for little ones.
- Instead of using large slabs of concrete which provide an even surface, sidewalks are made of tiny concrete squares. Over the years some have drifted, some have sunk, some have risen, and almost all of them have been responsible for someone completely eating it.
Pics:
1. The minister's speech at the wedding comes to mind. (strangely)
2. The entrance to Downing Street. (where the Prime Minister lives)
3. Just like home. We caught the Dolphins/Giants game at Wembley Arena.
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